Frequently asked questions
Why Have a Medik8 Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels are fast becoming the number one clinical skin treatment worldwide. At a fraction of the price of laser, they can significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles, pigmentation and blemishes with less discomfort and downtime.
How peels work?
Our skin is made up of protein, water and other minor structural chemicals. Proteins are complex chains of amino acids which are very sensitive to the level of PH surrounding them. When the skins proteins react with an acid in a low pH, coagulation occurs. The lower the pH, the stronger the acid and therefore more coagulation occurs. The lower the pH, the more acidic the solution and therefore it will penetrate the skin deeper.
What acids are used within Medik8 peels?
AHA - Lactic - stimulates and exfoliates
BHA - Salicylic acid - deep cleansing and antibacterial
Polydroxy acids - Lactobionic acid - Anti-inflammatory, reduces redness and contains powerful antioxidants promoting cellular turnover.
Who will benefit from a peel?
Anyone looking for significant results with moderate downtime and peeling or anyone who wants to prepare their skin for a deeper peel. Medik8 peels can help with Pigmentation, Blemishes, General Scarring, Dull complexions and Fine lines and wrinkles.
Pre- peel skin preparation
Prior to all peel treatments we advise UGLYS AESTHETIC CLINIC to come for a skin Health assessment in which we can discuss your needs and expectations to ensure you receive the best treatment for your concerns. All peel UGLYS AESTHETIC CLINIC will be given complimentary Vitamin C and Retinol to use 2 weeks prior to their peel to prepare their skin. Medik8 believe that this step enhances the results from our superficial peels and all UGLYS AESTHETIC CLINIC must complete this prior to treatment commencement.
How do I book a Medik8 Chemical Peel?
Chemical Peel Medik8 Options
Rewind
A targeted formulation that helps to promote collagen production to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Even
A brightening peel targeting sun damage, hyperpigmentation and dull, uneven skin Helps to restore a more oven and radiant complexion.
Clarity
A powerful blend of acids that sink deep into pores to effectively clarify and decongest the complexion. Rapidly brings blemishes under control and dramatically reduces the risk of future breakouts.
Universal AHA
Suitable for everyone and any skin concern, it visibly brightens, smoothes, decongests and revitalises the skin. Ideal for a first time peel or to maintain results from other peels.
Sensitive PHA
A new addition for extremely sensitive or redness-prone skin to visibly smooth skin texture and help promote stronger skin barrier.
Eye Reveal
An ultra-gentle yet effective solution to target signs of ageing around the delicate eye area
Mono Peels
Medik8 also offers single-acid peels for extra-tailored care. Your Medik8 professional can choose from a range of different strengths. They will determine the layers of actives you need following a skin consultation.
Patch test is required 2 weeks prior to your first chemical peel
What is a chemical peel?
Medik8 chemical peels are professional-grade exfoliating acids applied to the skin with a small brush to help resurface and retexture.
Which chemical peel is right for me?
When you book in with one of our experienced Medik8 therapists, you will be given a pre-peel consultation 2 weeks before your treatment date.
This is to assess your skin type and needs, so your therapist can use their high level of expertise to find a treatment tailored to you.
Beginners may wish to start with a Sensitive PHA Professional Skin Peel, suitable for extremely sensitive or redness-prone skin.
From here on you can move onto more advanced peels, such as Rewind Professional Skin Peel, which helps to diminish stubborn fine lines and wrinkles, or Clarity Professional Skin Peel, ideal for rebalancing blemish-prone skin.
What does a chemical peel feel like?
Peels can cause some mild discomfort and temporary redness; dependent on the strength of the peel you have chosen.
Above all else – relax. The peeling process provides you with some valuable me-time, so enjoy the peace and allow yourself to switch into relaxation mode.
After all of our peel protocols, we apply Ultimate Recovery™ Bio-Cellulose Mask to rapidly cool, restore and soothe the skin
How do I prepare for a skin peel?
Prep your skin. We will provide you with products to prepare your skin in the 2 weeks prior to your peel.
It has been proven that vitamin C and vitamin A can increase skin cell renewal, which reduces the healing time involved in peels.
Try our CE-Tetra® (or one of our many other vitamin C products) every morning for 2 weeks prior to your peel.
Add in vitamin A in the evening, in the form of Crystal Retinal 6™, or one of our vitamin A serums to see best results
Can I have just one chemical peel to improve my skin?
It is possible to just have a single peel, but we recommend a course of 6 to really see the long-term skin benefits.
