Understanding What Chemical Peeling Is and What It Can Do for Your Skin
Chemical peels are medical facials designed to improve a variety of skin concerns by exfoliating the top layer of your skin. During the procedure, chemical peels remove the outer layers of the skin, which helps to reveal new, healthy skin underneath. These treatments encourage new skin and cell growth, resulting in a fresher, more radiant complexion. Additionally, chemical peels can stimulate collagen production and new cell growth, further enhancing skin rejuvenation.
What Are Chemical Skin Peels and How Do They Work?
A chemical skin peel provokes regeneration of the skin by causing controlled damage to specific layers of the skin. Depending on the peel type, the chemical solution penetrates either the upper skin layer, or in the case of deeper peels, can reach the lower layers. During the process, dead skin cells are removed to reveal new, healthy skin underneath. While chemical peels can be used on various areas of the body, the face is the most common treatment area.
Various acids are used, such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid as the active ingredients, and the choice of acid determines the type of peel, the depth and the overall effect. Mandelic or lactic acid peels are preferable for sensitive skin due to their gentleness, making them a suitable option for individuals with delicate skin.
Skin peels are grouped into four main categories based on peel depth: very superficial, superficial, medium, and deep — each representing a type of chemical peel and referring to how deeply they penetrate the skin, which in turn influences treatment outcomes and risk. Superficial peels are suitable for all skin types and are helpful for conditions like skin dullness and mild acne.
Very superficial and superficial (Light peels) are the typical type of peel used in clinic and suitable for most patients. It is a type of chemical peel that affects only the outermost layer of the skin. You may see some light skin flaking (at most) from these peels.
Medium peels are a type of chemical peel that reaches deeper layers of the skin. These can be intense and the highest strength that we do in clinic. Typically you would see some full skin peeling from these. Medium peels penetrate into the upper dermis, affecting the papillary dermis.
Deep peels are a type of chemical peel that penetrate deep into the skin layers. They typically require hospital admission and careful monitoring. The results can be more dramatic, but require much more downtime.
In clinic, we generally offer very superficial or superficial types of chemical peels, occasionally medium peels, depending on your skin type and goals.
What Can Chemical Peels Treat?
Chemical peels are used to treat an array of skin concerns, including:
Rough or uneven skin texture
Enlarged pores
Acne and acne scars
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Freckles and sun damage
Oiliness and blemishes
Early signs of ageing (fine lines, dullness)
Pigmentation issues such as melasma, uneven tone, and uneven pigmentation
Product Spotlight: Obagi Blue Radiance & AlumierMD Peels at our Tunbridge Wells Clinic
At The Face Workshop, we offer the following professional peel systems:
Obagi Blue Radiance System
AlumierMD Professional Peel System
Don't be afraid! These superficial "peels" do not make your face peel, but will leave your skin feeling soft, refreshed and glowing. Your practitioner will discuss the options with you!
What’s included? A Skin Cleanse, Skin Preparation, A Peel Choice below, Recovery Balm, SPF
Alumier MD Lactic (Radiant 30)- 30% lactic acid. Exfoliates, boosts cell turnover, and improves hydration. Ideal for addressing fine lines, uneven skin tone, and dullness, it leaves the skin brighter, smoother, and rejuvenated.
Alumier MD Hybrid (Radiant 20/10)- 20% lactic acid and 10% salicylic acid. As above except this peel introduces Salicylic acid which is good for targeting acne or blemish-prone skin.
Obagi Blue Peel Radiance- 20% Salicylic Acid, 2% Glycolic Acid, 2% Lactic Acid. A strong dose of Salicylic acid helps to unclog pores and refreshes dull, tired skin. Ideal for acne prone or dull skin.
Alumier MD Detox Clear- 4% Hydrogen peroxide, 0.5% salicylic acid, 6% lactic acid. Multi-action treatment. Antibacterial hydrogen peroxide, exfoliating salicylic/lactic acids, and hydrating niacinamide. Can be used in isolation or as a booster with other peels.
Alumier MD Vitamin A- 20% lactic acid, 3% retinol (Vit-A). Improves skin texture, and enhances tone by boosting cell turnover, strengthening elasticity, and addressing hyperpigmentation. Ideal for mature or sun-damaged skin. Can be used in isolation or as a booster with other peels.
We do also offer the Obagi Blue Peel, which is a medium depth peel. This is subject to an in depth consultation and assessment of suitability following one of the above peels.
Light Chemical Peels for the Face
Facial peels are among the most popular treatments to rejuvenate the skin. In clinic, our clients often combine a light chemical peel with a customised facial to enhance results. This combination not only removes dead skin cells from the outermost layers but also deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin, improving skin texture, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and promoting a healthy, radiant complexion. By pairing chemical exfoliation with targeted facial treatments, we can address multiple skin concerns in one session for smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin.
