Peels utilize natural exfoliating acids or enzymes to remove excess skin cells from the surface of the skin. Depending on the characteristics of the specifical acid, it can provide a variety of additional benefits such as hydrating, brightening, purifying or anti-aging.

For the most part, there is a peel to suit every skin condition, as they can range from very gentle to high intensity. At Open House, we strongly believe in 'progressive, not aggressive’ skin treatments, so always work up from more gentle to most transformative in order to maintain your skin's health and safety.

In order to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, we require all clients with above-level 1 peels to use a pigment inhibitor for 2-4 weeks prior to their peel.

Those with active eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis, who are pregnant, have taken oral acne medications in the last 6 months, have had laser resurfacing in the last 4 months, or are being treated for cancer should not have peels.

The level of discomfort ranges between peel and will be discussed with you before hand. Light peels may feel slightly tingly whereas stronger peels may feel warm, itchy or very tingly however will only go on for a few minutes.

Depending on the depth of your peel, some recovery or ‘downtime’ is to be expected. Light peels will have little to no downtime. Stronger , more transformative peels may have 3–7 days of light to moderate flakiness, redness, and dryness.

Regardless of the depth of the peel, take it easy on the skin for the next week. Focus on gentle cleansing, hydration and nourishing the skin with products recommended to your by your therapist.

Avoid the sun (as usual!), don’t pick or scratch at the skin, avoid waxing or threading for one week and avoid active skincare such as retinol or exfoliants for the next week.

This will be decided by your therapist on the day based on your skin condition and your skin goals.

Not every peel is right for every person and it’s very important that multiple factors are considered when choosing a peel suitable for your skin.

In general, different acids and enzymes have different effects on the skin, such as:

Lactic Acid hydrates and evens skin tone

Glycolic acid resurfaces uneven texture and builds collagen.

Salicylic acid Calms and decongests oily skin and breakouts

Fruit enzymes gently digest dead skin cells on the surface of the skin.

At Open House we stock a range of peels from Image Skincare, Aspect, Cosmedix, Dermaenergy and Societe.