Superficial
Targets outer epidermal layers for brightness, mild congestion, superficial pigment and maintenance, usually with little visible downtime.
Dermatology · Aesthetics · South Kensington
Chemical & Skin Peels London
From gentle brightening peels to planned medium-depth resurfacing, Santi offers consultation-led peel protocols for dullness, congestion, acne-prone skin, uneven tone, post-inflammatory marks, sun damage and selected textural concerns.
Superficial → medium depthPIH-aware protocolsFace, neck, hands & backAftercare strategy included
Superficial peelsUsually little to no visible downtime
Medium depthPlanned visible peeling and recovery
PIH-awareStrength and preparation adapted to skin tone and history
Consultation-ledWe can step treatment up or down
Skin peels at Santi South Kensington
See the treatment environment and how skin peel appointments fit into our consultation-led approach at Santi in South Kensington.
Treatment experience
A peel selected for your skin — not simply by strength
Peel choice depends on the concern being treated, skin tone, sensitivity, current skincare, previous reactions and the amount of recovery you can accommodate.
That may mean a light AHA or BHA treatment, a structured pigmentation programme, or planned medium-depth resurfacing where appropriate.
Choose your peel
Every treatment link from the existing hub is retained below. If you are unsure, start with consultation or Skin Lab rather than choosing by acid name alone.
Which peel fits which concern?
| Peel | Often chosen for | Downtime | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lactic | Dryness, dullness, gentle glow | None–minimal | £100 |
| Mandelic | Sensitive or pigment-prone skin, clarity | Minimal | £200 |
| Salicylic | Congestion, blackheads, acne-prone skin | Light flaking possible | £120 |
| Glycolic | Brightness and superficial texture | Low | £100 |
| Jessner | Pigmentation + texture | 2–5 days | £200 |
| TCA | Texture, lines, scars and photodamage | 3–7 days | £250 |
How peels work
Controlled exfoliation — at different depths
Chemical peels use selected acids or acid combinations to create controlled exfoliation. The effect depends on ingredient, concentration, pH, number of layers or passes, contact time, preparation and skin response.
A superficial peel is not simply a weaker version of every medium-depth peel. Different acids behave differently, and the safest route is usually the least aggressive treatment that can reasonably address the concern.
Superficial, medium and deep peels
Medium depth
Produces a more substantial controlled injury and visible peeling. TCA is commonly used where planned downtime is acceptable.
Deep peels
Deep phenol-based peeling is a different category with substantially greater risk and recovery and is not part of the routine peel menu shown here.
Common treatment goals
Uneven tone
Selected superficial pigmentation, PIH and sun-related dyschromia.
Congestion
Oiliness, blackheads and selected acne-prone skin.
Texture
Roughness and superficial textural irregularity.
Fine lines & photodamage
More intensive peels may improve selected fine lines and sun damage where downtime is appropriate.
Clear-skin treatment context
For acne-prone skin, chemical peels can be one part of a wider treatment plan. This video discusses clear-skin treatment at Santi and the role of prescription options such as isotretinoin in appropriately selected patients.
Acne pathways
Peels are not the answer for every type of acne
Salicylic, mandelic and other superficial peels can help selected congestion, blackheads and post-acne marks, but inflammatory acne may need medical assessment and prescription treatment.
If acne is active, persistent or scarring, we may recommend a broader treatment plan rather than simply increasing peel strength.
Suitability & safety
Why skin tone, history and preparation matter
A peel is a controlled injury to the skin. The risk of prolonged inflammation, PIH, infection or scarring rises when treatment depth is inappropriate, skin is inflamed, or aftercare is poor.