It's a little like going to the gym; you can go occasionally but the real results will come when you commit to an ongoing programme.
We make starting your peel journey really easy with our Medik8 12 Weeks to WOW programme - basically 'personal training for your skin'.
Our trained therapists will work with you over a 12 week period to visibly transform your skin through a bespoke programme of in-clinic treatments and at-home care to achieve skin that really wows.
Are chemical peels right for everyone?
Chemical peels are suitable for almost everyone and we have a varied range from our Sensitive PHA Peel which is suitable for very sensitive skins right through to our mono peels which use high-strength single acids that can even be layered to target stubborn concerns.
Certain skin conditions/people may be 'contra-indicated' and therefore shouldn't go down the peel route until the skin is normalised. However, there are lots of other treatment options we offer.
Is there downtime after a chemical peel?
By definition, the application of acids to the skin may cause redness, skin flaking and mild peeling; but every skin is different. Our low PH, high active acid peels are delivered using a time-release molecule (Arginine) to give fantastic results with less downtime. We recommend not to wear makeup for the first 12 hours post-peel to ensure the skin remains bacteria-free.
You will be recommended a comprehensive aftercare routine to continue with at home to ensure your skin recovers and rejuvenates correctly. As a general rule, expect flaking from around the 3rd day post-peel for a maximum of 5 further days.
You should avoid direct sun exposure during these recovery days and always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
We recommend UGLYS AESTHETIC CLINIC go home with our Physical Sunscreen which is a mineral, non-nano, broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 which provides great protection and as mineral sunscreen is very gentle on compromised skin.
To get the absolute best results from your peel we recommend using a post-treatment skincare kit. You will receive one of these free when you buy a course of 6 treatments, or at a discounted price when you buy a course of 3 or a single peel.
What results can I expect after my chemical peel?
24 hours post-peel your skin will likely feel a little tight and appear slightly flushed. Within 3 days your skin will start to flake but within the week you will start to see clearer, more uniform skin tone.
Over a course of 6 peels, results will be even more visibly profound.
We will track the progress of your skin transformation by taking a series of images throughout your treatment plan.
Should I have a facial or a chemical peel?
We recommend professional treatments alongside at-home care so you can achieve the best possible result.
Many of us enjoy lovely, pampering facials but are often left disappointed by the results which fade the very same day. With Medik8, you don't have to make a choice between results and experience.
You can have both. Using cosmeceutical grade, proven ingredients across our treatments means you will visibly see noticeable changes in your skin both immediately and over time.
Chemical Peels - For the best results, we recommend a course of 6 chemical peels. Take a look at our Peels menu to see which concerns we treat.
We basically have something for everyone from our Sensitive PHA Peel which is suitable for even the most sensitive, redness-prone skin right up to our very high-level mono peels crafted with single acids designed to target stubborn skin concerns.
Or why not leave it to us and join our 12 Weeks to WOW personal training for skin programme?
Your very own Medik8 trained professional will work with you to tailor 6 professional peel treatments to your exact requirements and skin goals alongside complementary at-home skincare to deliver incredible results - your 'wow' moment as we call it.
Facial Peels - Are great when you have spare time, but we know it's not always easy to find precious moments in our busy schedules for them.
That's why we also offer a menu of zero-downtime professional treatments too which deliver immediate, noticeable results, smell and feel amazing and deliver that bit of me-time with less commitment.
Dos and Don’ts following a chemical peel?
Don't pick at any flaky skin. Your skin is naturally turning over after you're peel and picking may create soreness and even scarring.
Don't use any harsh exfoliants (chemical (AHA/ BHA cleansers/toners) or physical (grainy scrubs)) for at least 3 days post-peel. Don't spend extended periods of time in direct sunlight.
Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin.
Stick to the aftercare regime that we give to you.
You can read more about preparation for a peel and aftercare here.
Pre -Peel Consultation
A pre-peel consultation must take place approximately 2 weeks before performing the first peel
procedure.
At the consultation your skin will be analysed and photos taken, medical history taken, and the
appropriate peel discussed with you. A patch test will also be performed by applying a small
amount of peel to your inner arm.
Your skin needs to be prepped for 2 weeks prior to your peel with Vitamin C and Retinol. This will be
provided at your skin consultation appointment. For Fitzpatrick skin type 4 (olive to moderate
brown natural skin tone e.g. Asian) to 6 (black natural skin tone e.g. Nigerian) skin prep to be a
minimum of 4 weeks and will include a pigment suppressant (White Balance Brightening Serum).
