COSMEDOCS
    Doctor-led · Harley Street

    Medically reviewed by Dr Ahmed Haq, Medical Director, Cosmedocs Harley StreetGMC 6078057Last reviewed

    Harley Street, London

    Cosmedocs, 10 Harley Street, London W1G 9PF

    Speak with the clinic

    +44 20 3733 3227

    Medically reviewed

    Dr Ahmed Haq, GMC 6078057

    Peel To Reveal

    Fusion Cocktail Peel — multi-oxidants & peeling actives

    A medical facial that removes dead skin cells — the root cause of uneven texture, dull tone, and premature ageing. Fresh, clear skin revealed in one session.

    Skin Specialist-Led20–45 MinFrom £100Harley Street
    Clinical diagram showing dead skin cells being removed during a skin peel treatment

    Is this actually what you need?

    Treat the skin concern, not the trend.

    Congestion, uneven tone and sensitivity need different plans. Peel strength and timing follow skin assessment rather than a promise that stronger is better.

    Best for

    Selected superficial texture, congestion and pigment concerns with an appropriate peel.

    Not the answer for

    Lost facial support, significant laxity or inflamed skin that needs medical care first.

    Build my skin plan

    What Is a Chemical Peel?

    A chemical peel is a controlled medical procedure that uses acid solutions to remove damaged outer skin layers, stimulate collagen production, and accelerate cellular renewal. The result is smoother texture, reduced pigmentation, diminished scarring, and a brighter, more even complexion.

    At Cosmedocs Harley Street, we go beyond single-acid peels. Our clinicians combine primary peeling agents — salicylic, glycolic, lactic, and TCA acids — with supporting ingredients such as mandelic acid, azelaic acid, pyruvic acid, retinol, and clinical-grade antioxidants including glutathione, kojic acid, and vitamin C. This multi-active approach ensures each peel is precisely calibrated to your skin type, Fitzpatrick classification, and treatment goals.

    4 Years of Anti-Ageing

    One peel per year. Four years of results. This patient's skin has visibly reversed the signs of ageing — improved tone, refined texture, and a natural glow that speaks for itself.

    Before and after skin peel results over 4 years of annual treatments at Cosmedocs Harley Street

    Once-a-year skin peel — 4 years of cumulative anti-ageing results

    Our Skin Peels

    Compare our peel types and find the right treatment for your skin concerns.

    PeelBest ForPrice
    Salicylic Acid Peel Acne, oily skin, blackheads, congestionFrom £150
    Glycolic Acid Peel Fine lines, dullness, sun damage, textureFrom £100
    Lactic Acid Peel Sensitive skin, hydration, mild pigmentationFrom £100
    TCA Peel Deep scarring, pigmentation, sun damageFrom £250

    Explore Each Peel Type

    Salicylic Acid Peel

    The only BHA peel — fat-soluble, penetrating deep into pores to dissolve sebum, clear acne, and reduce oiliness. Enhanced with mandelic and azelaic acid.

    Learn more

    Glycolic Acid Peel

    The gold standard AHA with the smallest molecular size for maximum penetration. Targets fine lines, dullness, and sun damage with retinol and antioxidant support.

    Learn more

    Lactic Acid Peel

    A gentle AHA derived from milk that exfoliates whilst hydrating. Ideal for sensitive skin and mild pigmentation. Paired with azelaic acid for enhanced brightening.

    Learn more

    TCA Peel

    Medium-to-deep peel for significant scarring, pigmentation, and sun damage. Combined with retinol pre-treatment and antioxidant recovery for optimal results.

    Learn more

    Don't Be Afraid

    Real patient before and after results from a Level 1 medical peel — visible improvement in skin tone and clarity from May to June at Cosmedocs Harley Street

    Start gently · Level 1 Medical Peel

    Begin with our entry-level medical peel — a gentle, doctor-led treatment with a reassuringly simple promise.

    • 10-minute treatment — fits into your lunch break.
    • Visibly improved skin in 10 days — tone, clarity, and texture refreshed.
    • Suitable for most skin indications — pigmentation, dullness, congestion, fine lines.
    • No downtime, no flaking — you walk in, you walk out, you glow.

    Real patient — Level 1 medical peel. May → June. Doctor-led at Harley Street.

    Supporting Ingredients

    Every Cosmedocs peel is enhanced with clinically proven supporting agents that amplify results and minimise side effects.

    Mandelic Acid

    Gentle exfoliation suitable for darker skin tones; anti-bacterial properties that complement salicylic and glycolic peels.

    Azelaic Acid

    Targets melasma, rosacea, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial.

    Pyruvic Acid

    A keto acid that converts to lactic acid on the skin. Offers deeper penetration with sebum-regulating properties.

    Retinol (Vitamin A)

    Accelerates cell turnover, boosts collagen synthesis, and enhances peel efficacy when used in pre-treatment protocols.

