Considering a chemical peel in Surrey but wondering if an at-home alternative might be enough?
At-home peels—like those available in our online shop—can be a great way to refresh your skin and support your skincare routine. They’re convenient, affordable, and effective for mild exfoliation.
But when it comes to tackling deeper skin concerns like pigmentation, fine lines, or acne, a professional chemical peel offers the kind of tailored care and advanced results that at-home products simply can’t match.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the benefits of both options to help you choose what’s best for your skin.
What Exactly Is A Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a type of professional skincare procedure that involves applying an exfoliating acid solution to the face (and occasionally the neck or décolletage) in order to improve the appearance and feel of your skin. These acids gently dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, prompting them to shed. This procedure promotes cell turnover and reveals smoother, younger skin beneath.
Chemical peels come in different strengths: superficial (light), medium, and deep. At Light Touch Clinic in Surrey, we focus on safe, personalised peels that are chosen based on your skin type and concerns. Professional peels are a highly effective method to refresh and rejuvenate your complexion under expert care, with minimal downtime and visible results.
At-Home Skin Peel Options
At-home skin peel products have exploded in popularity in recent years. Retail brands offer everything from peel pads and wipes to masks and concentrated serums that promise glowing, refreshed skin without leaving your house. These over-the-counter peel products typically rely on chemical exfoliants like glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid to provide light exfoliation.
Popular Ingredients in At-Home Peels
Glycolic acid, made from sugar cane, is one of the most common active ingredients in at-home peels. It is an alpha hydroxy acid that helps remove dead skin cells and smooth skin texture. Many facial wipes contain low concentrations of glycolic acid for convenient, daily use.
Lactic acid, produced from sour milk, is another gentle alpha hydroxy peel ingredient. Popular for its hydrating properties, lactic acid exfoliates while improving the skin’s moisture levels.
Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, works well for oily and acne-prone skin types because it can penetrate and exfoliate inside pores.
Professional Chemical Peels Over At-Home Options
At Light Touch Clinic, we understand the appeal of home skin peels—convenient, budget-friendly, and often promising radiant skin with minimal effort. Our curated selection of professional-grade at-home exfoliating products, including wipes, masks, and serums, can be a great way to maintain your glow. You can explore our online shop to find options that suit your skin type.
However, a chemical peel in Surrey performed by our expert aestheticians can safely address issues including pigmentation, fine lines, and acne for deeper rejuvenation and more noticeable results.
Risks and Limitations of DIY Peels
While at-home chemical peels promise glowing skin in a convenient, inexpensive package, they have notable downsides. If not used correctly, at home chemical peel products can lead to skin irritation, redness, damage, and even scarring.
Overuse or incorrect application of peel products containing glycolic, salicylic, or other acids can compromise the skin barrier and cause irritation. Uneven application of these short-contact peels leads to uneven results, with some areas over-exfoliated and others under-treated.
The lack of pH balancing and added soothing ingredients can heighten sensitivity when using stronger over-the-counter peels, especially in those with sensitive or dry skin. Because retail products are not tested in a controlled clinic environment, allergic reactions are also more likely without diligent patch testing beforehand.
Without the guidance of a trained aesthetician, some may neglect proper skin prep work to maximise peel effectiveness and minimise irritation. A lack of aftercare advice means missed opportunities to improve and extend the peel’s results.
Some may overuse peel pads or masks, destroying their skin’s natural moisture barrier. Chemical burns, scabs, and scarring are some damaging results that can occur when at-home peels are used incorrectly without professional oversight.
When you choose products from Light Touch Clinic, you’re opting for high-quality, medical-grade solutions tailored to your skin’s unique needs. Our expertly curated selection ensures you’re using the right products in the right way, maximising the benefits while minimising the risk of irritation.
However, for deeper rejuvenation and targeted results, a professional chemical peel performed by our experienced practitioners takes your skincare to the next level—delivering safe, visible, and long-lasting outcomes you can’t achieve from at-home treatments alone.
What’s Involved with a Professional Chemical Skin Peel?
If you opt for a professional chemical peel, then you can expect to have a consultation with your chosen clinician first. During this consultation, they will assess your skin type and individual needs, and decide which strength of peel will be best for you. They will also talk through the procedure with you so that you know what to expect.
On the day of your peel, your skin will be cleansed and exfoliated. This helps to prepare it for the peel solution. The chemicals will then be applied to your skin, before being left to work their magic. You may feel a tingling or stinging sensation during this part of the process. Once the solution has been left on for long enough, it will be removed. Your skin will then be cleansed again and you’ll be given aftercare advice.
Light Touch Clinic Skin Peels
We offer a carefully selected range of professional chemical peels in Surrey to suit all skin types and concerns—helping you achieve a clearer, smoother, and more radiant complexion.
Some of our options include the Skinceuticals Micro 30 Peel with 30% glycolic acid for smoothing texture and scarring, the Advanced Corrective Peel for stubborn pigmentation like melasma, and the Toskani Purifying Peel for acne-prone skin. You can view our full range of peels or speak to our team for a personalised consultation.
Benefits of Professional In-Clinic Peels
While at-home peel products offer convenience, professional in-clinic peels performed by our expert aestheticians provide superior results and a higher level of safety and customisation. There are many advantages to getting your chemical peels done in a clinical setting.
Customised Formulas for Your Skin
One major benefit is that aestheticians can create customised peel solutions tailored specifically to your skin type and concerns. Rather than a one-size-fits-all wipe or mask, we mix medical-grade acids like glycolic and salicylic at concentrations and combinations designed for your unique skin needs. Deeper peels can be incorporated for those seeking advanced skin rejuvenation.
Precision Application for Optimal Results
In a clinical environment, our precision application tools allow for the even application of peel solutions across the face for consistent, predictable results. No areas are under or over-treated when administered by one of our experts.
Cutting-Edge Peel Technology
Professional peels also incorporate cutting-edge skincare technology and methods. The Toskani Purifying Peel, for example, represents an exciting option to reduce skin irritation and accelerate skin healing. We stay at the forefront of advanced peel techniques.
Expert Guidance for Enhanced Results
Our skin experts provide guidance on proper peel prep and aftercare to enhance results. We advise you on which products to avoid beforehand that could increase irritation. Post-peel skin is highly vulnerable, so we also recommend products to aid healing while extending the peel’s benefits such as a broad spectrum SPF 50 or a soothing cleanser cream.
High-Quality Medical-Grade Ingredients
Our chemical peels are formulated with high-strength, medical-grade acids that deliver deeper, more effective results than many over-the-counter alternatives. These professional formulations are carefully balanced with soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients—such as green tea extract and vitamin E—to minimise irritation and support skin recovery.
Relaxing Environment
We believe advanced skincare should also feel like self-care at our clinic in Surrey. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed into a calm, elegant environment designed to help you unwind.
Our treatment rooms are private, peaceful, and thoughtfully prepared to ensure your comfort throughout the process. Our focus is to make your visit feel as restorative as it is results-driven, whether it’s your first peel or a regular part of your skincare routine.
Final Thoughts
At-home chemical peels are a convenient and affordable way to maintain healthy skin and tackle mild concerns. However, for deeper issues like pigmentation, fine lines, or acne, a professional chemical peel in Surrey offers more targeted, effective results.
In-clinic peels deliver superior, long-lasting improvements that at-home treatments simply can’t match due to their expert care, medical-grade ingredients, and precise application. Whether you’re looking for a quick refresh or a more advanced solution, a chemical peel can help you achieve your skincare goals with improved safety and results.
Get in touch with one of our expert team members to discuss the best chemical peel Surrey treatment for your skin type and concerns.
