How do chemical peels work, and which strength is right for you?
A chemical peel uses an acid solution to remove the outermost layers of skin, encouraging faster cell turnover and revealing smoother, more even-toned skin underneath. Peels range from very gentle, beginner-friendly formulas to advanced clinical-strength options — the right one depends entirely on your skin's history and what you're trying to treat.
TL;DR
- Chemical peels use acid to remove the outer layer of skin, speeding up cell turnover
- Options range from gentle Enzyme peels to Advanced MEDIK8 formulas
- Treats uneven tone, fine lines, texture, congestion and pigmentation
- From £40, 30-minute appointments
Choosing the right strength
- Enzyme peels are the gentlest option, using fruit-derived enzymes rather than stronger acids — ideal for anyone who's never had a peel before.
- Icy chemical peels use a blend of AHAs with a cooling effect, still beginner-friendly but slightly more active.
- MEDIK8 peels range from a Universal formula suited to general tone and texture concerns, through to an Advanced formula designed for clients who've had peels before and want a stronger result on pigmentation, ageing or breakouts.
- Body peels use the same acid-based approach specifically to treat pigmentation and scarring on the body, not just the face.
What peels can treat
Beyond general brightening, peels are genuinely effective for uneven tone, fine lines, textural concerns, congestion and pigmentation — with stronger formulas able to address more stubborn versions of all of these.
For the full peel strength breakdown and current pricing, see the Chemical Peels page →.
Ready to find your right peel strength? See pricing and book a chemical peel →
Will a chemical peel make my skin peel visibly?
It depends on the strength — gentler peels may cause little to no visible flaking, while stronger formulas can cause more noticeable peeling over several days. Your therapist will explain what to expect for your specific peel.
Can I have a peel if I've never had one before?
Yes — the Enzyme or Icy peels are specifically designed as beginner-friendly starting points.
Do peels help with acne or acne scarring?
Yes, particularly the MEDIK8 formulas, which are designed to address breakouts and the pigmentation left behind by them.
Is a chemical peel the same as the SKINSTORM facial?
No — SKINSTORM includes its own Oxygen Ice Peel step as part of its six-step system, but this treatment uses a separate, dedicated machine for a more targeted result.