There are three different types of peel: superficial, medium and deep peels. These are categorised by the strength of the acid solution used in the peel and how deeply they penetrate the skin. Deeper peels penetrate the skin further and require greater recovery time. At Revive Hair and Skin Clinic, we only perform superficial peels, as these have minimum side effects and recovery time.

Superficial peels are a good option for many people as they have a gentler effect, require no pain relief, and can be used in more skin types, including darker skin tones, with little or no recovery time. Medium and deep chemical peels cannot be used in darker skin types and it may also take a few weeks for the skin to recover from the effects of the peeling, inflammation and redness. We use three types of peel, the Skinceuticals Gel Peel, recommended for all skin types; the Skinceuiticals Micropeel, containing either 20% or 30% gycolic acid, which is great for reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and dull skin. Finally we offer the stronger Skinceuticals Pigment Balancing Peel for treatment of pigmented skin and uneven skin tone.

• Acne– Superficial chemical peels exfoliate the skin, allowing dead skin cells to be removed more effectively, excess oils on the skin are also removed. This action unblocks hair follicles and pores and improves skin texture.
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles– especially under the eyes and around the mouth in sun damaged or ageing skin.
• Rough skin Texture– chemical peels can improve rough skin texture by increasing the amount of collagen in the upper layer of the skin.
• Lentigines (large freckles) which appear as dark spots on the skin, they are also called liver spots, or age spots– Large freckles can develop as a result of sun exposure and are present on sites which are exposed to excess sun such as face and arms and neck. A course of chemical peels can lighten large freckles and improve the appearance of sun damaged skin.
• Melasma– is a dark skin discoloration which appears as patches commonly found on the cheeks, nose, lips, upper lip, and forehead. It is common in women who are taking hormonal treatment in the form of contraceptives or Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and pregnant women. A course of chemical peels can lighten the appearance of dark discoloured skin caused by melasma.
• Hyperpigmentation– caused by excess skin pigment in the skin which can result in uneven skin tone. Chemical peels can lighten and even out the tone and appearance of the skin. The skinceuticals pigment balancing masque and peel maybe more effective for hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Superficial peels are suitable for ethnic skins.

• Superficial peels cannot eradicate deep lines and wrinkles, cure sagging skin due to sun damage or ageing.
• Chemical peels should not be used in pregnant or breast feeding women
• If you have active cold sores or warts on the face.
• If you have any inflamed rashes, skin reactions or open wounds on the skin
• Sunburn-you need to wait 4 weeks after excessive sun exposure before having a peel.
• If you have excessively sensitive skin, including atopic eczema or dermatitis, inflammatory rosacea in the area to be treated.
• If you have a history of severe allergy or known allergy to the components of the peel including allergy to aspirin.
• If you have taken Roaccutane (a medical treatment for severe acne), within the past 12 months
• If you have been treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy in the past 12 months
• If you have a history of keloid scarring.

Whilst you may see some minor benefits after a single superficial peel, we recommend a course of six peels, one or two weeks apart. This will give the best results, as the full benefits of the peels build up over a course of six treatments. After a course of six peels you can have a once monthly maintenance peel or wait for three months before embarking on another course of peels.

Two Weeks Before Peel:
Stop any products containing retinol eg. Retin-A, Renova, Differin (Adapalene 0.1%) Tazorac
We advise you to book a pre peel consultation two weeks before your peel where an aesthetic professional will assess your skin and discuss your expectations of the treatment. They will explain the treatment. A patch test will be performed. A patch test is to check that you are not allergic to the peel. Allergy to peels is quite rare.
You will be recommended to prepare the skin with three products for two weeks before the peel and to continue during and after the peel course.
The three products are Retexturing Activator or Advanced Pigment Corrector, an Antioxidant and a Sunscreen. These products will improve the results of the peel and are especially important for those going on a course of peels.
One Week Before Peel:
Avoid electrolysis, waxing, hair removal creams and laser hair removal for an entire week prior to your chemical peel.
24 Hours Before Your Peel:
Stop using any exfoliating products or products that may be drying or irritating including products containing alpha or beta hydroxyl acids or benzoyl peroxide (a treatment for acne). You will also be advised that on the day of your peel to cleanse your skin in the morning and not to apply makeup on the face other than eyes or lips.

During the peel your skin will be cleansed and toned and the chemical peel will be applied to your skin using a gentle brush, the peel will be left on the skin for between three and five minutes, during which time some patients may experience a mild tingling or a mild burning sensation. The procedure is not painful. After the peel a cool compresses may be applied to the skin. Your skin will be moisturised and an antioxidant and a sun screen will be applied to the skin.

After your peel you may notice that the skin is more red than usual for two hours afterwards, you may also notice that the skin feels tight or dry and or you may experience some very mild flaky skin for a few days. Rarely you may experience crusting of the skin, swelling or a reactivation of cold sores. It is very important to use a sunscreen during the course of your treatment and for four weeks after to prevent uneven skin tone and excess pigmentation. Do not use any other skin products except those advised by your therapist.
1 Do not pick any spots or peel off any flaky skin
2 Do not use Alpha Hydroxy Acids or BetaHydroxy Acids on your skin for 24 hours
3 It is imperative that you use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30( preferably 50) and avoid direct sunlight for at least one month
4 Patients with hypersensitivity to the sun should take extra precautions to guard against exposure immediately following the procedure, as they may be more sensitive following the peel.
5. When washing your face do not scrub, use a gentle cleanser for sensitive skin.
6. Apply a light moisturiser such as hydrating B5 as often as needed to relieve dryness and tightness

After your peel you may notice that the skin is more red than usual for two hours afterwards, you may also notice that the skin feels tight or dry and or you may experience some very mild flaky skin for a few days. Rarely you may experience crusting of the skin, swelling or a reactivation of cold sores. It is very important to use a sunscreen during the course of your treatment and for four weeks after to prevent uneven skin tone and excess pigmentation. Do not use any other skin products except those advised by your therapist.
1 Do not pick any spots or peel off any flaky skin
2 Do not use Alpha Hydroxy Acids or BetaHydroxy Acids on your skin for 24 hours
3 It is imperative that you use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30( preferably 50) and avoid direct sunlight for at least one month
4 Patients with hypersensitivity to the sun should take extra precautions to guard against exposure immediately following the procedure, as they may be more sensitive following the peel.
5. When washing your face do not scrub, use a gentle cleanser for sensitive skin.
6. Apply a light moisturiser such as hydrating B5 as often as needed to relieve dryness and tightness

7. Do not have any other facial treatment for at least one week after the peel.