Our guide to chemical peels to improve texture, tone and more to reveal more healthier and radiant skin
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a professional skin treatment in which a specially formulated solution containing acids (often alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, trichloroacetic acid, or combinations) is applied to the skin to deliberately exfoliate or ‘peel off’ outer layers of skin.
The aim is to accelerate the natural skin-renewal process, encouraging shedding of old, dead skin cells and revealing fresher, smoother, more radiant skin beneath. Over time, this process can also stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture, tone, and clarity.
Chemical peels are a cornerstone of aesthetic skin rejuvenation: they can address pigmentation, fine lines, acne, acne scarring (in milder forms), sun damage, uneven tone, and dull skin.
How Chemical Peels Work?
Application of an acid solution
- A trained practitioner applies a controlled acid solution either single acid or multiple acids to the skin after a a double cleanse has been done. The depth and strength (ph) of the peel determines how deeply the acid penetrates.
Controlled damage/exfoliation
- The acid weakens or dissolves the bonds between skin cells in the superficial (and in stronger peels, deeper) layers. This controlled damage triggers the skin’s natural healing and regeneration processes.
Post Treatment
- Over hours to several days post-treatment, the superficially damaged skin begins to flake or shed. Beneath that, new skin cells have been stimulated, often with improved texture, tone, and firmness.
Collagen stimulation
- Especially in medium-depth peels, the injury to dermal layers can stimulate fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin, improving firmness and reducing fine lines over time. Because the peel is carefully formulated and administered, the process is controlled to avoid unwanted damage or scarring (when performed by experienced professionals).
Types and Strengths of Chemical Peels
- Chemical peels vary by depth and intensity. In general, they fall into three broad categories
| Depth | Typical agents/acids | Effects | Downtime/recovery |
| Superficial (light) | Mild AHAs (e.g. glycolic, lactic acid), low-strength salicylic acid, fruit enzyme peels | Gentle exfoliation, minimal peeling, refreshed glow | Little to no downtime, slight redness or flaking |
| Medium | Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) at moderate concentrations, glycolic + TCA combos, Jessner solutions | More profound exfoliation treats pigmentation, fine lines, and moderate texture issues | Some peeling, redness for a few days, mild swelling |
| Deep | High concentration TCA, phenol blends (less common in non-medical aesthetic clinics) | String resurfacing can correct deeper sun damage, scarring, and deeper wrinkles | Several days to weeks of healing, more downtime, increased risk & aftercare |
Which strength is chosen by your practitioner depends on your skin type, your concerns, previous treatments, and tolerance (which will be assessed during consultation).
Benefits of Chemical Peels
When correctly indicated and applied, chemical peels offer multiple benefits:
- Softer, smoother skin texture
- More even skin tone, reduced pigmentation (sun spots, melasma)
- Reduced the appearance of fine lines and early wrinkles
- Improved clarity and brightness (‘glow’)
- More even skin surface (less roughness, smaller pores)
- Enhanced results from follow-on treatments (e.g. microneedling, LED)
- Acne and oil control (especially with salicylic or combination peels)
- Minimally invasive and relatively quick in-clinic procedure
Chemical peels are versatile and can be tailored in strength and formula to suit most skin types and goals. With proper home care and protection (especially SPF!), results can be long-lasting.
In clinic here at RR Skin, Body & Laser in Dartford, we offer a wide range of chemical peels that can be customised to your skin’s needs, goals and timescales.
INNOAESTHETICS EXFO Peels
Our INNOAESTHETICS EXFO chemical peel range is used to target pigmentation, signs of ageing, uneven tone, and dullness. These peels are formulated to work on both the upper and mid-layers of skin, offering a balance between efficacy and tolerability. There are mild Innoaesthetics peels for brightening, overall skin skin rejuvenation to more advanced for acne scarring, pigmentation and ageing.
pH Formula Resurfacing
We offer pH Formula pharma-graded resurfacing peels (a gentler peel option) for patients who want a low-downtime treatment with visible results. These can help treat ageing, pigmentation , acne and even chronic redness, rosacea and damaged skin barrier. The pH formula range of resurfacing treatments includes more advanced specialist options that do require pre-treatment homecare to provide the best longer term results – particularly for pigmentation and ageing this is crucial.
iS Clinical Fire & Ice / Prodigy Peels
We also include premium peels such as iS Clinical Fire & Ice (a gentler ‘entry’ peel) and iS Prodigy Peel (a stronger medium peel) in our suite of options. These are pharmaceutical-grade peel systems often used in more advanced facial programmes, especially in treating acne, scarring, lines and pigmentation.
