A chemical peel is a well-established way to refresh tired, uneven skin. It removes the build-up of dead skin cells and encourages new cells to come through. We offer four chemical peels at our Ipswich clinic, so we can match the strength to your skin.
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a carefully chosen solution applied to the skin for a set time. It loosens the bonds between dead cells on the surface, so they shed more quickly.
Depending on the peel, you may see little or no peeling. Alternatively, you may have a few days of flaking as the old layer comes away. We focus on light and medium-strength peels, because they balance results and recovery well for most people.
What can chemical peels help with?
Chemical peels can help with:
- Dull, tired-looking skin
- Uneven skin tone, including sun damage and some types of pigmentation
- Fine lines and rough texture
- Mild acne scarring and post-acne marks
- Skin that looks slightly loose or lacks bounce
Not sure which of our chemical peels in Ipswich you need? Book a consultation and we will advise you.
Our chemical peels in Ipswich, and who they suit
These are general guides, because every skin is different. We will recommend a peel after examining your skin.
Clinicare Glow Peel
A light, superficial peel designed to brighten and refresh. It suits people who are new to peels, or anyone wanting a quick boost before an event. Many people simply look brighter, with little or no visible peeling.
Mesoestetic Mesopeel
A professional range of peels tailored to different concerns, such as congestion, uneven tone or early ageing. It suits people who want a little more than a glow peel and are happy with some light flaking.
Perfect Peel
A stronger, medium-depth peel that works on several concerns at once. These include pigmentation, fine lines, texture and dullness. It usually involves a few days of visible peeling. So it suits people who want a more noticeable change and can plan around some downtime.
Cosmelan
Cosmelan is not a single peel but a full depigmentation programme for stubborn pigmentation, particularly melasma. It typically starts with a mask applied in clinic, followed by a home-care routine over several months. It suits people whose pigmentation has not responded to everyday skincare. It also needs real commitment to sun protection and aftercare.
How does a peel work?
The active ingredients in chemical peels speed up natural shedding and prompt the skin to produce fresh cells. Stronger peels reach a little deeper and can encourage new collagen. Pigmentation-focused peels help calm the overactive cells that produce excess colour.
What happens at your appointment
First, we review your medical history, medicines, skincare routine and any previous reactions. We also look closely at your skin. Some peels need you to prepare your skin with specific products for a couple of weeks, and we will explain this.
On the day, your skin is cleansed and prepared, then the peel is applied. Most people feel tingling, warmth or brief stinging that settles quickly. The peel is then neutralised, removed or left on for a set time. A light peel usually takes around 30 minutes, while Cosmelan includes follow-up visits.
Downtime and aftercare
Downtime depends on the peel. After a light peel, skin may look a little pink for a few hours. After a medium peel, however, tightness and then flaking for several days are common.
To help your skin heal well:
- Do not pick at peeling skin. Let it come away naturally.
- Use gentle products only, and avoid exfoliants and vitamin A products until we advise otherwise.
- Moisturise regularly to keep skin comfortable.
- Wear a broad-spectrum SPF every day. See our aftercare picks at the end of this guide.
How many sessions, and when will I see results?
Many people notice brighter, smoother skin within a week of a light peel. For pigmentation, lines or scarring, a course is usually recommended. This is often three to six peels, spaced a few weeks apart. Results vary, and keeping them depends heavily on daily sun protection. Melasma in particular can return, so ongoing maintenance is usually needed.
For textured scarring, we may suggest combining peels with SkinPen microneedling. For a gentler refresh, a Luxury Hydrofacial may suit you better.
Are chemical peels right for me?
Peels suit many people. However, you may need to wait or choose a different option if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have a cold sore, infection, broken skin or sunburn in the area (tell us if you get cold sores, as you may need preventive treatment first)
- have taken prescription acne tablets in the last six months, or use prescription retinoid creams
- take medicines that make your skin more sensitive to light
- have active eczema, psoriasis or rosacea on the face
- tend to scar or form keloids
- have recently had waxing or laser on the same area
Darker skin tones can benefit from peels too. Some peels carry a higher risk of temporary pigment changes, though, so careful choice matters. The NHS also has useful general guidance on choosing a cosmetic procedure safely.
Chemical peel prices in Ipswich
Our chemical peels in Ipswich start from £60 for the Clinicare Glow Peel, £100 for the Mesoestetic Mesopeel and £250 for the Perfect Peel. The Cosmelan programme starts from £1,000. See our pricing page for the latest, and our skin treatments page for the full range. A £30 consultation comes first.
Frequently asked questions
Will I definitely peel?
Not always. Light peels may cause little visible peeling, yet still work well. Stronger peels usually cause noticeable flaking for a few days.
Can I wear make-up afterwards?
We usually suggest waiting at least 24 hours, and longer after a stronger peel.
What time of year is best?
Autumn and winter are popular, because the sun is weaker. However, peels can be done year-round with careful sun protection.
Is a peel or laser better for pigmentation?
It depends on the type of pigmentation. For some people, our pico laser for pigmentation is the better choice, and we will advise you at your consultation.
Book your consultation
Choosing between chemical peels in Ipswich is easier with expert advice. Book your consultation online, call us on 01473 948 271 or WhatsApp 07938 168 157. We are at Dr Skin Central, 5 The Walk, Ipswich IP1 1EA.
Recommended aftercare from our shop
- Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Cleansing Gel: a gentle cleanser that will not strip skin while it peels.
- Obagi Rebalance Skin Barrier Cream: helps support and comfort the skin barrier after resurfacing.
- Obagi Sun Shield SPF50: essential daily sun protection to protect your results, especially for pigmentation.
Skincare advice in your inbox
Treatment guides, expert skincare tips and clinic news. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
By subscribing you agree to receive emails from Dr Skin Central.