Chemical Peel Questions and Answers

Chemical peels improve the production of collagen, give quick, “ooh, your skin’s looking great!” results, and are super affordable when compared with other aesthetic treatments.

What is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a topical solution that is applied to your face. It gets to work instantly by removing dead skin cells, which in turn prompts your skin into stimulating new cell growth.

Chemical peels can be tailored to your specific skin condition. There are three types of chemical peels -

1. Superficial
2. Medium
3. Deep

What does a Chemical Peel do?

A chemical peel can help a number of skin concerns, so if you’re wondering, ‘do chemical peels work for wrinkles’, or ‘can a chemical peel remove hyperpigmentation?’ you’ll be pleased to hear that there are chemical peels that will help with both of these skin conditions – and many more! Chemical peels can treat -

• Hyperpigmentation
• Scarring
• Acne
• Milia
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Sun damage

Are Chemical Peels Safe?

Superficial and medium chemical peels are generally considered safe, however, if you’re considering a deep chemical peel, you should approach this with caution. Deep chemical peels use carbolic acid (phenol) and possible side effects include:

• Scarring, swelling, scabbing and redness
• A change to your skin’s colour
• Increased risk of infection
• Possible heart, liver, or kidney damage

Of course, you are most safe when you choose a reputable skin clinic to have your chemical peel treatment. At Este we’ve been providing expert chemical peels to clients for years and treat a range of skin concerns.

How long does a Chemical Peel take?

A chemical peel takes a minimal amount of time. After deciding the type of chemical peel that will work best on your skin, your skin will be prepped and cleansed, the chemical peel will be applied, left on for a few minutes, and then neutralised and removed.

You could enjoy a chemical peel at Este in your lunchbreak – that's how quick the procedure is.

Do Chemical Peels Hurt?

Everyone is different when it comes to pain. You can expect to feel a tingling or mild burning sensation when the chemical peel is on your skin, and generally, the deeper the chemical peel, the more intense the feeling is.  

We make sure our clients are as comfortable as possible during their treatment, so if you’re concerned about it hurting, please talk to us about this first and we will do our best to keep you comfortable.

Do Chemical Peels get Rid of Blackheads?

Yes, chemical peels work to remove blackheads and debris from your pores. They also help any acne scarring and marks fade away. If you want to treat acne, the best chemical peel for you will contain salicylic acid and lactic acid.

At Este, we offer the Azelan acne peel for clients who wish to treat blemish-prone skin.

Can a Chemical Peel Remove Scars?

Yes. Chemical peels can help improve the appearance of mild scarring. You will probably need a course of treatments but over time you should see any scars fade and look less noticeable.

How Many Chemical Peels do I need for Hyperpigmentation?

The number of chemical peels you’ll need for hyperpigmentation depends on how severe your pigmentation marks are. In general, we recommend a course of 6 treatments to tackle hyperpigmentation and melasma.  

At Este we offer the Cosmelan pigmentation peel. This treatment targets the melanin in your skin, and works to break down its ability to produce abnormal skin pigments. Your skin is lightened, uneven skin tone combatted, and your epidermis is renewed.  

The Cosmelan peel has powerful ingredients and includes azelaic acid that kills bacteria and promotes new skin, plus kojic acid that targets the production of melanin. The enzyme, tyrosinase, is also part of this peel, and this works to decrease your skin’s ability to produce melanin. The result is a formulation that works on -

• Sun spots
• Melasma
• Hyperpigmentation
• Dull, uneven skin tone

Can you do a Chemical Peel after Microneedling?

If you’re looking to truly rejuvenate your skin, combining a chemical peel with microneedling can give great results. However, the best way to achieve great skin is by having a chemical peel first.  

This will remove any dead skin cells, and promote new skin cell growth. A few weeks later you’ll then be able to have a microneedling treatment to boost collagen and elastin and give your skin a glow.

Is a Chemical Peel Good for Rosacea?

If you have rosacea, you’ll be aware that your skin is super-sensitive. Chemical peels aren’t always the best option when it comes to this. However, it is possible to treat rosacea with a very mild chemical peel and the best option for this is to use a glycolic acid peel at a concentration of 20-40%.

How long does your Face Peel after a Chemical Peel?

This depends on the depth of the chemical peel. You will most likely notice your skin starting to peel around day 2/3 post treatment. Peeling is then likely to last for around 3-10 days. Don’t try and peel your skin off as this will be counter-productive. Let your skin do its thing and heal in its own time.

How to Treat Breakouts after a Chemical Peel?

If you can, the best thing you can do is to just relax, accept it’s part of the process of your skin purging and healing, and leave it well alone. Don’t use strong, medicated cleansers. If you really have to apply something, choose gentle cleansers such as Aveeno, Cetaphil or Avene.

How long between Chemical Peels?

How often you have a chemical peel is down to the strength of the chemical peel and the skin condition you’re treating. If you’re looking to treat acne, then you may be able to have a chemical peel every two weeks. However, the usual time between peels is somewhere around the 4-6 week mark.

Can I do a Facial after a Chemical Peel?

So, you’ve had your chemical peel and now you’re desperate for a good facial. Sorry, but we’re afraid it’s a no. You need to give your skin time to heal after a chemical peel, so when it comes to having a facial, you’ll just need to wait.  

Once your skin has properly healed, you can treat yourself to a facial – but don’t rush it. You skin is super-delicate after a peel.

What happens if you use Retinol before a Chemical Peel?

If you usually use retinol as part of your skincare regime, you’ll need to make sure you stop this around 7-10 days before your chemical peel. If you don’t, it could actually exaggerate your peel so that it works deeper into your skin.  

This, in turn, could lead to more severe reddening, swelling and scabbing of the skin. So, remember to ditch the retinol pre-peel!

How much is a Chemical Peel UK?

At Este we offer a chemical peel for many different skin concerns. The cost of your chemical peel depends on the type of chemical peel you choose. We’ll be able to advise you of the cost when you come in for your initial consultation.

Are Chemical Peels Worth It?

With so many potential benefits, we think chemical peels are absolutely worth it. Treatment time is quick, results are fast, and there’s no need to stop going about your daily routine.  

If you’ve got a skin concern that’s getting you down and you want a fast and easy treatment to tackle it, a chemical peel is definitely worth investing in. Book yours today and give your skin back its sparkle.