FILLMED Chemical Peels
Designed by the French medical-aesthetic brand renowned for its innovative skin rejuvenation solutions, these peels are results-driven yet gentle enough to suit a wide variety of skin types. They are an excellent option for first-time chemical peel patients, as they are a great entry level into chemical peels as there is no downtime just great radiant, smoother skin.
Environ Cool Peels
For patients using Environ homecare and seeking minimal downtime, the Environ Cool Peels are a great chemical peel option, not your traditional peel solution as they are creamed based. The Environ Cool Peel can help to refresh and revitalise the skin, ageing and acne conditions work very well with these treatments. Because every skin is different, we can customise the peel, strength, and sequence to use based on your consultation, skin type, tone, and goals.
Juliette Armand Ameson Peels
Providing an even more flexible approach to chemical peels the Juliette Armand Ameson peel range, offers a single layer treatment protocol and a multiple layer treatment option. JA Ameson peels combine powerful medical line specialised ingredients with synergistic action to help target key skin concerns such as pigmentation, acne and ageing. A single treatment can help to speed up the cell renewal, boost skin clarity and brightness. The JA Peel Therapies, are a Layering Technique that can use a variety of different types of peels and strengths that is layered onto the skin over the course of the treatments.
CLINICCARE Peels
CLINICCARE peels Refresh, Peel and Glow will help to refresh, even skin tone, help achieve a more radiant complexion and encourage skin cell regeneration. These superficial chemical peels contain a mixture of Glycolic, Lactic, Azelaic, Kojic and Salicylic Acids, these combination of acids can help improve fine lines, a brighter complexion, improved skin tone and a more youthful appearance.
Click here to learn more about our Chemical Peels
What to Expect Before & After a Chemical Peel.?
Skin Consultation & Face Analysis
Before any chemical peel, we like to perform a detailed skin consultation to assess your skin’s condition, history, routine, and suitability. To give us the clearest picture possible, we can go further and do a face scanning analysis using the Opatra Skin Analyses Device, a state-of-the-art diagnostic tool that takes a deeper look beneath the skin’s surface. This advanced technology allows us to measure and visualise concerns that may not be immediately visible to the naked eye. This detailed consultation process ensures you receive the most effective chemical peel for your skin type, with predictable results and maximum safety.
Pre-treatment prep
You may be asked to stop certain active skincare ingredients (like retinoids, acids) a few days prior. A skin barrier-supporting routine is often recommended.
Treatment session
The peel is applied in-clinic. You may feel tingling, warmth, or mild stinging, which generally subsides quickly. The solution is left on for a controlled time, then neutralised or removed.
Post Treatment Aftercare
- Mild redness, tightness, or flaking may develop over the next 2–7 days (depending on peel strength).
- Avoid sun exposure, and use broad-spectrum SPF daily.
- Use gentle, hydrating, barrier repair products (as advised).
- Avoid other exfoliants or harsh treatments during healing.
Follow-ups & Combining Treatments
Some results may appear after just one peel (especially superficial ones), but often a series of peels spaced appropriately yields more dramatic and lasting results. In clinic, we offer a prescriptive tailored multi-treatment approach (chemical peels combined with microneedling, Radio Frequency, IPL, LED etc.), chemical peels often form part of a broader skin rejuvenation treatment plan.
Why Choose RR Skin, Body & Laser Clinic for a Chemical Peel?
- Experienced award-winning skin specialist – with over 16 years of industry knowledge
- Tailored approach – we don’t do ‘one size fits all’. Peels are selected and adjusted to your skin’s needs.
- Premium treatments – we offer top-tier peel systems; INNOAESTHETICS, iS Clinical, FILLMED, pH Formula, Environ
- Holistic care – we integrate peels into a wider skin health plan, including home care, LED, microneedling, Radio Frquency, IPL Light & Bright
- Safe, clinic-based environment – all treatments are performed in a controlled, hygienic clinic setting.
Tips for Maximising Chemical Peel Results
- Be consistent with sun protection (SPF 30–50+) – UV will counteract your improvements.
- Use barrier-supporting moisturisers and avoid irritating actives while skin heals.
- Stay hydrated and support general skin health (diet, sleep, avoid smoking).
- Follow your practitioner’s homecare guidance closely.
- Maintain results with periodic ‘maintenance’ peels or supportive treatments.
If you’re still curious on whether a chemical peel is right for your skin, or would like to explore peeling as part of your skin health journey, then we would be delighted to welcome you to a consultation. Please get in touch, and we can tailor the perfect chemical peel strategy for your skin goals.
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