Chemical Peeling Near Me – Where to Find a Clinic and How to Book an Appointment
All bookings are managed securely through our online booking system, and our reception team is happy to answer any questions by phone or email. If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, please contact our team directly. Due to our limited availability, all treatments must be booked in advance, and we are rarely able to accommodate walk-ins. To secure your appointment, we require a £50 deposit, in line with most beauty salons in Tunbridge Wells. Our diary fills quickly, so we recommend booking well ahead to reserve your preferred time. If you need to amend or cancel, we kindly ask for at least 72 hours’ notice. For full details, please review our terms and conditions page.
The Face Workshop is based in central Tunbridge Wells, Kent, making it easy to access from surrounding areas like Tonbridge, Paddock Wood, Southborough, and Sevenoaks. We also service some chemical peel customers from London being only 45 minutes on a train from London Bridge.
Our full address is located below:
8 Ely Court, Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2SP
Appointments available Monday to Saturday, including evenings. Please note we are closed on Sundays, but do undertake one Sunday clinic per month. Reach out to us to find out what the Sunday date is this month.
The Chemical Peeling Process
How Long Does a Chemical Peel Take?
Most skin peel sessions take around 30 minutes. Multiple sessions are often needed to achieve the best results, with your practitioner recommending the right course for your needs.
How Often Should You Have a Chemical Peel?
For optimal results, we recommend scheduling peels every 4–6 weeks.
A course of 3–6 sessions is typical, although some clients with minimal concerns may need fewer.
Does Chemical Peeling Hurt?
Most patients experience a tingling, warm, or stinging sensation during treatment. The deeper the peel, the stronger the sensation — but this is temporary and manageable.
Mild swelling can also occur after medium or superficial peels, but it typically resolves within a few days.
When Will I Notice Results?
Results are often visible within a few days for superficial peels, and around one week for deeper treatments. Skin looks smoother, brighter, and more even-toned.
Any redness or swelling that occurs after the peel will gradually disappear as the skin heals.
Is There Any Recovery Time?
After very superficial or superficial peels, you may experience mild dryness or flaking during the first week.
It is important to follow these aftercare steps for optimal healing:
Use a hydrating moisturiser
Wear SPF 30+ daily (available in clinic)
Avoid sunbeds and long sun exposure for 2 weeks
Avoid makeup and intense heat (saunas, exercise) for 24–48 hours.
Patients are advised to avoid picking or peeling the desquamating skin after a chemical peel to prevent irritation and ensure proper healing.
Use a hydrating moisturiser
Wear SPF 30+ daily (available in clinic)
Avoid sunbeds and long sun exposure for 2 weeks
Avoid makeup and intense heat (saunas, exercise) for 24–48 hours.
Stay hydrated and stay protected from the sun during your recovery, as these habits are important for supporting your skin’s healing process.
After the initial recovery period, you can return to your normal skincare routine.
Case Study: Transforming Skin Texture and Acne Scarring with the Obagi Blue Radiance Peel From our Tunbridge Wells Clinic
Isabelle presented to our clinic with uneven skin tone, acne scars, and textural irregularities on the cheeks and jawline. After just one 12-minute Obagi Blue Radiance Peel — the results were already visible.
Within days, the outermost layers of dead skin cells were gently exfoliated, revealing smoother, healthier skin underneath. The skin texture appeared more refined, pores looked minimised, and post-inflammatory redness began to calm.
This type of light chemical peel is suitable for a wide range of skin types and skin concerns, including mild scarring, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation. It’s performed as an outpatient procedure with minimal downtime — you can usually wear makeup and return to daily activities the next day, provided sun protection is applied.
While a single treatment can create a noticeable glow, we often recommend a plan of 3–6 peels for deeper improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, and ageing skin.
The Obagi Blue Radiance Peel is a perfect introduction to chemical exfoliation, helping to resurface the epidermal layer safely and effectively — revealing a more youthful appearance and refreshed, radiant complexion.
How Much Do Chemical Peels Cost?
This can vary from clinic to clinic and the type and brand of peel, but generally for a light to medium peel, you’ll see prices between £60 -£300. If you’d like to see the prices of the peels in our clinic then please click here or the button to go through to our price list.
We also have a welcome offer on a chemical peel entitling you to 25% off your first treatment. If that is of interest to you then feel free to access that offer by clicking here.
The Face Workshop - Reviews
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I had the best appointment with Georgie. She is so knowledgeable and really took the time to understand my skin and what I hoped for from the appointment. The treatment was amazing. I will definitely be back.
Laura ★★★★★
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I recently had the Obagi Blue Radiance skin peel. It leaves your skin fresh and glowing! I cannot wait to see you again soon.
Charlotte ★★★★★
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Georgie is the loveliest person and made me feel so comfortable from the moment I met her! My treatment went so smoothly and Georgie really gives you all the knowledge you need to know — I’ve learnt so much!
