A PCA peel is a branded chemical peel manufactured by skincare professionals, PCA Skin. The treatment uses active exfoliating ingredients that help to target signs of ageing, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and blemish-prone skin. 

Retinol is deemed a holy grail product, derived from vitamin A, and is the commonly used active ingredient used in PCA peel treatments. It penetrates deep beneath the epidermis (outer layer) of the skin to the dermis (middle layer of the skin). Once retinol reaches this area it helps to boost the natural production of elastin and collagen, creating a plumping effect. Retinol comes in different medical grades, starting from just 0.01%, and helps to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles as well as improve the appearance of enlarged pores. This makes it great for both mature skin and acne-prone skin.

We use a powerful 4% retinol, which is a prescription strength often used in chemical peels. If you have sensitive skin, you can start using a lower strength (such as 0.01%) and gradually build up to a higher strength (such as 2%) as your skin adapts to the potency of the serum. 

A PCA retinol peel boasts a range of benefits for the skin. The main advantages of it are:

• Brighter, more even skin tone 
• Smoother skin texture
• Reversed signs of sun damage 
• Improved appearance of wrinkles 
• Improved appearance of acne scarring
• Increased cell turnover to help minimise enlarged pores

The above results will be noticeable after just one treatment, however for deeper-set scarring or wrinkles, we recommend booking more than one peel. You can discuss this with your practitioner in your pre-treatment consultation who can advise you on how many treatments they would recommend for your desired results.

Before a PCA retinol peel, you’ll have a pre-treatment consultation with a certified medical practitioner to discuss what skin concerns you have and what you’d like to improve. All of our clinicians are extremely friendly and will ensure you feel 100% comfortable throughout both your consultation and the treatment itself. During this time, your practitioner will let you know if you are a suitable candidate for our PCA peel treatment.

The procedure will then begin with a thorough cleanse of the skin to remove any make-up or hidden debris that may be sitting on the skin’s surface. Your practitioner will then gently apply an even layer of the chemical solution. Further layers will slowly be added and left on the skin so the product can begin to take effect. 

The treatment lasts around 30-45 minutes and is concluded with a soothing SPF-based moisturiser to ensure your skin is protected from the sun post-treatment. 

Immediately following the procedure it is common for some patients to experience redness within the treated area, which typically lasts between 24-48 hours. It is also common to experience skin shedding 3-10 days after your PCA peel treatment. 

Due to the nature of a PCA peel exfoliating the surface layers of the skin, we recommend avoiding direct sun exposure for the first 4 weeks after your peel. It’s also essential to apply a high-strength SPF at this time, as your skin is healing and will be extra sensitive to heat and sunlight.

In addition to the above, for the first 48 hours post-peel, you should avoid the following:

• Hot showers, baths, and other hot steam
• Any heat near the treated area, including natural sunlight, sunbeds and hairdryers
• Swimming
• Activities that result in a lot of sweating/overheating
• Any post-treatment exfoliating of the treated area
• Icing or heating the treated area