We may postpone or modify treatment with:
- Active infection, cold sores or open skin
- Sunburn or recent significant tanning
- Active dermatitis, eczema or significant irritation
- Recent procedures not fully healed
- Known abnormal scarring or healing concerns
Please tell us about:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Prescription retinoids, isotretinoin or other acne medication
- Retinoids, acids and strong topical actives
- History of hyperpigmentation after inflammation
- Cold sores, immune suppression or delayed healing
Deeper skin tones: chemical peels can be appropriate for many darker skin types, but product, depth, preparation and aftercare need particular care because PIH risk can be higher.
Preparation and aftercare
Before your peel
- Follow any priming plan prescribed for your skin and peel depth.
- Pause retinoids or irritating actives only as advised.
- Use daily broad-spectrum SPF and avoid deliberate tanning.
- Tell us about pregnancy, cold sores, recent procedures and medication.
- Do not arrive with active sunburn, broken skin or a dermatitis flare.
After your peel
- Do not pick, peel or scrub flaking skin.
- Use gentle cleansing, moisturiser/emollient and advised recovery products.
- Use SPF 50 consistently and minimise direct UV exposure.
- Avoid heat, saunas and strenuous exercise for the period advised.
- Delay retinoids, acids and scrubs until the barrier has recovered.
- Contact us for blistering, increasing pain, discharge or marked swelling.
Peels are not limited to the face
Product and strength are adapted by body site because thickness, sensitivity, healing and pigmentation risk differ.
FaceTone, congestion, texture
NeckSelected pigment and texture
HandsPhotodamage and uneven tone
ChestSelected sun-related concerns
BackCongestion and post-acne marks
For those who want to understand peels in more detail
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)
Glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids are water-soluble exfoliating acids commonly used for brightness, mild texture irregularity and selected pigmentation. Their molecular size and penetration differ.
Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA)
Salicylic acid is oil-soluble and particularly useful where sebum, comedones and pore congestion are prominent.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
TCA causes controlled protein coagulation. Depending on concentration, technique and passes it can create more substantial resurfacing and therefore needs more planning for recovery and pigment risk.
Peels for acne and acne marks
Peels can help comedonal acne, superficial congestion and post-inflammatory marks, but inflammatory acne or deeper scars may need medical treatment, microneedling, laser or combination approaches.
Peels for pigmentation
Superficial pigmentation may improve with pigment-regulating protocols. Melasma behaves differently from a simple sun spot and can be aggravated by inflammation, heat and UV exposure; structured programmes such as Dermamelan may be considered for selected cases.
How many peels will I need?
There is no universal course. A single light peel may suit maintenance, while congestion, pigment and texture may require a series. Stronger is not automatically better.
Skin peel FAQs
Which peel should I choose?
We match acid family and depth to your concern, skin tone, sensitivity, products and available downtime.
How many sessions will I need?
Some clients want a single glow treatment; others benefit from a series. Pigmentation, congestion, texture and scars often need a longer plan.
Are chemical peels safe for deeper skin tones?
They can be, with careful product selection, conservative depth, preparation and strict sun protection.
Will my skin visibly peel?
Not necessarily. Light peels may produce little visible flaking, while Jessner and TCA are more likely to produce obvious peeling.
Can chemical peels help acne?
Selected peels can help congestion, blackheads and superficial post-acne marks. More inflammatory acne may require medical assessment.
Can a peel help acne scars?
Superficial texture and pigmentation may improve, but deeper atrophic or tethered scars often require other treatments.
Can I have a peel during pregnancy?
Pregnancy changes what we consider appropriate. Tell us before treatment so ingredients, depth and alternatives can be reviewed.
Can I use retinol before a peel?
You may be asked to pause retinoids before treatment depending on the product, strength, skin condition and planned peel.
Is TCA better than mandelic acid?
They serve different purposes. TCA can produce deeper resurfacing with more downtime; mandelic is gentler and often chosen for sensitive or pigment-prone skin.
Plan your peel in South Kensington
Tell us what you want to improve, your previous peel history and how much downtime you can accommodate. We can recommend a conservative light peel, a structured resurfacing plan or another treatment if that is safer.
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