AESTHETIC MEDICAL CLINIC

Medical Skin Peels

Skin peels use controlled chemical exfoliation to improve the texture, tone and clarity of the skin. By removing the outer layers of dead and damaged skin cells, they stimulate cell renewal, brighten the complexion and, depending on depth, can address pigmentation, acne, fine lines and surface scarring. At our Clifton, Bristol clinic, we use medical-grade peels that go significantly beyond what is available in beauty salons.

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Skin peels use controlled chemical exfoliation to improve the texture, tone and clarity of the skin. By removing the outer layers of dead and damaged skin cells, they stimulate cell renewal, brighten the complexion and, depending on the depth of the peel, can address pigmentation, acne, fine lines and surface scarring. At our Clifton, Bristol clinic, we use medical-grade peels that go significantly beyond what is available in beauty salons.

There is an enormous difference between a superficial cosmetic peel and a properly formulated medical-grade peel. Our protocols use well-tested formulations from Obagi, ZO Skin Health and Noon Aesthetics, selected to match your skin type, concerns and goals. We do not offer one-size-fits-all peels.

Types of Peel We Offer

Glycolic acid peels are the most widely used superficial peels. They brighten, smooth and hydrate the skin, improving general skin quality with minimal downtime. A good starting point for most patients.

Salicylic acid peels are oil-soluble and penetrate the pore lining, making them particularly effective for acne-prone, congested and oily skin. They reduce active breakouts and improve pore appearance.

The ZO 3-Step Stimulation Peel is a layered TCA protocol that produces a medium-depth result with meaningful improvement in pigmentation, fine lines, surface texture and overall skin quality. Some peeling and downtime of three to five days should be expected.

The Obagi Blue Peel RADIANCE is a lunchtime peel using salicylic, lactic, mandelic and kojic acids to refresh the skin with minimal downtime.

What Skin Peels Treat at Our Bristol Clinic

Uneven skin tone and dullness. Sun damage and pigmentation. Active acne and post-acne marks. Fine surface lines and rough texture. Early signs of skin ageing.

What to expect after treatment

The skin may be pink and may feel a little prickly, this always depends on the type of peel. Make up should not be applied until the next day. The skin may feel dry and powdery for the next few days, and whether or not there is any peeling, and to what degree, will depend upon the type of peel used. This will be explained during the consultation. If peeling does occur, it usually happens 3-5 days after the treatment.

What results can be expected?

Results of skin peels can vary depending on the depth and type of peel applied. Generally patients report:

  • Smoother/improvement in the skin’s texture
  • Less acne/blemishes
  • A radiant glow (due to fewer dead skin cells sitting on the surface)
  • Pigmentation reduction (in milder cases)

This is a treatment which has remained popular over 1000s of years!

What does the procedure involve?

We recommend 2 weeks skin preparation, with home care products to exfoliate and condition the skin. This improves penetration of the peel, minimises risk and optimises results.

The skin is thoroughly cleansed and a peel prep solution applied to remove any oil on the skin surface. The peel solution will then be applied evenly over the face and allowed to dry. The sensation experienced will vary depending on the type and depth of the peel. Patients usually experience a warm/mild burning sensation which passes within a couple of minutes.

Depending on the peel type and your skin, additional applications may be applied until the practitioner is satisfied with the response.

Once the desired end point has been reached depending on the type of peel it will either be neutralised or cleansed off the skin. We will then apply appropriate skincare to help soothe the skin.

How can this procedure be arranged?

Patients’ skin will be assessed at an initial consultation the most appropriate peel will be recommended following an individual assessment. Following an initial consultation the procedure can be booked.

Frequently Asked Questions, Skin Peels Bristol

  • How many peels will I need?

    For general skin quality improvement, a course of four to six superficial peels spaced two to four weeks apart produces the best result. The ZO 3-Step is typically performed as a standalone treatment or as part of a wider programme, repeated two to four times per year.

  • Is there downtime after a skin peel?

    Superficial peels involve some mild flaking for two to three days. The ZO 3-Step involves more visible peeling for three to five days. We will explain what to expect fully at your consultation and provide a detailed aftercare protocol.

  • Are skin peels safe for darker skin tones?

    Some peels carry a pigmentation risk for darker skin types. We select formulations carefully based on your Fitzpatrick skin type. Mandelic acid peels are generally very well tolerated across a wider range of skin tones.

  • How much do skin peels cost in Bristol?

    Please contact our Clifton, Bristol clinic for current pricing. Pricing varies by peel type and whether treatment forms part of a programme.