There’s something satisfying about the idea of shedding old skin to bring out a fresher complexion underneath, and peels have long been one of the most effective ways to do exactly that. They might seem like a modern aesthetic treatment, but the concept has been around for many centuries.
As early as the 1700s, women were known to apply wine to their skin. Today we know that tartaric acid, present in wine, is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA); other more common AHAs such as glycolic acid and lactic acid are widely used in today’s peels and skincare products.
Even ancient cultures, from the Greeks to the Egyptians, experimented with natural acids found in fruit and milk to exfoliate the skin. Today, science refined these methods into precise, personalised treatments designed to treat many concerns from fine lines to acne.
Peels speed up the skin’s natural renewal process. Your skin is constantly shedding and regenerating, but this process slows down with age, leading to dullness, uneven texture, and an accumulation of dead skin cells. Peels help remove these dead skin cells faster, encouraging new, healthier skin to emerge. Depending on the ingredients and strength of the peel, they can also stimulate collagen production, improve skin hydration, and target specific concerns like pigmentation or acne scars.
One of the biggest misconceptions about peels is that they all leave your face red and peeling for days. The truth is that peels come in a big variety of strengths and formulations, meaning they can be tailored to suit your skin type, goals and lifestyle.
Here at The Hampton Clinic, we offer Resurfacer Peels and Advanced Peels.
Resurfacer Peels are the gentler option, designed to refresh and maintain skin health with little to no downtime. We typically use enzymes or milder acids like lactic acid to exfoliate and brighten the skin, improving overall quality and texture. They’re perfect if you’re new to peels or just looking for a glow boost. Treatments like the ZO Stimulator Peel, also called the “red-carpet peel,” give instant radiance without any visible peeling, making them ideal for special events.
If you’re looking for more dramatic results, advanced peels go deeper, targeting stubborn pigmentation, acne scars and wrinkles. These contain stronger formulations which penetrate further into the skin to create more noticeable, long-lasting rejuvenation. With these, you can expect some peeling or flaking in the days after treatment, but that’s simply your old skin making way for the new. The IMAGE Perfection Lift, for example, uses a cocktail of AHAs, BHAs, and retinol to deeply resurface the skin, helping to refine pores, smooth fine lines, and even out skin tone. Advanced peels often require previous preparation with resurfacer peels and a personalised at-home skincare routine.
They can help with acne (and post-acne scars): Some peels contain salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that works deep within the pores to clear congestion, reduce inflammation, and regulate oil production. Even if you don’t have active acne right now, peels can help fade post-inflammatory pigmentation from past breakouts.
They strengthen the skin barrier: We know it sounds counterintuitive - how can exfoliation make your skin stronger? But by removing dead cells and stimulating collagen production, peels encourage your skin to repair itself more efficiently. Over time, this makes your skin more resilient.
They improve product absorption: ever feel like your serums just sit on top of your skin not really sinking in? A build-up of dead skin cells can act like a barrier, preventing skincare products from penetrating properly. After a peel, your skin is more receptive, meaning your products work better.
They can reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. While you can’t physically shrink your pores, peels help keep them clear and refined, making them appear smaller. By removing excess oil and debris, your skin looks smoother.
We always start with a consultation, where your practitioner assesses your skin type, discusses your concerns, and recommends the best peel plan for you.
Like we mentioned before, for deeper peels, some skin preparation may be required such as using specific products at home to get your skin ready for treatment. When the day of your peel arrives, your skin is cleansed before the produt is applied. You might feel a tingling or warming sensation, which is completely normal. The peel is left on for a set time before being neutralized, followed by soothing aftercare products to aid the healing process.
Your post-peel experience depends on the strength of the treatment. With a resurfacer peel, you’ll likely walk out with instantly fresher skin and no visible peeling. With an advanced peel, expect some shedding in the days following your treatment. The peeling process usually starts around day two or three and lasts for a few days.
One of the most important things after a peel is sun protection. Your new skin will be more sensitive to UV rays, so wearing SPF is non-negotiable. Consistent sunscreen use is what will keep your results looking amazing for longer.
Can anyone have a skin peel?
Peels can be tailored to almost every skin type. If you have very sensitive skin or certain skin conditions, we might recommend a different approach. Thanks to the variety of formulations we have available, there’s likely a peel that’s suited for you.
Have you booked your peel yet?
Peels are a scientifically backed method of skin rejuvenation that has stood the test of time. And with modern protocols and formulations, they’re more customisable than ever, offering impressive results with minimal downtime.
If you’ve ever been curious about peels, now’s the perfect time to explore what they can do for your skin. Book your consultation so we can discuss your personalised treatment plan.
April giveaway!
To celebrate the season of renewal, we're giving away a Resurfacer Peel to one lucky winner. To enter, simply head over to our Instagram page and check out the giveaway post for all the details.