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Aesthetic dermatology · London

Chemical peels in London, the honest way.

Superficial glycolic, lactic, mandelic and salicylic. Medium Jessner and TCA.

A stethoscope on a clinical desk

Indicative pricing

What a private chemical peel costs in London.

Indicative ranges across London clinics.

Treatment Indicative range
Superficial peel (glycolic, lactic, mandelic, salicylic) £120 to £280
Superficial series of 4 to 6 monthly peels £480 to £1,400
Medium peel (Jessner, TCA 10 to 20 percent) £280 to £550
Medium peel course (3 to 4 sessions) £850 to £1,600
Branded system (ZO, Obagi Blue Peel Radiance, VI Peel) £250 to £600
Laser referral (Fraxel or Tixel) for deep photoageing From £900

When it helps

When a chemical peel is the right step - and when it is not.

The most common skin concerns, plus the situations that should go straight to laser or to a longer conversation.

  • Dull, tired-looking skin

    A superficial glycolic or lactic peel every 4 to 6 weeks lifts congestion and gives a fresher surface without downtime.

  • Mild active acne and post-acne marks

    Salicylic (BHA) peels sit deep in the follicle and calm active breakouts; mandelic suits sensitive and darker skin.

  • Melasma and stubborn pigmentation

    A carefully primed medium peel, or a Jessner plus TCA layered protocol, on skin pre-treated with hydroquinone and a retinoid.

  • Fine lines and early photoageing

    Medium-depth TCA at 25 to 35 percent softens fine lines around the eyes and mouth, particularly on lighter skin types.

  • Keratosis pilaris and rough texture

    A course of lactic or glycolic peels, at 30 to 50 percent, smooths the arms and thighs when paired with a home retinoid.

  • Enlarged pores and oily skin

    Salicylic BHA peels reduce oil and pore visibility over a series of 4 to 6 sessions, alongside a niacinamide serum.

  • Deep wrinkles and severe photoageing

    Historically phenol Baker-Gordon deep peels; now largely replaced by Fraxel or Tixel laser resurfacing because of cardiotoxicity.

  • Red flag: active infection or isotretinoin

    Cold sores, eczema flares, recent isotretinoin or unhealed skin mean the peel is postponed, not pushed through.

Peel options

A family of peels - and laser sits beside them.

The most common peels, the branded systems, and where fractional laser is now the honest answer.

  • Superficial AHA (glycolic, lactic, mandelic)

    Water-soluble acids at 20 to 70 percent that exfoliate the stratum corneum. No downtime, cumulative results over a monthly series.

  • Superficial BHA (salicylic)

    Lipid-soluble, penetrates sebum, ideal for acne, oily skin and clogged pores. Well tolerated on darker Fitzpatrick types.

  • Jessner solution

    A blend of resorcinol, salicylic and lactic acid. Sits between superficial and medium depth, often layered under TCA for pigmentation.

  • TCA 10 to 20 percent (superficial to medium)

    Trichloroacetic acid at low strength for even pigmentation and light textural work with minimal social downtime.

  • TCA 25 to 35 percent (medium)

    Reaches the papillary dermis. Frosts the skin, flakes over 5 to 7 days and gives measurable improvement in fine lines and pigmentation.

  • Branded systems (ZO, Obagi, SkinCeuticals, PCA, Perfect Peel, VI Peel)

    Pre-blended peel protocols with matched home priming and aftercare. Consistent, repeatable, and easy to run in a series.

  • Deep phenol Baker-Gordon

    Historically the gold standard for severe photoageing. Cardiotoxic, requires cardiac monitoring, and now rarely used in UK practice.

  • Fraxel or Tixel resurfacing (referral)

    Fractional laser or thermo-mechanical resurfacing has replaced deep phenol for deep wrinkles. Referral for laser is appropriate when a peel is not enough.

Safety and recovery

What to expect afterwards - honestly.

Peels are safe in the right hands, on the right skin, with the right priming and SPF discipline.

  • Priming for 4 to 6 weeks

    A nightly retinoid, and hydroquinone if you have pigmentation, primes the skin, evens melanocyte activity and reduces post-peel PIH.

  • Fitzpatrick IV to VI needs care

    Darker skin types carry a real risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Superficial acids and mandelic are safer starting points than TCA.

  • Strict SPF 50 and sun avoidance

    Daily mineral SPF 50, a hat and shade for at least four weeks after. A single unprotected exposure can undo a full course.

  • Superficial peels have no downtime

    A slight tightness and pinkness for a few hours. You can go back to work the same day; make-up the next morning.

  • Medium peels flake for 5 to 7 days

    Frosting on the day, then bronzing, then a controlled flake. Do not pick. A bland emollient and mineral SPF are your only jobs.

  • Cold sore prophylaxis

    If you have a history of cold sores, aciclovir is prescribed for medium peels around the mouth. HSV reactivation is the commonest infective complication.

  • No peels on isotretinoin

    Peels are postponed for at least 6 months after finishing isotretinoin because the skin heals poorly and scars more easily.

  • Results are cumulative

    A superficial series of 4 to 6, or a medium course of 3 to 4, plus a serious home skincare routine, is the honest recipe for change.

  • When to call the clinic

    Blistering, spreading redness beyond the treatment area, fever, or crusting that will not heal after 10 days. Rare, but flagged the same day.

Frequently asked

Common questions about chemical peels.

Quick answers on depth, downtime, Fitzpatrick type, cost and melasma.

  • What is a chemical peel and how does it work?

    A chemical peel is a controlled application of an acid, or a blend of acids, to the skin. It removes a precise depth of surface cells, triggers a wound-healing response and drives new collagen and even pigmentation. Superficial peels target the epidermis, medium peels the papillary dermis, and deep peels the reticular dermis.

  • Which peel is right for my skin?

    For dull skin, mild acne or mild pigmentation, a superficial glycolic, lactic, mandelic or salicylic peel in a series of 4 to 6 is usually the right start. For melasma, more stubborn pigmentation or fine lines, a medium Jessner plus TCA protocol at 10 to 20 percent works well. For deep wrinkles and severe photoageing, Fraxel or Tixel laser resurfacing is usually preferred to a deep phenol peel.

  • How much does a private chemical peel cost in London?

    A superficial peel is £120 to £280 per session, a medium peel is £280 to £550, and a medium course of 3 to 4 sessions runs £850 to £1,600. Branded systems such as ZO Skin Health, Obagi Blue Peel Radiance, SkinCeuticals, PCA Skin, Perfect Peel and the VI Peel sit around £250 to £600 per session.

  • How much downtime should I plan for?

    Superficial peels have no real downtime, only mild pinkness and a tight feeling. Medium peels frost on the day and flake for 5 to 7 days, so plan a week without important events. Deep phenol peels are rarely done today and require weeks of recovery, which is why laser resurfacing has largely replaced them.

  • Are chemical peels safe on darker skin?

    Yes, with the right choice. Superficial mandelic and lactic peels, and low-strength salicylic, are generally safe on Fitzpatrick IV to VI. Higher-strength TCA and Jessner plus TCA protocols carry a real risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and need careful priming with a retinoid and often hydroquinone for 4 to 6 weeks beforehand.

  • Which peel is recommended for melasma?

    Melasma is stubborn and easily flared. Treatment usually starts with strict SPF 50, a retinoid and hydroquinone or a modern tyrosinase inhibitor for 4 to 6 weeks, then a superficial mandelic or a low-strength Jessner. Medium TCA is used carefully, and Fraxel Thulium or Tixel is considered where a peel plateaus. Melasma is managed, not cured.

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