Chemical Skin Peels

Over time, skin can start to look dull, uneven or lacklustre, often the result of sun exposure, hormonal shifts, environmental damage, or simply a slower rate of renewal as we age. A well-formulated chemical skin peel offers a precise, controlled way to gently exfoliate the skin, improve texture and restore a healthy, even glow.

Far from the aggressive peels of the past, today’s medical-grade peels are sophisticated, targeted and highly customisable. Whether you’re looking to smooth fine lines, reduce pigmentation or just freshen up the surface of your skin, peels can be a gentle but powerful step forward in your skin journey.

Show Skin Aesthetics offer professional skin treatments with the SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Professional Peel System, a next-generation peel designed to refresh and rejuvenate the skin with minimal downtime. This advanced formula combines lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids with SkinBetter’s unique AlphaRet technology to gently yet effectively improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and enhance overall tone and radiance. The result is healthier, smoother and more youthful-looking skin with little disruption to your daily routine.

A specific peel will be tailored to your skin’s unique needs, condition and goals.

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If your skin feels dull, uneven or more reacitve than it use to, a professional chemical peel offers a precise and restoritive way to reset and renew. Whether you're looking to soften fine lines, smooth texture or bring back a natural glow, peels can support your skin in a gentle but effective way.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a chemical skin peel?

A chemical skin peel is a clinical exfoliation treatment that uses a carefully selected blend of acids to remove the outermost layers of dead skin, stimulate cell turnover and reveal fresher, clearer skin beneath. Depending on the formulation and depth, peels can help address a range of concerns, from dullness and fine lines to sun spots, melasma or post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Peels can be superficial, medium, or deeper in strength, but for most people, especially those looking for gradual, natural improvement, superficial to medium-depth peels are the most effective and appropriate.

At Show Skin Aesthetics, only professional, clinically proven peels are used, offering excellent results with minimal irritation or downtime.

What can chemical skin peels treat?

Chemical skin peels can help with a variety of common skin concerns, including:

Dull or uneven skin tone
Fine lines and early signs of ageing
Acne and congestion
Sun damage and pigmentation
Rough texture or congested pores
Post-acne marks and scarring
Hormonal pigmentation (such as melasma)

Peels are particularly effective when integrated into a broader skin plan, whether as a one-off refresh or as part of a series. They’re also an excellent seasonal reset, especially in autumn or spring, when the skin often needs help rebalancing.

What to expect during treatment?

Peel treatments take place in a quiet, professional environment in Old Harlow, Essex, with every aspect tailored to your skin and comfort.

After a full consultation and skin assessment, the appropriate peel is chosen based on your concerns and your skin’s tolerance. The skin is thoroughly cleansed and prepped, and the peel solution is applied in layers. Some peels are left on for a few minutes, others are leave-on formulations. You may feel a tingling or mild warmth, but discomfort is minimal and short-lived. The full appointment usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes and aftercare is discussed in detail before you leave.

What happens after a chemical skin peel?

Depending on the strength of the peel and your skin’s response, you may experience mild flaking or dryness for a few days afterwards. This is completely normal and part of the skin’s natural renewal process. Not all peels involve visible peeling, many work at a cellular level without causing obvious shedding.

It’s essential to keep the skin protected and hydrated following a peel. You’ll be advised on how to care for your skin at home, including the right products to support healing and prolong results. Most clients return to their normal routine straight away, it’s very much a low-downtime treatment when carried out professionally.

How often should you have chemical skin peels?

Some clients opt for a single peel as a seasonal refresh or pre-event glow, while others benefit from a series of 3 to 6 peels, spaced around 4 weeks apart, to address more targeted concerns like pigmentation, fine lines or uneven texture.

As with all treatments, consistency is key. Peels work beautifully alongside other therapies, such as microneedling or advanced homecare, as part of a long-term approach to healthier, more resilient skin.

Will my skin peel after treatment?

Possibly, some peels cause light flaking or dryness for a few days, while others don’t cause any visible peeling at all. The level of exfoliation is tailored to your skin and your lifestyle.

Is it painful?

No. You might feel tingling, warmth or a slight sting or itching during the treatment, but this passes quickly. Your skin is monitored closely throughout the treatment to ensure comfort and safety.

Can I wear makeup after a peel?

It’s best to avoid makeup for 24 hours to allow the skin to settle and breathe. After that, you can return to your usual routine, though mineral or gentle makeup is preferred in the days that follow.

Is it suitable for all skin types?

Yes, but not all chemical peels are suitable for all skin types. This is why a full consultation is essential. Many peels are specifically formulated to be safe for sensitive or darker skin tones.

How long do results last?

You’ll usually notice brighter, clearer skin within a few days, with improvements continuing over the following weeks. Regular peels can help maintain long-term skin health and radiance.