A chemical peel is a professional skin-resurfacing treatment that uses a tailored blend of skin acids to gently exfoliate the surface of the skin, revealing brighter, smoother, fresher skin underneath. At Skinfinity in Leeds, peels are doctor-led and chosen after a skin assessment, so the type and strength suit your skin and your goals, whether that is a gentle glow or targeting pigmentation, acne scars or texture.
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A chemical peel applies a solution of skin acids for a controlled time, loosening the bonds between tired surface cells so they shed. As that outer layer renews, it prompts your skin's natural repair process, encouraging fresh cell turnover and supporting collagen. The result is skin that looks clearer, brighter and more even, with improvement building over the following weeks.
Peels range from gentle, superficial refreshers with little downtime to stronger, medium-depth treatments for more noticeable change. The right one depends entirely on your skin and concern, which is why we assess first rather than apply a one-size-fits-all peel.
We use the Enerpeel system, a medical-grade range designed to remodel and resurface the skin in a more controlled way than traditional peels, which helps deliver results with manageable downtime. The active acid is matched to your concern:
Your clinician will recommend the right peel, acid and strength at your consultation.
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Depending on the type and strength, a peel can help improve the appearance of:
Peels are not a treatment for medical skin conditions. For concerns such as persistent acne, rosacea or melasma, we assess suitability carefully and are honest about whether a peel is the right route for you.
Pigmentation is the most common reason people consider a peel. By accelerating cell turnover, a suitably chosen peel can help fade the look of surface pigmentation, sun spots and uneven tone over a course.
Melasma needs particular care. It is a stubborn, hormone-influenced type of pigmentation that can worsen with aggressive treatment or sun exposure, and no treatment removes it permanently. The aim is to manage and improve its appearance with gentler, carefully chosen peels, strict daily SPF and a tailored plan, which is exactly why a medical assessment matters before treating it. On deeper skin tones we are especially cautious and may patch test first.
For congested, oily or breakout-prone skin, salicylic-based peels help clear the surface, reduce the look of congestion and refine the appearance of pores. For acne scarring and uneven texture, a course of peels can help soften the appearance of marks and smooth the skin, often as part of a wider plan with microneedling. Some clients notice a short purging phase as the skin adjusts, which we explain at consultation.
For tired, dull skin or early fine lines, a brightening peel refreshes the complexion and improves texture and glow, and works well as regular maintenance alongside good skincare.
Both improve skin texture and tone, but they work differently. A chemical peel resurfaces from the surface down using acids, making it strong for pigmentation, dullness and congestion. Microneedling works from within, creating tiny channels that stimulate collagen, making it well suited to acne scarring and texture. They are not either-or: many plans use both at different stages. Your clinician will advise which fits your skin, or how to combine them.
Peels suit most adults wanting clearer, brighter, smoother-looking skin. They are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, on active skin infections or broken skin, or too close to certain other treatments or active ingredients such as tretinoin, which is why we check your skincare at consultation. Skin tone matters too: deeper skin tones can be more prone to pigmentation changes with stronger peels, so we choose the type and strength carefully and may patch test. A consultation lets us check all of this and keep your treatment safe.
This is where a doctor-led clinic differs. Before recommending a peel, we look properly at your skin. Where helpful we use OBSERV 520 skin analysis to image beneath the surface and reveal sun damage and pigmentation that are not yet visible, so your peel plan is built from what your skin actually needs.
Downtime depends on the strength of the peel. After a superficial peel you may have mild redness and a little flaking; medium peels involve more visible peeling over a few days. It is important not to pick at the skin, to avoid direct sun, and to use daily SPF and a gentle, hydrating routine. We give you tailored aftercare and recommend the products to support healing.
Skin often looks brighter within a week, with tone and texture continuing to improve over the following weeks as it renews. A superficial peel gives a subtle refresh lasting around four to six weeks, ideal for maintenance. Medium-depth peels give more noticeable, longer-lasting improvement. Results are best maintained with a course, good skincare and daily sun protection.
At Skinfinity, chemical peels start from £120 per session, with course pricing available. The exact cost depends on the type and strength of peel and the number of sessions your skin needs, which your clinician confirms at consultation. Most concerns are best treated with a course rather than a single peel.
The safety of a chemical peel depends on factors like the strength of the peel, the condition of your skin, and how well you follow the aftercare instructions. Mild and superficial peels have minimal risk and are suitable for most skin types, while medium or deep peels require a more thorough consultation and careful aftercare. As with any skin treatment, there is a small risk of side effects such as redness, irritation, pigmentation changes, or, in rare cases, scarring or infection—especially if the skin is picked or exposed to sun too soon after treatment.
The results of a chemical peel can last anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on the strength of the peel and your individual skin type and lifestyle. Light or superficial peels offer a subtle refresh and typically last around 4 to 6 weeks, making them ideal for regular skin maintenance or treating mild concerns like dullness and uneven texture. Medium-depth peels provide more noticeable improvement in pigmentation, fine lines, and overall skin clarity, with results that can last several months. Deeper peels, which are less commonly performed, can produce long-lasting effects for a year or more. However, factors such as sun exposure, skincare routine, and general skin health will influence how long the benefits last. Regular treatments and proper aftercare help maintain results and keep the skin looking fresh and rejuvenated.
Chemical peels are generally well-tolerated, but you may experience some mild discomfort during the treatment, depending on the type and strength of the peel used. Most clients describe the sensation as a warm or tingling feeling, and in some cases, a mild stinging or prickling sensation while the solution is active on the skin. This usually lasts for just a few minutes before the practitioner neutralises the peel or it naturally stops working. Stronger peels may cause slightly more intense sensations, but these are temporary and manageable. After the treatment, the skin may feel tight or sensitive, similar to a light sunburn, but this tends to settle within a day or two. Overall, while not completely pain-free, chemical peels are not typically considered painful, especially when performed by our expert team at Skinfinity.
After a chemical peel treatment, it’s normal for your skin to feel slightly warm, tight, and sensitive, similar to a mild sunburn. Within the first couple of days, you may notice redness followed by peeling or flaking as the top layers of skin begin to shed — this is a natural part of the process and reveals fresher, smoother skin underneath. The extent of peeling can vary depending on the strength of the peel; some people experience light dryness and flaking, while others may have more noticeable shedding over several days. During this time, it’s important to avoid picking at the skin, stay out of direct sunlight, and follow a gentle skincare routine with plenty of hydration and daily SPF. Your skin may look brighter and feel smoother within a week, with continued improvement in tone and texture over the following weeks as your skin heals and regenerates.
It’s normal to experience redness, tightness, and mild sensitivity immediately after the treatment, with peeling or flaking typically occurring over the next few days as the skin sheds and regenerates. Some clients may also notice temporary dryness or a slight stinging sensation during or after the procedure. In less common cases, especially with deeper peels or if aftercare isn’t followed correctly, there can be prolonged redness, irritation, or uneven pigmentation such as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Those with acne-prone skin may experience a brief breakout or ‘purging’ phase as impurities are drawn to the surface. Rarely, improper treatment or post-care can lead to infection or scarring, which is why a thorough consultation and strict adherence to aftercare guidelines are essential. Overall, when done correctly, chemical peels offer safe and effective skin rejuvenation with minimal risk.
Treatment takes approximately 30 minutes.
Improvement of acne, rosacea, sun damage, open pores, oilyness, fine lines & wrinkles & hyperpigmentation.
None.
Men and women looking for clear, brighter skin.
Some mild redness & sensitivity which will settle quickly. Avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours.
From £120. Packages available