    Antioxidants (Glutathione, Vitamin C, Kojic Acid)

    Neutralise free radicals, brighten skin, and protect newly revealed skin layers from oxidative stress.

    The Process

    01

    Skin Assessment

    Thorough consultation to determine the best peel type and strength for your skin concerns, tone, and medical history.

    02

    Pre-Treatment Preparation

    Gentle cleansing and degreasing of the skin to ensure optimal and even peel penetration.

    03

    Acid Application

    Careful, layered application of the chosen chemical solution — monitored for optimal timing and response.

    04

    Neutralisation & Calming

    Safe neutralisation of acids followed by soothing treatments and barrier repair to calm the skin.

    05

    Aftercare Protocol

    Comprehensive aftercare instructions, SPF guidance, and recommended products to maximise results and healing.

    Am I Suitable?

    May Be Suitable

    • • Hyperpigmentation, melasma, or uneven skin tone
    • • Active acne, congestion, or oily skin
    • • Acne scarring or post-inflammatory marks
    • • Sun-damaged or photo-aged skin
    • • Fine lines, dull complexion, or rough texture
    • • Enlarged pores or blackheads

    May Not Be Suitable

    • • Active eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis
    • • Recent isotretinoin use (within 6 months)
    • • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
    • • Active cold sores or bacterial skin infections
    • • Recent sun exposure, sunburn, or laser treatment
    • • History of keloid scarring (for deeper peels)

    Before & After

    Chemical peel before and after skin improvement
    Chemical peel skin rejuvenation results
    Chemical peel eye area treatment results
    Chemical peel profile view results
    Skin peel and dermal filler combination before and after — medical chemical peel for skin clarity with hyaluronic acid filler for nose refinement and cheek volume replacement at Cosmedocs Harley Street London

    Combination case · Peel + Volume Replacement

    This patient received a medical chemical peel to refresh skin clarity and texture, alongside hyaluronic acid dermal fillers for volume replacement to the cheeks and nose. The skin is treated; the structural volume loss is restored — the two work together.

    Real Cosmedocs patient, published with consent. Individual results vary.

    Individual results vary. Images show real Cosmedocs patients treated at our Harley Street clinic, published with patient consent.

    Clinical Standards

    All chemical peels at Cosmedocs are performed by qualified medical practitioners with extensive training in dermatological procedures. Our Harley Street clinic adheres to CQC-equivalent clinical standards, and every treatment is preceded by a thorough skin assessment including Fitzpatrick skin typing and medical history review.

    We use only medical-grade, pharmaceutical-quality peeling agents sourced from certified suppliers. Concentrations and pH levels are precisely calibrated — not off-the-shelf formulations. Our practitioners hold postgraduate qualifications in aesthetic medicine and attend regular continuing professional development in chemical exfoliation techniques.

    Patient safety is paramount. Pre-treatment patch testing is available for sensitive individuals, and detailed written aftercare protocols are provided at every appointment. Our outcomes are documented with standardised clinical photography for objective progress tracking.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    We offer four primary peel types — salicylic acid (BHA), glycolic acid (AHA), lactic acid (AHA), and TCA peels — plus our signature Peel to Reveal multi-acid cocktail. Each is enhanced with supporting agents such as mandelic acid, azelaic acid, pyruvic acid, retinol, and antioxidants tailored to your specific skin concerns.

    All skin peels start from £100 per session. Our Peel to Reveal signature cocktail starts from £150. Course packages offer better value for multiple sessions.

    This depends on your skin concern and peel type. Light peels typically benefit from 4–6 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart. Medium peels may need 2–3 sessions. TCA peels may require only 1–2 treatments. Your practitioner will create a personalised plan.

    Peel to Reveal is our signature cocktail peel — a customised fusion of multiple active peeling agents (glycolic, lactic, salicylic, TCA) combined with mandelic acid, azelaic acid, kojic acid, glutathione, and natural extracts. The clinician adjusts the cocktail according to your specific skin concerns.

    Light peels have minimal downtime — slight redness for a few hours. Medium peels may cause peeling for 3–5 days. TCA peels require 5–10 days of recovery. Your practitioner will advise based on your skin type and lifestyle.

    Yes, when performed by experienced practitioners. We carefully select peel types (lactic and mandelic acid peels are particularly well-suited) and concentrations appropriate for your Fitzpatrick skin type to minimise the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

    Beyond the primary acid, we incorporate mandelic acid, azelaic acid, pyruvic acid, retinol, glutathione, kojic acid, vitamin C, and natural botanical extracts. These supporting agents enhance efficacy, reduce side effects, and accelerate healing.

    Chemical peels effectively treat acne, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun damage, fine lines, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, dull complexion, rosacea, and keratosis.

