Clogged pores & bumps
Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, making it useful for congested follicles and breakout-prone skin.
Skin Peels · Body
Back Peel for Bacne
A targeted body peel for the upper and mid-back to help reduce breakouts, decongest pores, smooth rough texture and gradually improve the look of post-blemish marks.
We typically use a salicylic-led formula, often combined with lactic acid, and adjust strength and frequency according to your skin, current breakouts and tolerance.
Active back breakouts and the marks they leave behind
Inflammatory breakouts
Where superficial acne is active, we use a conservative peel plan designed to decongest without over-irritating the skin.
Post-blemish marks
Repeated treatment may gradually improve the look of residual post-inflammatory marks and uneven tone.
What happens in a back peel?
Step 1
Cleanse & prep
The back is thoroughly cleansed and degreased to remove surface oil and help the peel apply evenly.
Step 2
Targeted peel
A salicylic-led peel — often with lactic acid — is selected according to congestion, inflammation, pigmentation and skin sensitivity.
Step 3
Optional extractions
Where appropriate, selected clogged pores can be treated with gentle manual extractions. This is an optional add-on rather than an automatic part of every peel.
Step 4
Calm & protect
The treatment finishes with soothing hydration and barrier support. Blue/red LED can be added where useful.
Why this combination?
Salicylic for congestion, lactic for surface refinement
The back is often oilier and thicker-skinned than the face, so treatment needs to address both follicular congestion and visible surface texture.
What each step contributes
- Salicylic acid: helps loosen oil and debris within congested pores.
- Lactic acid: supports surface exfoliation while being relatively hydration-friendly.
- Extractions: useful selectively for accessible clogged pores.
- Blue/red LED: optional support for breakout-prone and inflamed skin.
Back peel prices
Single session
£350
Includes consultation, customised peel protocol and aftercare guidance.
Course of 6
£1,750
Six treatments for the price of five. Sessions are usually spaced 2–4 weeks apart according to response.
Optional add-ons
Extractions: +£25
Blue / red LED: +£40
Not everyone needs six sessions. Many treatment plans involve 3–6 sessions initially, with maintenance based on how the skin responds.
When a peel is useful — and when another route is better
Back peels may be suitable for:
- Comedonal or mildly inflammatory back acne
- Congested pores and rough surface texture
- Residual post-acne marks
- Clients who want a structured body-acne treatment course
We may postpone or recommend medical review for:
- Widespread painful cystic or nodular acne
- Active infection, broken skin or significant dermatitis
- Recent sunburn
- Oral isotretinoin within the previous six months
- Rapidly worsening acne or active scarring that needs medical management
Severe or persistent acne may be better managed with a GP or dermatologist; we can coordinate care where appropriate.
What to expect afterwards
Pinkness & light flaking
Temporary tightness, pinkness and light flaking can occur for around 1–3 days.
Heat & exercise
Avoid intense exercise, hot yoga, sauna and steam for around 24–48 hours after treatment.
Pause strong actives
Retinoids, exfoliating acids and scrubs are usually paused for around 5–7 days or as advised.
Keep the area clean and moisturised, avoid heavy backpacks or tight straps while the skin is tender, and use broad-spectrum SPF if the back will be exposed.
Back peel FAQs
How many sessions will I need?
Most plans involve around 3–6 sessions initially, typically 2–4 weeks apart. The number depends on congestion, inflammation, pigmentation and response.
Will the skin visibly peel?
Not necessarily. Some people experience little visible peeling, while others have light dryness or flaking for a few days. More peeling does not automatically mean a better result.
Can you do extractions during the peel?
Yes, where appropriate. Selected manual extractions can be added for £25, but we do not force or aggressively extract inflamed lesions.
What does LED add?
Blue/red LED can be added for £40. Blue light is commonly used as an adjunct for breakout-prone skin, while red light can support inflammatory calming and recovery.
Can a back peel remove acne scars?
Superficial peels may improve post-inflammatory marks and surface texture, but established depressed or raised scars often require a different approach such as resurfacing or other specialist treatment.
Can I exercise after a back peel?
We usually advise avoiding intense exercise and excessive heat for around 24–48 hours because sweat, friction and heat can irritate freshly treated skin.
Can I have this while taking isotretinoin?
No. The current Santi protocol does not treat clients taking oral isotretinoin or within six months of completing it. Please tell us about all acne medication before booking.
Other options for acne, congestion and texture
Santi London · South Kensington
Ready to treat back acne more systematically?
Tell us whether the main concern is active breakouts, congestion, post-acne marks or a mixture of all three. We’ll tailor the peel strength, cadence and add-ons accordingly.
40–50 minutes · £350 single session · Course of 6 £1,750 · Extractions +£25 · LED +£40