Chemical peels,
matched to your skin

Medical-grade resurfacing that removes, renews and reveals — the formulation, strength and technique chosen for your skin at consultation, never one menu for everyone.

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Medical-grade Nurse-led Customised Minimal downtime

The treatment

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is one of the most versatile and effective skin-resurfacing treatments available. A carefully selected solution is applied to the skin to loosen and lift away the outermost layers of dead and damaged cells. What’s revealed underneath is fresher, smoother and more even — with a cascade of repair and renewal triggered beneath the surface too.

The word “chemical” can sound alarming, but it simply refers to the active acids used, all of which have a long history of safe clinical use. Medical-grade peels are significantly more effective than high-street equivalents because they use higher concentrations and properly penetrate the skin, rather than just sitting on the surface.

“We love chemical peels because they’re genuinely transformative across such a wide range of concerns — and the results speak for themselves. The craft is choosing the right peel for the right skin, which is why a proper consultation always comes first.”

At Amber Grove, every peel is preceded by a thorough skin assessment. Our team selects the formulation, concentration and application technique to suit your specific concern and skin type — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Choosing the right peel

Types of chemical peel

Peels are categorised by their depth of action. Lighter peels are ideal for regular maintenance and sensitive skin; deeper peels deliver more dramatic results but need more recovery time. We’ll always recommend the most appropriate option for you at consultation.

No downtime

Superficial

Works on the outermost layer of skin only. Excellent for brightening dull skin, mild pigmentation and general maintenance. Often called “lunchtime peels” — you can return to normal activity immediately. Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.

AHA peels (glycolic, lactic) & low-strength BHA (salicylic acid).

3–5 days peeling

Medium-depth

Penetrates into the mid-layer of skin. More effective for moderate pigmentation, acne scarring, fine lines and uneven texture. Some peeling and redness are expected over 3–5 days, with more significant results than a superficial peel.

TCA (trichloroacetic acid) at various concentrations.

Condition-specific

Specialised

Targeted formulations for specific concerns — including Jessner’s for acne and oily skin, mandelic acid for sensitive or darker skin tones, and combination peels that address several concerns at once. Recommended on the basis of your individual assessment.

Jessner’s · mandelic · combination peels.

Why it works

Key benefits

Smoother texture

Removes dead-cell build-up, smoothing rough, uneven texture and refining enlarged pores for a visibly more polished surface.

Even tone

One of the most effective treatments for hyperpigmentation, sun spots and uneven tone — especially over a course of treatments.

Softer lines

Stimulates collagen production and cellular renewal, progressively improving the look of superficial lines and crepe-like skin.

Clearer, calmer skin

BHA and salicylic peels penetrate pores to dissolve sebum, reduce breakouts and calm the inflammation associated with acne.

Improved scarring

Medium-depth peels can noticeably improve post-acne marks and shallow scarring by resurfacing the affected layers.

Immediate glow

Even a single superficial peel produces an instant brightening effect — skin looks more awake, luminous and refreshed.

Is it right for you

Who is this treatment suited to?

Well suited to

Dull, tired-looking skin that needs a refresh
Uneven skin tone or sun-damaged skin
Acne-prone or oily skin types
Post-acne marks and shallow scarring
Fine lines and early signs of ageing
Anyone wanting to enhance the results of other treatments

Not suitable if

You are pregnant or breastfeeding
You have active cold sores or a skin infection
You are using isotretinoin (Roaccutane), or have within 6 months
You have very dark skin (Fitzpatrick V–VI) — certain peels need modification
You have recently used certain prescription topical treatments

Your appointment

What to expect on the day

Before

Preparing your skin

Avoid exfoliants (retinol, AHAs, BHAs) for 5–7 days beforehand and come with a clean face. For some peels — particularly those targeting pigmentation — we may recommend a pre-treatment skincare protocol to prime the skin in the weeks before.

During

The peel

Your skin is thoroughly cleansed and prepared, then the solution is applied evenly and left for a set time while we monitor your skin’s response throughout. You’ll feel a tingling or warming sensation; more active peels give a temporary stinging feeling. The peel is then neutralised and a soothing, protective serum applied.

