Chemical peels in London

What a chemical peel does

A chemical peel uses carefully chosen acids to loosen and remove the outer layer of dead skin cells, encouraging fresh skin to come through. Depending on the peel, it can brighten dull skin, even out pigmentation, clear congestion and breakouts, and soften fine lines and rough texture. At our Islington clinic we use NeoStrata professional peels, and Dr Vishal Patel is NeoStrata trained.

The outer layer of the skin renews itself constantly, but with age, sun exposure and congestion that turnover slows and dead cells build up. The surface then looks dull, feels rough, and holds on to uneven pigment. A professional peel loosens the bonds between those cells in a controlled way, so they shed over the following days. With a course, the effect goes beyond the surface: skin becomes more even in tone, smoother to the touch and better at reflecting light, and regular exfoliation supports healthy cell turnover.

Are chemical peels good for your face?

For the right skin, yes. A course of superficial peels is one of the most reliable ways to improve tone and texture with little downtime. Peels are chosen for your skin: gentler acids such as mandelic or lactic for sensitive skin, salicylic acid for congestion and breakouts, and glycolic acid for dullness and texture.

• Glycolic acid has a small molecule that works efficiently on dullness, rough texture and fine lines.
• Lactic and mandelic acids work more gently, which suits sensitive skin and some people with darker skin tones who need a careful approach to pigment.
• Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore. It is the usual choice for congestion, blackheads and breakouts.

The strength, the acid and the time on the skin are adjusted for you, and often stepped up gradually over a course as your skin adapts.

Who chemical peels suit

• Dull, tired or uneven skin
• Uneven tone, sun damage and some types of pigmentation
• Congestion, blackheads and active breakouts
• Rough texture, enlarged-looking pores and fine lines
• Skin that needs a reset before an event, or a regular maintenance treatment

Peels are less suitable during active eczema or a rosacea flare, over broken or sunburnt skin, during pregnancy for some acids, and for a period after certain prescription acne treatments. If you have a history of cold sores, tell us, as we may advise precautions. Deeper scarring and significant laxity need other treatments, which we will discuss with you.

Acne skin peels

For breakouts and congestion, our acne skin peel uses acids chosen to clear pores, calm the skin and reduce the build-up that leads to spots. It is usually planned as a course, with home care that supports the clinic work in between. Acne skin peels start from £160.

Peels can help many people with mild to moderate acne. Where acne is severe, scarring, or not responding, it may need medical treatment, and we will recommend you see your GP or a dermatologist. Once active acne has settled, we can plan treatment for the marks and texture it has left behind, which may include microneedling.

Peels for pigmentation and uneven tone

Sun spots, post-inflammatory marks after spots and general unevenness often respond well to a course of peels, especially when combined with consistent daily sun protection. Some pigmentation, including melasma, is more complex and can be triggered by hormones and heat as well as sun. It needs a cautious, long-term plan rather than a strong peel, and we will be clear about what a peel can and cannot do. Where other options suit better, such as laser and light treatments for certain pigment, we will explain them at consultation. If you have had laser treatment, see our guide to laser resurfacing aftercare.

Your consultation

We begin with a skin and aesthetic consultation, which is £65 and redeemable in full against treatment. We look closely at your skin, take a medical history, ask about your current routine and any prescription treatments, and agree what you want to improve. Where it is useful, we may suggest a short period of skin preparation with home care before the first peel, so that the skin responds more evenly. For some skin types we may begin with a gentler peel and build up.

What happens during a peel

1. Cleansing. The skin is cleansed and degreased so the peel works evenly.
2. Protection. Delicate areas, such as the corners of the eyes, nose and mouth, are protected.
3. Application. The peel is applied in thin, even layers. A warm or tingling feeling is normal; we monitor the skin closely throughout.
4. Neutralising or removal. At the right point, the peel is neutralised or removed according to its type.
5. Soothing and protection. We apply a calming product and broad-spectrum SPF before you leave.

A peel appointment is usually short, and most people go straight back to work or home.

What are the negatives?

• Skin can feel tight, look pink and flake for a few days
• Sun sensitivity afterwards, so daily SPF 50 is essential
• A risk of irritation or pigment change if the peel is too strong for your skin, which is why we assess first
• Results build over a course rather than after one peel

Less commonly, people can have a flare of cold sores or a reaction to an ingredient. Careful assessment, choosing the right acid and strength, and good aftercare are the main ways we reduce these risks.

Aftercare

For a few days, keep your routine simple: a gentle cleanser, a plain moisturiser and SPF 50 every day, even when it is cloudy. Do not pick or peel flaking skin; let it shed naturally. Avoid retinoids, scrubs and other strong acids, saunas, steam rooms and heavy exercise for a short period, as we advise for your peel. Sun protection is the single most important part of aftercare, because new skin is more sensitive to UV.

How many peels you need

A single peel gives a brighter, smoother finish, but lasting change in pigment, congestion or texture comes from a course. Most courses involve several peels spaced a few weeks apart, and the exact number depends on your skin and goals. After that, many people return every so often for maintenance. Results vary, and depend on your skin, your home care and your sun protection.

Chemical peels compared with other treatments

• HydraFacial combines cleansing, gentle exfoliation and hydration with no flaking, and suits regular maintenance. It is from £160, or £800 for a course of six. See our page on HydraFacial cost.
• Microneedling stimulates collagen more deeply, and is usually the better choice for acne scarring and texture. It starts from £160.
• LED light therapy can calm skin and is sometimes added after a peel. See also our Illumi facial.
• Deep peels reach further into the skin and involve a much longer recovery. They are a different category of treatment. If your concerns need more than a course of superficial peels, we will talk through the alternatives.

Chemical peel cost in Islington

Skin peels start from £160, and acne skin peels start from £160. Your consultation is £65, redeemable in full against treatment, and we confirm the cost of your course in writing before you book. Where it helps, 0% APR over 12 months is available.

Products to support your results

Home care matters as much as the peel. We use NeoStrata in clinic, and through our pharmacy partner we can supply other professional brands, including ZO Skin Health, SkinCeuticals, Obagi, La Roche-Posay and Heliocare.

A simple, consistent routine with the right active ingredients and daily sun protection helps a course of peels go further and helps the result last. We recommend only what your skin needs. For many people that means a gentle cleanser, a targeted active such as a NeoStrata product with an appropriate acid, a moisturiser and a high-protection SPF, introduced gradually so the skin can adjust.

Why have it with us

Every skin plan is overseen by Dr Vishal Patel, who has ten years of experience in facial aesthetics. His training includes NeoStrata peels and skincare and the International Fellowship in Advanced Aesthetic Science. You can read more on Dr Patel’s profile. Dental & Wellness London has been on Essex Road since 2009 and is rated 4.7 stars from more than 300 Google reviews.

Further reading

• AHAs and BHAs: Chemical Exfoliation Guide
• Hydrafacial vs microdermabrasion vs chemical peel — which is right for you?
• Acne Skincare Routine: The Evidence-Based Protocol

Getting here

The clinic is at 222 Essex Road, Islington, London N1 3AP, two minutes from Essex Road station and a short ride from Angel, Highbury, Canonbury, Hackney and Stoke Newington. Many patients cycle or use a Lime or Forest e-bike. Buses 38, 56, 73, 341 and 476 stop on Essex Road. We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm, by appointment.

Clinically reviewed by Dr Vishal Patel · BDS · MSc Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry · GDC 103127. Last reviewed 1 October 2026.