How to choose the perfect peel for your client

It depends on your customer base. Clients that come for a special occasion, visiting for a day or the weekend, won’t be ready for a strong peel.

They’re looking for results, but also relaxation, and I would recommend offering them a fruit enzyme peel with ingredients like pumpkin, pineapple, papaya, and passion fruit. This kind of peel will gently break down dead skin cells and reduce inflammation to reveal smoother and brighter skin and allow for better penetration of products applied afterwards. 

With regular clients, you have the flexibility to offer advanced peels. However, I would still recommend beginning with an enzyme option to see how the skin reacts. Start customers on a low percentage acid peel and slowly build up the strength. Most peels will be done as a course of six – carried out every two weeks – and glycolic acid ones are great for anti-ageing, to help smooth fine lines and winkles. Salicylic acid peels work well on congestion, breakouts and oily skin, while lactic acid peels are best for brightening and hydrating – making them ideal for customers with pigmentation and/or scarring. 

To reduce the risk of complications and speed up healing time, suggest a homecare regime that includes a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, sun protection during the day and a repairing night cream. You can make peel treatments short for a more clinical approach or if relaxation is key, extend it to include a massage – offering both results and relaxation. 

Charlene Stoker is head of UK education for results-driven brand Image Skincare and has been in the spa and beauty industry for 12 years. She started her career working in spas and is passionate about skin and ingredient knowledge, with a strong focus on cosmeceuticals.