A chemical peel is a skin treatment that uses a controlled chemical solution to remove the outer layer of skin, improving tone, texture and clarity as the skin renews. Peel strength and type are selected according to skin type and the specific concern being treated at Orovenza.
Orovenza offers a range of peel strengths, with your skin assessed beforehand so the most suitable option and expected downtime can be discussed.
Treatment Information
Treatment Details
What It Treats
Uneven tone, texture, dullness and selected pigmentation or congestion concerns.
Peel Options
Peel strength and formulation are selected according to skin type and the concern being addressed.
Downtime
Downtime ranges from minimal flaking to several days of visible peeling, depending on peel strength.
Results Timeline
Skin quality typically improves progressively, often with a course of treatments recommended.
The Process
How Chemical Peel Treatment Works
Skin Assessment
Your skin type, tone and specific concerns are assessed to determine suitability.
Treatment Planning
An appropriate peel strength and course length is proposed based on your skin.
Treatment
The selected peel is applied under clinical supervision according to the agreed plan.
Aftercare
Aftercare guidance is provided to support healing and protect the results.
By Dr Edwin Anthony, Lead Clinician, Contoura Medical · Treatments delivered by Nurse Rashmi Mehta · Last updated 4 October 2026
A chemical peel is a medical grade acid solution that removes damaged surface skin so fresher skin replaces it. At Orovenza in Marylebone, London, peels are chosen by skin type for pigmentation, dullness, breakouts, fine lines and uneven texture.
What it is and how it works
A peel applies a controlled acid to the skin for a set time. It loosens the bonds between dead cells, speeds up turnover and, at greater depths, triggers new collagen. The deeper the peel, the stronger the result and the longer the recovery.
We use two depths. Superficial peels work on the outermost layers and are the mainstay for most skin types:
Glycolic acid: the smallest alpha hydroxy acid, good for dullness, fine lines and sun damage.
Lactic acid: gentler and hydrating, useful for dry or sensitive skin.
Mandelic acid: a larger molecule that penetrates slowly, often favoured for darker skin and PIH.
Salicylic acid: oil soluble, so it clears pores and suits acne-prone skin.
Medium-depth peels use trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which DermNet describes as typically used at 20 to 35% strength to improve texture and blotchy pigmentation. We use them only where they are appropriate for your skin type. We do not offer deep phenol peels.
Who it is best suited for
People with dull, tired or uneven skin tone
Anyone with sun spots, PIH or mild melasma (with superficial peels)
Oily or acne-prone skin with congestion and breakouts
Early fine lines and rough texture
Darker Fitzpatrick skin types, using carefully chosen superficial peels
Those wanting a structured course with little time off work
Your treatment journey at Orovenza
Consultation and skin assessment: Nurse Rashmi Mehta assesses your concern, skin type, medical history and current skincare, and records your Fitzpatrick type. This decides which acid, strength and depth are safe for you.
Plan and skin preparation: Most patients prepare for 2 to 4 weeks with a home routine that may include a retinoid, an exfoliating acid or pigment control, plus SPF 50 every day. Preparation helps the peel apply evenly and lowers the risk of pigment problems. We patch test where needed.
Treatment day: Skin is cleansed and degreased, the peel is applied and timed, then neutralised or removed. It usually takes 30 minutes.
Aftercare: We apply a calming moisturiser and SPF, and give you a written plan for the peeling days.
Review: We check your skin before each peel in the course and adjust the strength. Dr Edwin Anthony (GMC 4776646), Lead Clinician at Contoura Medical, provides medical oversight.
Results and how long they last
Superficial peels give a brighter, smoother look within a week, with cumulative gains over a course. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that 3 to 5 light peels may be needed for the desired result, repeated every 2 to 5 weeks. Medium-depth peels give a more noticeable change from one treatment, but need more recovery.
Results last longer with daily SPF and a good home routine. Most people keep them up with a maintenance peel every few months.
Recovery and aftercare
How long recovery takes depends on depth. The AAD gives healing times of 1 to 7 days for light peels and 7 to 14 days for medium peels.
Superficial peel, day 1: pinkness and tightness. DermNet notes redness usually settles within 48 hours.
Superficial peel, days 2 to 5: fine flaking for some people, often barely visible. Many see no peeling at all, and the peel still works.
Medium peel, days 1 to 3: redness, swelling and a tight, darker, leathery feel.
Medium peel, days 3 to 7: visible peeling in sheets, then fresh pink skin. Plan around a week off social events.
Medium peel, weeks 2 to 4: mild pinkness fading gradually.
For all peels: gentle cleanser, plain moisturiser, SPF 50 daily, and no retinoids, scrubs or waxing until your nurse advises.
Safety, side effects and who should avoid it
Common: stinging during the peel, redness, tightness and flaking.
Less common: prolonged redness, cold sore flare-ups, infection and pigment change.
DermNet notes that Fitzpatrick types IV to VI have a higher risk of pigment change and scarring, so we favour superficial peels with thorough preparation. The British Association of Dermatologists also advises that peels for melasma need an experienced practitioner.
Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding for most peels, or over active eczema, infection or broken skin.
We wait after recent isotretinoin, waxing or laser, and avoid peeling a fresh tan.
Tell us about keloid scarring, aspirin allergy (relevant for salicylic peels) and photosensitising medicines.
Comparing treatment options
Treatment
Best for
Typical downtime
Usual sessions
Darker skin suitability
Superficial peel
Dullness, mild pigment, acne, fine lines
1 to 7 days
3 to 5, every 2 to 5 weeks
Good, especially mandelic and lactic
Medium-depth peel (TCA)
Texture, blotchy pigment, sun damage
7 to 14 days
Usually 1, repeated after months if needed
Used selectively after assessment
Picosecond laser
Sun spots, PIH, texture
Usually 1 to 3 days of redness
Often 3 to 6, about 4 weeks apart
Often suitable with careful settings
CO2 laser
Deeper lines, scarring
Around 1 to 2 weeks
Often 1 to 2
Higher risk of pigment change
Microneedling
Texture, pores, acne scars
1 to 3 days of redness
3 to 6, 4 to 6 weeks apart
Generally suitable
How Orovenza compares
Treatment in a hospital setting at Langham Hospital, 77 Hallam Street, Marylebone
Nurse-led by Rashmi Mehta, with medical oversight from Dr Edwin Anthony
Named peel types chosen for your skin type, not one peel for everyone
Skin assessment, preparation advice and patch testing where needed
A consultation before every treatment, with the strength adjusted each time
A fixed consultation fee, not deducted from treatment prices, and review appointments
Call us on 020 3890 1911 or book online to find the right peel for your skin. Consultation fees are fixed and are not deducted from treatment prices, and your practitioner confirms your personal treatment cost at consultation. Book a consultation
Frequently asked questions
How much does a chemical peel cost in London?
The cost depends on the peel type and depth, the area treated and how many peels your course needs. A medium-depth peel involves more time and aftercare than a superficial one. Your practitioner confirms your personal treatment cost at consultation, and the consultation fee is fixed.
Do chemical peels hurt?
Superficial peels usually cause tingling or stinging for a few minutes, which most people rate as mild. Medium-depth peels feel hotter and more intense for a short time. We use a cooling fan and remove or neutralise the peel promptly, and the stinging fades soon after.
How long does peeling last after a chemical peel?
It depends on depth. After a superficial peel, any flaking is usually light and settles within about a week. After a medium-depth TCA peel, visible peeling typically starts around day 3 and finishes within 7 to 14 days. Keep moisturising and never pull flaking skin.
How many chemical peels will I need?
For superficial peels, a course of three to five is typical, spaced two to five weeks apart. Medium-depth peels are usually a single treatment, repeated only after several months if needed. After the course, a maintenance peel every few months helps keep results.
Are chemical peels safe for dark skin?
Yes, when the right peel is chosen. Darker skin is more prone to pigment change after inflammation, so we usually favour superficial mandelic, lactic or salicylic peels, prepare the skin for several weeks and patch test where needed. Medium-depth peels are considered case by case.
What is the best chemical peel for pigmentation?
There is no single best peel. Glycolic and mandelic peels suit many types of surface pigment, while salicylic peels help marks left by acne. Melasma needs particularly gentle peels alongside SPF and pigment control. Your nurse chooses the acid after assessing your pigment and skin type.
Can I have a chemical peel in summer?
Superficial peels can often continue in summer with strict daily SPF. Medium-depth peels are better timed for autumn or winter, when sun exposure is lower. Avoid a peel within two weeks of a sunny holiday, and never peel skin that is freshly tanned.
When can I wear make-up after a chemical peel?
After a superficial peel, most people can wear make-up the next day. After a medium-depth peel, wait until peeling has finished, usually around a week, so products do not irritate healing skin. Mineral make-up and a clean brush are the gentlest choice.
Is a chemical peel or picosecond laser better?
They suit different needs. Peels are excellent for overall brightness, congestion and diffuse pigment across the face. Picosecond laser is more targeted for distinct sun spots, texture and some scarring. Many plans use both, alternating treatments a few weeks apart for the best overall result.
Can chemical peels be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Peels combine well with microneedling, picosecond laser and skin boosters, provided treatments are spaced so the skin recovers. We usually leave at least two weeks between a peel and another resurfacing treatment, and review your skin at each visit before going ahead.
Pricing depends on the treatment plan and number of sessions required. Your practitioner will confirm the cost of your personal treatment plan at consultation. Consultation fees are fixed and are not deducted from treatment prices.
Nurse Rashmi Mehta is the Aesthetic Nurse for Orovenza non-surgical aesthetics service at Contoura Medical.
Orovenza provides a clinically led approach to non-surgical aesthetic treatments, with treatment planning centred on individual assessment, appropriate indications and natural-looking outcomes.
Patients are assessed before treatment so that the most appropriate option can be discussed based on their goals and clinical circumstances.
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