Chemical peels: everything you need to know in one place

This page brings together our articles on chemical peels in reading order. Start with how the treatment works, then the risks and warning signs; you will also find what to do after treatment.

1 · Start here

Treatment GuidesChemical Peels: What They Are, Who They Suit and What Recovery InvolvesThe differences between superficial, medium and deep chemical peels, recovery times, risk of pigment spots, who needs caution and aftercare advice.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board

2 · By area, type and related treatments

Safety CentreLaser, IPL and Chemical Peels on Olive and Darker Skin: Pigmentation Risk, Choice of Device and Safety PrecautionsAre laser, IPL and peels safe on olive and darker skin? Risk of darkening and lightening, tanned skin, wavelength choice, test pulses and sun protection.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Start With a ConcernDark Spots and Melasma: Causes, When to See a Physician and What Treatments Are AvailableWhat sun spots, melasma and post-inflammatory spots are, when to see a physician, why sun protection is essential and what treatments are available.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Start With a ConcernAcne Scars: Types, Treatment Options and Realistic ExpectationsTypes of acne scars, the difference between marks and scars, treating active acne first, and realistic expectations from laser, peels and microneedling.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board

3 · Risks

Safety CentreProblems after a Chemical Peel: Prolonged Redness, Dark Spots, Infection and Scarring — What to Do?Problems after a chemical peel: prolonged redness, dark spots, cold sores, infection, scarring. Telling normal healing apart, home care and urgent signs.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Safety CentreSpots and Milia (White Cysts) after Laser and PeelsSpots and white cysts (milia) after laser and peels: why they occur, when they clear, telling them from infection and cold sores, when to see a doctor.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Safety CentreInfection after Aesthetic Treatments: Symptoms, Cold Sore Flare-ups, Late Infection and What to DoHow can infection after an aesthetic treatment be recognised? Normal redness vs infection, cold sore flare-ups, late infections and when it is urgent.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board

4 · Emergencies and aftercare

GuidesAftercare Following Medical Aesthetic Procedures: General Principles and Warning SignsGeneral aftercare principles after injections, laser, peels and device treatments; what is normal, and when to call your physician or 112.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board GuidesSunscreen Guide: How Do You Choose One, How Much Should You Apply and How Often Should You Reapply?How to choose sunscreen, how much to apply and how often to reapply. SPF, broad spectrum, mineral and chemical filters, tinted products, common mistakes.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Safety CentreMedicines That Cause Sensitivity to Light: Before Laser, IPL and PeelsLight-sensitising medicines, herbal products and plants such as lemon and fig: why they matter before laser, IPL and peels, and what to tell a physician.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board