A chemical peel uses a carefully chosen acid solution to remove the outermost, damaged layers of skin in a controlled way, prompting fresh, smoother, more even skin to take their place. Peels range enormously in strength, and the skill lies in matching the peel to the skin. At ELM Aesthetics peels are carried out by Georgia Abrams, Skin & Laser Therapist (Level 3 qualified), or by Melody Steel, a Nurse Prescriber with over 19 years’ experience and a background in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery unit at St James’s Hospital. Both practitioners are fully insured.
Crystal Peel
A gentle, superficial peel combining salicylic, mandelic and citric acids. Ideal for congested, oily or acne-prone skin, enlarged pores and dullness — a genuine refresh with no downtime. Suitable as a first peel and for regular maintenance.
Milk Peel
A powerful yet soothing peel with 50% glycolic acid, 10% lactic acid and salicylic acid. Brightens, smooths fine lines, evens tone and gives a noticeable glow, with at most a day or two of mild flaking. An excellent all-rounder for tired, dull or sun-damaged skin.
Cosmo Peel (TCA)
An advanced trichloroacetic acid peel available in different strengths. The medium-depth option for genuine resurfacing: stubborn pigmentation, sun damage, acne scarring, deeper lines and rough texture. Expect visible peeling over five to seven days and skin that looks significantly renewed afterwards. Strength is chosen for your skin and goals at consultation.
Who they suit
- Dull, tired or uneven skin wanting a glow
- Congestion, oiliness, blackheads and acne-prone skin
- Pigmentation and sun damage
- Fine lines and rough texture
- Acne scarring (deeper peels)
What to expect
The skin is cleansed and prepared, the peel applied for a timed period, then neutralised or left to self-neutralise depending on the type. You will feel tingling or warmth, more so with stronger peels. Aftercare centres on gentle skincare, no picking at flaking skin, and rigorous SPF. Superficial peels can be repeated every two to four weeks in a course; TCA peels are spaced further apart.
Honest limitations
Peels improve the surface of the skin; they do not treat volume loss, laxity or expression lines. Stronger peels carry a small risk of pigmentation changes, particularly in darker skin types, which is why peel selection and preparation matter. Results vary from person to person, and sun protection afterwards is not optional.
What it costs
Course pricing is available. A deposit will be required to secure your appointment.
Your questions answered
Which peel is right for me?
It depends on your skin, your concern and how much downtime you can accept. Crystal and Milk are superficial with little or no peeling; Cosmo TCA is a medium-depth resurfacing peel. We will recommend at consultation.
Will my skin visibly peel?
Superficial peels cause at most light flaking. The Cosmo TCA peel produces visible peeling for five to seven days — plan it around your diary.
Does it hurt?
Expect tingling or warmth during application, more with stronger peels. It settles quickly once the peel is neutralised.
Can I have a peel with darker skin?
Superficial peels are generally suitable for all skin types. Stronger peels need careful assessment and skin preparation to reduce the risk of pigmentation changes.
How many sessions do I need?
A course of three to six superficial peels, two to four weeks apart, gives lasting improvement. TCA peels are often effective in one to three sessions.