Peels · 7 min read ·
Chemical peels explained: which peel is right for you?
From a gentle lunchtime peel to a deeper resurfacing treatment, how to choose the right strength for your skin and your diary.
Quick answer: Start gentle. The ZO Restorative Peel or Obagi Blue Peel Radiance suit first-timers, the ZO Stimulator Peel suits oily and congested skin, and The Perfect Peel or ZO 3-Step Peel give deeper results with up to a week of peeling.
What a peel does
A peel uses acids to lift dead and damaged cells so fresher skin can come through. Deeper peels also stimulate collagen and fade pigmentation.
Gentle peels
The ZO Restorative Peel uses lactic, citric and mandelic acids for brightness with no downtime. The Obagi Blue Peel Radiance clears congestion and red marks with light flaking for a few days.
Stronger peels
The Perfect Peel combines glutathione, TCA and retinoic acid for pigmentation and tone, with peeling from day three. The ZO 3-Step Peel is our most intensive option for texture and sun damage.
Preparing and recovering
Avoid retinol for a few days before, do not peel off flaking skin, and wear SPF every day afterwards. Timing matters, so avoid booking a stronger peel in the week before an event.
Common questions
Are peels safe for darker skin?
Yes, with the right peel and skin preparation. That is why we always assess your skin first.
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Written by the Skin Deep Aesthetics clinical team, 6 Carlisle Road, Derry. This article is general information, not medical advice. Book a consultation for advice about your own skin.
