Chemical Peels

At RiKo Aesthetics, we offer doctor-led chemical peel treatments designed to improve skin tone, texture and overall skin health. Whether you are concerned about acne, pigmentation, fine lines, sun damage or dullness, chemical peels can help reveal fresher, brighter and healthier-looking skin.

We offer a range of superficial and medium-depth peels, allowing treatment plans to be tailored to your skin concerns, skin type and desired downtime.

Every treatment begins with a thorough consultation to ensure the most appropriate peel is selected for your individual needs.

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing treatment that uses carefully selected acids to exfoliate the outer layers of the skin and stimulate cellular renewal.

As we age, skin cell turnover slows, leading to uneven texture, pigmentation, congestion and the appearance of fine lines. Chemical peels help accelerate the skin’s natural renewal process, encouraging healthier, smoother and more radiant skin.

Chemical peels vary in strength and depth, ranging from gentle superficial peels with little to no downtime through to medium-depth peels capable of addressing more significant skin concerns.

How do chemical peels work?

Chemical peels work by applying a controlled solution to the skin, causing exfoliation and stimulating regeneration of new skin cells.

The treatment can help to:

  • Improve overall skin texture
  • Brighten dull or tired-looking skin
  • Reduce pigmentation and sun damage
  • Improve acne and congestion
  • Minimise post-inflammatory pigmentation
  • Soften fine lines and wrinkles
  • Improve skin clarity and radiance
  • Stimulate collagen production

Different peel formulations target different concerns, allowing treatments to be customised for optimal results.

What types of chemical peels do we offer?

Superficial Chemical Peels

Superficial peels work within the upper layers of the skin and are ideal for:

  • Dull skin
  • Mild pigmentation
  • Mild acne
  • Enlarged pores
  • Early signs of ageing
  • Uneven skin tone

These peels typically involve minimal downtime and can often be performed as part of a regular skin maintenance programme.

Medium-Depth Chemical Peels

Medium-depth peels penetrate deeper into the skin and may be suitable for:

  • More significant sun damage
  • Moderate pigmentation
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Acne scarring
  • Uneven skin texture

These treatments generally produce more noticeable results but may involve several days of visible peeling and recovery.

Your practitioner will advise which treatment is most appropriate for your skin.

What areas can be treated?

Chemical peels can be performed on:

  • Face – the most commonly treated area for rejuvenation and skin quality improvement.
  • Neck – to improve pigmentation, texture and signs of ageing.
  • Décolletage – to address sun damage and improve overall skin appearance.
  • Hands – selected peels may help improve pigmentation and signs of photoageing on the hands.

Who is suitable for chemical peels?

Chemical peels may be suitable if you:

  • Have dull or tired-looking skin
  • Experience acne or congestion
  • Have pigmentation concerns
  • Wish to improve skin texture
  • Want brighter, healthier-looking skin
  • Are concerned about early signs of ageing
  • Are seeking a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment

Chemical peels may not be suitable for patients who:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding (depending on peel type)
  • Have active skin infections
  • Have open wounds or broken skin
  • Have recently used certain prescription acne medications
  • Have uncontrolled eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis within the treatment area
  • Have recently undergone aggressive skin treatments
  • Have a history of abnormal scarring

A consultation is required to assess suitability and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

What to expect at your appointment

Your journey begins with a detailed consultation led by an experienced doctor.

Step 1: Consultation

  • Medical history review
  • Assessment of pigmentation and skin quality
  • Review of current skincare routine
  • Discussion of goals and expectations
  • Honest advice on whether treatment is appropriate

Step 2: Treatment

  • The skin is thoroughly cleansed before application of the chosen peel solution.
  • During treatment, you may experience:
    • Mild tingling
    • Warmth
    • Temporary redness
  • Most appointments take approximately 30–45 minutes.

Step 3: Aftercare guidance

  • Clear instructions to optimise results and reduce risk

What results can you expect?

Results vary depending on the type of peel and your skin concerns.

Patients commonly notice:

  • Brighter complexion
  • Smoother skin texture
  • Improved skin clarity
  • Reduction in pigmentation
  • Fewer breakouts
  • Softer fine lines
  • More even skin tone

Many patients see visible improvements after a single treatment, although a course of treatments often produces the best outcomes.

Your practitioner may recommend a series of peels combined with medical-grade skincare for optimal results.

Safety and clinical standards

At RiKo Aesthetics, safety is prioritised through:

  • Doctor-led care with over 8 years of clinical experience
  • Advanced knowledge of facial anatomy and vascular structures
  • Comprehensive medical screening before treatment
  • Use of regulated, evidence-based products
  • Strict hygiene and infection control protocols
  • Full emergency preparedness and complication management training

You will be fully informed of all risks during your consultation.

Aftercare advice

Following the correct aftercare helps ensure optimal results:

For the first 24 – 48 hours:

  • Avoid excessive heat exposure
  • Avoid vigorous exercise
  • Do not use exfoliating products
  • Avoid picking or peeling flaking skin
  • Keep the skin well moisturised

For the following week:

  • Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50 daily
  • Avoid sunbeds and prolonged sun exposure
  • Follow your prescribed skincare routine
  • Avoid additional facial treatments unless advised

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does it hurt?
    Most patients experience mild tingling or warmth during treatment. Discomfort is generally well tolerated and temporary.
  • Will my skin peel afterwards?
    Not always. Superficial peels may cause minimal visible peeling, whilst medium-depth peels are more likely to result in noticeable skin shedding during recovery.
  • How many treatments will I need?
    Many concerns benefit from a course of 3–6 treatments spaced several weeks apart. Recommendations are tailored to your individual goals.
  • Can chemical peels help acne?
    Yes. Certain peels can help reduce congestion, improve breakouts and minimise post-inflammatory pigmentation associated with acne.
  • Are chemical peels suitable for darker skin tones?
    Many peel formulations can be used safely in darker skin types when appropriately selected and performed by experienced practitioners.
  • Can I combine chemical peels with other treatments?
    Yes. Chemical peels are often combined with medical-grade skincare, microneedling, skin boosters and regenerative treatments as part of a comprehensive skin rejuvenation plan.

Why choose RiKo Aesthetics?

Choosing the right clinic is one of the most important decisions you can make.

At RiKo Aesthetics, we offer:

Doctor-led expertise
Your treatment is performed by a medically trained professional with a deep understanding of facial anatomy, complications, and patient safety.

Natural, tailored results
No “one-size-fits-all” approach — every plan is personalised to your features and goals.

Ethical practice
We prioritise what is medically and aesthetically appropriate. If a treatment isn’t right for you, we will always say so.

Ongoing support
From consultation through to aftercare and review, your journey is fully supported.

Book your consultation

If you are considering chemical peels, the first step is a personalised consultation.

This ensures:

  • Treatment is safe and appropriate
  • Your goals are fully understood
  • You receive honest, expert guidance

At RiKo Aesthetics, we believe informed patients achieve the best outcomes and your safety will always come first.

Book Now