What it is
A professional glycolic acid peel that resurfaces the top layer of skin to bring up brighter, smoother skin underneath. Jan Marini pairs the acid with lilac leaf stem cell technology, which is there to soothe and support repair while the acid does the work.
It is a properly active treatment rather than a gentle exfoliation, but it is designed to be tolerable. You will feel a mild tingle for two to three minutes and that is generally the extent of it.
What it helps with
Peels are the right tool for:
- Fine lines and early ageing
- Uneven skin tone and mild pigmentation
- Rough or congested texture
- Non-inflammatory acne
- Skin that has stopped responding to home products
How the session runs
Your skin is cleansed and primed, and a barrier balm goes on the brows, the corners of the eyes and the lips. The peel is applied and left for up to ten minutes depending on how your skin responds, then neutralised and removed.
Once your skin has cooled, post-resurfacing products go on. There is no downtime and mineral makeup can be applied straight away if you are heading somewhere afterwards.
What it feels like
You will feel a mild tingle for two to three minutes while the peel is on. That is the acid working. Once it is neutralised, the sensation stops. The whole process is straightforward and most people find it relaxing once they know what to expect.
Afterwards
Most people get mild flaking over the next few days, but nothing dramatic. You will not need to hide indoors for a week. Makeup is fine straight away, though mineral formulas sit better on freshly treated skin and feel more comfortable.
If your skin feels tight or itchy, stick to a gentle moisturiser and avoid active ingredients like vitamin C or retinol until it has settled. Avoid direct sun where possible and use an SPF if you are going out.
Single peel or a course
One peel gives you a visible improvement in brightness and smoothness. Real change in tone and texture comes from a course, because you are gradually strengthening the skin rather than stripping it.
A course of six is the standard recommendation and works out cheaper than six single sessions.
Chemical peels compared
If you are weighing chemical peels against microdermabrasion, dermaplaning or microneedling, here is the difference. Peels use chemical exfoliation to resurface and even out tone. Microdermabrasion uses vacuum and mechanical abrasion for immediate texture improvement. Dermaplaning removes dead skin with a surgical blade, giving the most instant result. Microneedling uses controlled micro-injuries to trigger deep collagen changes over several weeks.
Peels win for tone and early lines, especially if you want results fast. Microdermabrasion suits congestion and dullness if you want an instant texture boost. Dermaplaning is best if makeup application matters to you. Microneedling targets deeper scarring and enlarged pores, though results take time. If you are not sure which suits you best, mention your main skin goal when you book and your therapist will guide you.