Caitlin ★★★★★
Meet Georgina – Clinical Director and Founder of The Face Workshop in Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Hi, I’m Georgina — a qualified nurse with a passion for helping people feel confident in their skin using treatments such as Chemical Peels.
With years of experience in delivering safe, natural-looking treatments, I founded The Face Workshop to offer a more personal, honest approach to beauty treatments. I understand that choosing the right practitioner is just as important as the service itself, which is why I take the time to really listen to your goals, explain everything clearly, and make sure you feel completely comfortable throughout your journey.
I specialise in medical-grade skin resurfacing and professional skincare with brands such as AlumierMD and Obagi — both known for their clean science, professional-only formulations, and proven results. My focus is on using chemical peels safely and effectively to restore radiance, improve texture, and target specific skin concerns such as pigmentation, acne, and fine lines.
My approach is honest, supportive, and personalised — no fads or quick fixes, just evidence-based treatments designed to promote long-term skin health and confidence.
Whether you’re completely new to chemical peels or ready to take your results to the next level, II’ll be with you every step of the way to create a bespoke peel plan that suits your skin type, goals, and lifestyle.
Benefits and Advantages of Chemical Peeling
Some of the advantages and benefits of Chemical peels are listed below:
Stimulate cell turnover and natural skin renewal for smoother, healthier skin.
Brighten and even out skin tone, improving areas of uneven pigmentation or sun damage.
Refine skin texture and minimise the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores.
Reduce acne scars, mild scarring, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation for a clearer complexion.
Improve skin elasticity and radiance by promoting collagen production and encouraging a more youthful appearance.
Help manage a variety of skin conditions, including sun damaged skin, age spots, and ageing skin. Medium peels are particularly effective for reducing the appearance of acne scars and superficial fine lines and wrinkles.
Depending on your skin type and goals, we offer a range of light peels, superficial peels, and medium-depth peels. Each treatment is selected carefully to target your specific skin texture, tone, and concerns while ensuring safety and visible results.
FAQs About Chemical Peeling
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Peels are particularly effective for hyperpigmentation, uneven pigmentation, and melasma, helping to reduce dark spots and even out skin tone. A chemical peel would probably be on of the first things we would recommend for someone with Hyperpigmentation.
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Yes, when tailored to your individual skin type and assessed by qualified clinicians. However, various factors must be considered before proceeding with a peel to ensure safety and optimal results.
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While at-home peels exist, they are less potent than in clinic treatments and should be used cautiously. For visible and safe results, stick to professional-grade peels like AlumierMD and Obagi Blue Radiance are clinically formulated and administered by trained practitioners for consistent outcomes. Deep peels must be performed by a qualified medical professional to prevent serious side effects and ensure patient safety.
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Contraindications include certain medical conditions such as active skin infections, open wounds, eczema, psoriasis, or a history of keloid scarring. Individuals with very sensitive skin, recent use of isotretinoin, or those who have undergone recent cosmetic procedures may also not be suitable candidates. It is essential to discuss your medical history and skin concerns with your clinician to identify any contraindications before treatment.
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Yes — many treatment plans combine peels with skincare or laser therapy for enhanced results. It is important to follow a comprehensive treatment plan developed by your clinician for the best outcomes.
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Both microneedling and chemical peels are effective for improving skin texture, uneven skin tone, and fine lines, but they work in different ways. Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries to stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity, making it ideal for deep scars and deeper wrinkles. Chemical peels, on the other hand, use a chemical solution to exfoliate the outer layers of skin, addressing surface imperfections such as acne scars, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation. In many cases, these treatments can be combined as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to achieve smoother, healthier, and more radiant skin.
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Your practitioner may recommend specific products to optimise your results and minimise irritation. Several factors should be considered before treatment, including your skin type, medical history, and previous procedures. These will be sent to you before your appointment
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For services such chemical peels you may feel brief discomfort. We’ll give you clear aftercare guidance to support your recovery.
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You don't need a specific separate consultation, but if its your first time we recommend that you do so we can provide you with a plan that is right for you. Each service, especially on your first visit, will have some form of consultation and checks on the day to ensure you are safe and well informed.
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The best way to check our latest availability and book an appointment is by using our online booking system.
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We take all major debit and credit cards including Amex. We also can offer flexible payment terms with Klarna. We accept cash but do not accept cheque.
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As a lot of our services use strong medical grade ingredients, you will be asked to provide your medical and treatment history and complete consent forms so we can do some pre-appointment checks. On the day, please arrive promptly, with no makeup on, clean skin and well hydrated.
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Consultations include a medical/skin history review, discussion of goals, treatment options, risks, and aftercare guidelines. Within a week after your consultation, you'll also receive a bespoke treatment plan.
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Typically most services last 1 hour with some, such as anti-wrinkle, lasting slightly less.
