The mild to moderate skin peels that we offer at Face Matters have a proven safety record. As with any treatment, there are some risks of side effects.

Occasionally, people develop areas of hyperpigmentation, although the chances of this happening can be minimised by avoiding sun exposure and wearing a high factor sunblock (SPF 30+). Worldwide, there have also been cases where people have experienced skin redness for three to four months, as well as persistent sensitivity.

Not all peels are suitable for every skin type, so you would need to come in for an initial consultation so we can advise you about which peel would be most appropriate.

With all skin peels, you should follow the aftercare plan recommended by your practitioner. The precise instructions will vary according to the type of peel you have.

Superficial peels remove the upper, outer layer of the skin (epidermis). This can help to smooth your skin texture, reduce very fine lines, and lessen some brown spots. A series of superficial peels can also help to improve marks and scarring caused by acne.

We use differing strengths of Glycolic Acid (GA) or a weak Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA). These are the:

• Mask Peel – 30% GA
• Milk Peel – 50% GA
• Cosmo Peel – 15% TCA (one application)

We will give you cosmeceutical skin preparations to apply for two weeks before and at least one month after your treatment to allow better penetration of the peeling agent.

Superficial skin peels are quick to perform. When you come into the clinic, we will cleanse your skin before painting the chosen peel solution on to the treatment area. We will leave the solution on your skin for the appropriate length of time – usually a matter of minutes – before applying a neutraliser, then a post-peel masque.

You may feel a slight stinging sensation and be left with a pink complexion immediately after your treatment, but this should fade in a couple of hours with no visible peeling.

Because they are a gentle treatment, GA peels need to be repeated every two weeks up to six times to achieve the optimal results, after which, your skin can be maintained on a monthly basis.

The TCA peel can be repeated up to four times.

Medium depth skin peels remove more of the upper and outer layer of your skin than the superficial peels. However, it’s not just renewal of the skin’s top layers that produces results; by removing the barrier that the top layers of your skin create, the beneficial factors – such as antioxidants – in the aftercare skin products are better able to penetrate the exposed new skin.

Medium depth peels are ideal for regenerating your skin

We use differing strengths of Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA). These are the:

• Multiple Cosmo Peels – 15-18% TCA
• Mene & Moy Single Peel – 20-30% TCA

A combination treatment using TCA and other acids is also available.

We will give you cosmeceutical skin preparations to apply for two weeks before and at least one month after your treatment to allow better penetration of the peeling agent.

When you come into the clinic for a Cosmo Peel, we will cleanse your skin with cotton buds before painting the chosen peel solution on to the treatment area. We will leave the solution on your skin until a frosted look appears in places.

You may develop some redness and mild irritation and experience slight flaking after a Cosmo Peel.

The Mene & May Peel is a more concentrated solution, but the treatment is performed in the same way as with the Cosmo Peel. After a Mene & May peel, you should expect your skin to become pink, swollen and taut at first, before it begins to darken, itch and peel. Shedding typically starts on day five and can continue for 14 days.

Skin renewal is an ongoing process. You should be able to see an improvement to your skin within the first week post-treatment, but it will become more visible once the peeling subsides and continue for the next month or more.