The most commonly used - the superficial peel - works by removing the outer layer of cells, lightly exfoliating the skin to give a healthy glow. Often referred to as the "lunchtime peel", this is a quick and easy treatment carried out by a qualified practitioner or beautician. The face is cleansed and peel painted on and left for two to ten minutes. Mild stinging may occur. The peel is then washed off and neutralised. After a superficial peel, the skin immediately looks brighter and more radiant.

Superficial chemical peeling is a treatment with many benefits and few risks or side effects. It is a treatment available to people of all ages and it can begin as early as age 25 to 30 when the first effects of photoaging (damaging effects of sunlight on skin) begin to be visible on facial skin. Superficial chemical peeling offers a way to peel off the appearance of age by removing the fine wrinkles and skin roughness caused by photoaging. Also removed by superficial chemical peeling are the early patches of scaly skin that become actinic keratoses, lesions that can be an early beginning of skin cancer.

What is Chemical Peeling? Chemical peeling is a procedure used for cosmetic improvement of skin. Chemical exfoliating agents are applied to the skin to remove skin cells at superficial, moderate, or deep layers so that new skin can grow and resurface the damaged or diseased areas.

Who is qualified to do Chemical Peeling? Dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons are most qualified by training and experience to perform a chemical peel the Dermatologist should be a board-certified specialist with knowledge of skin diseases and their treatment and both training and experience in chemical peeling.

Can Superficial Chemical Peeling be done on all colours of skin? While all colours of skin are acceptable for superficial chemical peeling, it is pale white to white skin that is most likely to have the early photo damage best treated by superficial peeling. Some darker skin may have a temporary loss of pigmentation after superficial peeling. A temporary loss of pigmentation can usually be disguised with cosmetics until pigmentation returns to normal.

How long does it take to do a Superficial Chemical Peeling procedure? The reason superficial peeling is called a "lunchtime peel" is because the procedure can be done in an hour or less, usually in the Dermatologist's office. The patient is able to leave immediately after treatment and resume normal daily activities with some restrictions such as avoiding exposure to strong sunlight.

A series of peels at weekly, biweekly or monthly intervals is usually required to attain the best skin rejuvenation result.

What are the side effects of Superficial Chemical Peeling? Skin redness and slight swelling for a day or two are the most common post-procedure effects. Post-procedure medications and ointments are prescribed as necessary for discomfort and moisturisation of the new skin. A very important post-procedure precaution is avoidance of sun exposure during healing.

What Are the Long-Term Benefits of Superficial Chemical Peeling? Superficial chemical peeling is very effective in rejuvenating skin that has early indications of photoaging, fine wrinkles, roughness, and patches of early actinic keratoses.

What are the costs? From £60+.