Chemical peels in autumn: why this is the time of year I start talking about them again

If you've followed me for any length of time, you'll know I'm not particularly interested in convincing everybody that they need every treatment I offer.

Chemical peels are a good example.

They're not new. They're not particularly flashy. And compared with some of the treatments currently doing the rounds on Instagram, they're probably not going to win any prizes for exciting marketing.

But used for the right skin concern, I really like them.

What does a chemical peel actually do?

“Chemical peel” is a fairly broad term.

Essentially, we're applying a carefully selected chemical solution to the skin to produce a controlled effect within particular layers of the epidermis and, depending on the type and depth of peel, potentially deeper structures.

Different acids and formulations behave differently, which is why choosing a peel should be based on your skin rather than simply deciding that you “need a peel”.

Superficial chemical peels can be useful for concerns including dullness, uneven texture, superficial pigmentation and some types of acne-prone skin.

They are not going to lift your face, replace Botox or remove deep acne scarring.

This is skincare, not witchcraft.

Why do I talk about peels more in autumn?

One of the things we need to think about around chemical peels is UV exposure.

Depending on the peel used, the skin can temporarily be more vulnerable following treatment, and good sun protection is important both before and after treatment. For pigmentation in particular, repeatedly exposing the skin to UV while trying to improve pigment is somewhat counterproductive.

That doesn't mean chemical peels can only ever be performed in winter.

It does mean that, for many people in the UK, autumn and winter can be a particularly convenient time to undertake a course because we're generally dealing with less intense UV exposure and fewer sunny holidays.

SPF still matters in Cheshire in November, unfortunately.

Does your face actually peel off?

Usually, no.

“Chemical peel” makes the whole thing sound considerably more dramatic than many superficial peels actually are.

Depending on the product and your skin, you may experience some redness, dryness, tightness or light flaking afterwards. Some people peel more visibly than others.

More peeling does not automatically mean a better treatment.

The aim isn't to see how much skin we can remove. The aim is to produce an appropriate controlled effect for the concern we're treating.

What do I use them for at DR JACKSON SKIN?

I tend to think about peels when I'm looking at things like:

• dull or congested skin
• uneven texture
• superficial pigmentation
• some acne-prone skin
• somebody wanting to improve overall skin appearance without an injectable treatment

But the useful bit is deciding whether a peel is actually the right treatment.

If your main concern is significant acne scarring, for example, I may be talking to you about microneedling instead.

If it's facial movement causing lines, a peel isn't going to stop the muscle underneath moving.

And if your skin barrier is already irritated and inflamed, throwing an acid at it may be precisely the opposite of what I want to do.

Chemical peels vs skincare

It isn't either/or.

Your everyday skincare is still doing most of the work over the remaining 364 days of the year.

I see in-clinic treatments as an addition to sensible skincare, not a replacement for it.

That means SPF, appropriate active ingredients where indicated, moisturising your skin properly and not repeatedly destroying your skin barrier because TikTok told you to use another exfoliating acid.

Chemical peels in Alderley Edge

I offer chemical peels at DR JACKSON SKIN in Alderley Edge following an assessment of your skin and what you're actually hoping to improve.

A single chemical peel is £100.

If you're not sure whether a chemical peel, microneedling, skincare or something else makes most sense for your skin, you don't need to decide before you come in. That's the point of the consultation.

DR JACKSON SKIN | Doctor-led aesthetics and skincare in Alderley Edge, Cheshire