    Chemical peels at our Harley Street clinic start from £100 per session, and our Peel to Reveal signature cocktail peel starts from £150. Price varies with the acid, the concentration and the number of areas treated; course packages of four to six sessions are better value than single treatments.

    A calibrated acid solution loosens the bonds holding dead surface cells together, so the outer damaged layer sheds in a controlled way. That alone improves tone, texture and clarity. At medium depth the acid also reaches the upper dermis, where the healing response stimulates new collagen and elastin — this is what softens fine lines and shallow scarring rather than simply brightening the surface.

    Salicylic acid suits oily, congested and acne-prone skin because it is fat-soluble and works inside the pore. Glycolic acid is the strongest general resurfacer for dullness, fine lines and sun damage. Lactic acid is the gentlest and best for dry, sensitive or darker skin. TCA is reserved for deeper scarring and significant photo-ageing. The choice is made at assessment, after Fitzpatrick skin typing.

    They do different jobs. A facial cleanses and hydrates but does not change skin structure. A peel resurfaces chemically and is the strongest option for pigmentation and congestion. Microneedling works mechanically and is better for scarring texture and collagen depth. Many patients alternate peels and microneedling across a course rather than choosing one.

    Light peels often cause no visible flaking at all — just a few hours of pinkness. Medium peels typically flake for three to five days, starting around day two. TCA peels shed more noticeably over five to ten days. Peeling is not a measure of how well a peel worked; the chemical change happens whether or not skin visibly flakes.

    Related Treatments

    Skin RejuvenationMicroneedlingHydraFacialProfhiloPRP TreatmentPolynucleotides

    Ready for Clearer Skin?

    Book a skin assessment to find the right peel for your concerns. Our aesthetics is invisible art — bold, natural, always your way.

    At a Glance

    Duration

    20–45 minutes

    Course

    3–6 sessions

    Recovery

    1–7 days peeling

    Types

    Light, medium, deep

    Treatment Pricing

    All Skin PeelsFrom £100
    Peel to RevealFrom £150

    Includes skin assessment

    N

    Natasha W.

    "After three chemical peels my pigmentation has faded dramatically. My skin is the clearest it's been in years. Worth every session."

    More real experiences
    Book Consultation

    Daily Skincare

    Calmer, clearer skin in two steps

    A morning serum and an evening cream — designed to restore balance.

    Revitalise C20 Vitamin C Serum
    Morning

    Revitalise C20

    Vitamin C Serum · £85

    Stimulate RE Retinol+ Cream
    Evening

    Stimulate RE

    Retinol+ Night Cream · £65

    Shop the routine

    Flexible payment options available

    Chemical Peels at Harley Street — What You Need to Know

    Chemical peels are one of the oldest and most evidence-based skin rejuvenation treatments in dermatology. The principle is straightforward: a controlled acid solution is applied to remove the outer damaged layers of skin, triggering the body's natural healing response and stimulating new collagen and elastin production.

    At Cosmedocs, we classify peels by their primary active ingredient and penetration depth. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic and lactic acid are water-soluble and work on the skin surface to improve texture, tone, and hydration. Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid are lipophilic — fat-soluble — allowing them to penetrate into the pore lining and dissolve sebum plugs, making them the treatment of choice for acne-prone and oily skin.

    Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels operate at a medium-to-deep level, restructuring the dermal matrix and addressing more significant concerns such as deep acne scarring, photo-ageing, and resistant hyperpigmentation. TCA peels require longer recovery but deliver more dramatic results.

    What distinguishes Cosmedocs is our multi-active approach. No peel is performed in isolation. We augment every primary acid with supporting ingredients — mandelic acid for gentle exfoliation suitable for Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin types, azelaic acid for its anti-inflammatory and anti-melanogenic properties, pyruvic acid for enhanced penetration and sebum regulation, retinol for accelerated cell turnover, and antioxidants including glutathione, kojic acid, and vitamin C for free radical protection and skin brightening.

    What Happens Across a Course

    Skin is prepared for two to four weeks before a medium peel, usually with a retinoid and pigment-inhibiting agents, so the acid penetrates evenly and melanocytes are less reactive. The first session is deliberately conservative — the concentration and contact time are calibrated to how your skin responds, not to a fixed protocol. Over the following days the surface sheds, subtly with light peels and visibly with medium ones.

    Improvement is cumulative. Clarity and glow are often noticeable after one session, while pigmentation and scarring change over a course of four to six sessions spaced two to four weeks apart. Daily broad-spectrum SPF throughout is not optional: fresh skin that is left unprotected in the weeks after a peel is how pigmentation returns darker than it started.

    Our signature Peel to Reveal treatment represents the culmination of this philosophy — a customisable cocktail of multiple peeling agents, adjusted by the clinician to address your unique combination of concerns in a single session. This is invisible art: transformation that speaks without saying a word. Bold, natural, always your way.