Immediately after

How your skin will look

Your skin will be pink and slightly sensitive — similar to mild sunburn. Superficial peels settle quickly; medium peels may show more visible redness for 24–48 hours before peeling begins. We’ll apply a protective layer and send you home with aftercare products and instructions.

The days after

The peeling process

Depending on depth, you may flake or peel over the following 3–7 days. This is entirely normal — old, damaged skin being shed to reveal the new skin gradually underneath. It’s important not to peel or pick during this time.

Looking after the result

Aftercare instructions

SPF, every morning

Freshly peeled skin is far more sensitive to UV. Apply SPF 30–50 every morning without exception for at least 2 weeks.

Don’t pick or peel

Let skin shed naturally. Picking extends healing and raises the risk of scarring or post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Keep it gentle

Use only fragrance-free, gentle products for 7–10 days. No actives (retinol, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C) until skin is fully healed.

Hydrate often

Use a gentle, hydrating moisturiser frequently to support healing and ease tightness or discomfort.

Avoid heat

No saunas, steam rooms or intense exercise for 48–72 hours. Heat increases redness and can interfere with healing.

Rest the makeup

Where possible, avoid makeup for at least 24 hours. Mineral-based makeup is the gentlest option if you do need it.

Safety first

Safety & side effects

Medical-grade peels have a well-established safety record when performed by a qualified practitioner with a proper understanding of skin types and peel chemistry. At Amber Grove, every peel is preceded by a consultation and skin assessment — we will never apply a peel without properly evaluating your skin first.

Knowing how different skin types, tones and conditions respond to different formulations is essential for safe outcomes, and it’s exactly the clinical expertise our nurse-led team brings.

Redness and warmth immediately after
Flaking or peeling (3–7 days by depth)
Temporary tightness or dryness
Mild swelling, particularly around the eyes
Temporary sun sensitivity
Brief darkening before pigment fades (normal)

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How many treatments will I need?

It depends on your concern. For general brightening and maintenance, a single treatment every 4–6 weeks works well. For more significant concerns like pigmentation or acne scarring, a course of 3–6 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart usually gives the best results. We’ll set out a realistic treatment plan at your consultation — and be honest about what’s achievable.

Will I be able to go to work afterwards?

After a superficial peel, most people return to work or normal activities the same day — a little flushed, but it settles quickly. After a medium-depth peel, expect 3–5 days of visible peeling and redness, so you may want to plan around it. We’ll always tell you exactly what to expect from your chosen treatment beforehand, so there are no surprises.

Can I have a chemical peel if I have darker skin?

Yes, but with important caveats. Darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) have a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, where skin responds to the peel by producing excess melanin and temporarily darkening. That doesn’t rule peels out; it means the choice of formulation, concentration and preparation matters even more. Mandelic acid and carefully chosen lactic acid peels are generally safer for darker skin tones. We’ll assess your skin type carefully and recommend accordingly.

Can I combine a chemical peel with other treatments?

Chemical peels work beautifully as part of a broader plan. They pair well with microneedling (spaced at least 4 weeks apart), LED phototherapy (which can follow a superficial peel to reduce redness and support healing), and a medical-grade skincare routine. They shouldn’t be combined with dermal fillers or anti-wrinkle treatments on the same day. We’re happy to build a combined plan at your consultation.

I have sensitive skin — can I still have a peel?

Sensitive skin doesn’t automatically rule out peels — it simply means we choose more carefully. Lactic acid peels are much gentler than glycolic and are often well tolerated by sensitive skin; mandelic acid is another excellent option for reactive skin. Concentration and contact time can also be adjusted, and a patch test may be appropriate before your first treatment. Come and talk to us about your skin’s history and we’ll find an approach that works for you.

Grove Sanctuary

Great skin is built in seasons, not appointments

A peel is a moment; consistency is what changes skin. Our membership sets a gentle monthly rhythm — regular facials and skin treatments at a member’s rate. Eligible treatments only; prescription-only treatments are never bundled or discounted.

Discover the Grove Sanctuary

The other paths

Ready to reveal your best skin?

Book a consultation and we’ll find the right peel for your skin — no guesswork, just an honest plan and real results.

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