Body chemical peels: treating pigmentation and scarring on the body
TL;DR
A body chemical peel uses acids to resurface skin on areas such as the back, chest, arms and legs. At Gina Rose Beauty, the Medik8 body peel targets pigmentation and scarring on the body, from £80 for around 30 minutes. Results build over a course, and treated areas need SPF and protection from rubbing and sun while they recover.
A body chemical peel is a great option if you have pigmentation, marks or scarring on areas like your back, chest or arms. These areas are often overlooked in skincare, but they can be treated in a similar way to the face, with a peel designed for thicker body skin.
This guide explains how a body chemical peel works, which concerns it helps, what to expect during and after treatment, how many sessions you might need and what it costs. Gina has over 10 years' experience in the beauty industry and specialises in skincare, so this is the same advice we give in our Sutton Coldfield salon.
Quick facts
- What it is
- a chemical peel designed for skin on the body
- Treats
- pigmentation and scarring on the body
- Common areas
- back, chest, shoulders, arms and legs
- Time
- around 30 minutes
- Price
- Medik8 body peel from £80
- Results
- build over a course of treatments
- First step
- a free skin consultation to check your skin and plan a course
What is a body chemical peel?
A body chemical peel is a resurfacing treatment for areas below the neck, such as the back, chest, shoulders, arms and legs. Acids are applied to loosen the outer layer of dull, damaged skin cells, which encourages fresher, more even skin to come through. Body skin is generally thicker than facial skin, so body peels are formulated for it.
At Gina Rose Beauty we use the Medik8 body peel, which is designed to target pigmentation and scarring on the body. Each treatment takes around 30 minutes.
What can a body chemical peel treat?
A body chemical peel is mainly used for pigmentation, dark marks and scarring on the body. Many clients book it for marks left by breakouts on the back or chest, sun damage on the shoulders and décolletage, or rough, uneven texture on the upper arms.
- Pigmentation: sun spots and uneven tone on the chest, shoulders and arms.
- Marks after breakouts: red or brown marks left by spots on the back and chest.
- Scarring: softening the look of scarring over a course.
- Texture: smoother, brighter skin on areas that are often neglected.
If you still have active, painful spots on your back or chest, the NHS advises seeing a GP about acne that isn't improving, especially if it's leaving scars.
What happens during a body peel?
The area is cleansed and prepped, then the peel is applied evenly and left for a set time based on its strength and how your skin responds. It's then removed or neutralised. You may feel tingling, warmth or mild stinging during treatment, which settles quickly afterwards.
Gina's tip: Wear loose, soft clothing to your appointment. Tight straps or waistbands rubbing on freshly peeled skin can irritate it, especially on the back and chest.
What is the aftercare for a body chemical peel?
After a body chemical peel, keep the area clean and moisturised, avoid sun exposure, and don't pick or peel any flaking skin. Avoid hot baths, saunas, swimming and hard workouts for a day or two, and pause body scrubs, exfoliating washes and retinol on the area until your skin has settled.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing over the treated area.
- Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser twice a day.
- Wear SPF 30 or higher on any treated skin that's exposed.
- Avoid sunbeds and self-tan while your skin recovers.
The NHS sun safety advice is a helpful guide to choosing a sunscreen. Our chemical peel aftercare guide covers the same principles in more detail.
How many body peels will you need?
Most people see the best results from a course of body peels rather than a single session, because pigmentation and scarring fade gradually as the skin renews. The number of sessions depends on the area, the concern and how your skin responds, and we'll recommend a plan at your consultation.
Who should check with us first
Body peels aren't suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, over broken or sunburnt skin, with active skin infections, or after recent isotretinoin (Roaccutane) use. Tell us if you've recently tanned or if you have a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis on the area. The American Academy of Dermatology's guidance on preparing for a chemical peel covers the same checks.
How much does a body chemical peel cost?
At Gina Rose Beauty, the Medik8 body chemical peel is from £80 for around 30 minutes, with the final price depending on the area. Facial peels start from £40. We'll confirm the price for your treatment area at your free consultation.
About the author
Gina is the owner of Gina Rose Beauty in Sutton Coldfield and has over 10 years' experience in the beauty industry. She specialises in advanced skincare and runs a fully accredited training academy for aspiring beauty professionals. Meet Gina and the team. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Book a free skin consultation in Sutton Coldfield
Thinking about a body chemical peel? Book a free, no-obligation consultation and we'll check your skin and recommend a plan, with clear pricing. Book your free skin consultation on Fresha
You can also read more about what happens at a skin consultation, chemical peels at Gina Rose Beauty, or explore all our skincare treatments.
Frequently asked questions
What does a body chemical peel treat?
A body chemical peel mainly treats pigmentation, dark marks and scarring on areas such as the back, chest, shoulders and arms.
Is a body chemical peel good for back acne marks?
Yes. A body chemical peel can help fade the red and brown marks left by breakouts on the back and chest. Active acne should be under control first.
Does a body peel hurt?
Most people feel tingling, warmth or mild stinging during treatment, which settles quickly afterwards.
Will my skin peel after a body peel?
You may notice some light flaking over a few days, depending on the strength of the peel. Let it shed naturally and don't pick it.
How many body peels will I need?
Most people need a course, as pigmentation and scarring fade gradually. We'll recommend a plan at your consultation.
How much does a body peel cost?
The Medik8 body peel is from £80 at our Sutton Coldfield salon, depending on the area.
Can I have a body peel in summer?
It's possible, but the treated area must be kept out of the sun and protected with SPF. Autumn and winter are often easier.