As that beautiful summer tan starts to disappear, it often uncovers something we're not quite as happy about. For a lot of us, what's left is a sprinkling of new sun spots, a bit of uneven tone and maybe some fine lines that definitely weren't so noticeable back in June. This, unfortunately, is the residue of summer skin damage. It’s rarely just one bad sunburn; instead, this is the result of all that continuous sun exposure adding up over time, essentially putting the aging process into fast forward.

The good news is that the changing seasons offer a fantastic chance to begin repairing this summer skin damage. The cooler days of autumn and winter bring significantly lower UV intensity making it an ideal time to have a skin peel. 

Having winter skin peels gives you a timeframe that is the most effective and safest for professional skin resurfacing treatments. 

Here at Air Aesthetics, we have designed an expert 3-step process to help you safely undo the effects of your summer adventures. We’re confident this will help you have noticeably brighter and smoother skin that gives you a more youthful look.

Step 1: Your Personalised Skin Assessment

The first step in any effective skin transformation is understanding the specific concerns that need to be addressed. Sun damage affects everyone differently which is why a professional, complimentary consultation is an important part of the process. At Air Aesthetics this initial assessment forms the foundation of your treatment plan ensuring safety and outstanding results.

What is Summer Skin Damage?

To fix the problem you must first understand it. Summer damage is more than skin deep and typically appears in three main ways:

• Hyperpigmentation: Exposure to UV rays sends your pigment-producing cells into overdrive. This results in an uneven distribution of melanin leading to sun spots also known as age spots and freckles. It can also worsen persistent conditions like melasma.
• Fine Lines and Wrinkles: The sun's radiation actively breaks down collagen and elastin. These proteins are the essential support structure that keeps your skin firm and plump. When they degrade the skin loses its elasticity and fine lines and wrinkles can become more prominent.
• Dull and Rough Texture: Your skin’s natural process of shedding dead cells slows down due to sun exposure. This causes a build-up on the surface leading to a complexion that looks dull and feels rough to the touch.

A one-size-fits-all skin peel does not exist. One of our experienced practitioners will analyse your skin type, your precise concerns and your lifestyle to determine the correct type and strength of peel, whether this is a light or more intensive skin peel treatment. 

This bespoke plan ensures you are matched with the right solution, such as a mild, medium, or full-strength option from our advanced ZO Skin Health collection.

Step 2: The Resurfacing Peel Treatment

Following your complimentary consultation, the next step is for you to have the skin peel treatment. A chemical peel is a transformative procedure that uses a specialised solution to rejuvenate the skin from within. It is a scientifically proven method for achieving profound and long lasting improvements to your skin’s health and appearance with no downtime.

How a Chemical Skin Peel Works

In simple terms a chemical skin peel uses a carefully selected acid-based solution to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin in a controlled and precise manner. This process does two important things. 

1. First it physically removes the dull and pigmented cells on the surface. 
2. Second, it triggers the body's natural healing response.

This healing stimulates new collagen production and encourages healthy cell turnover. The result is not just a temporary fix but it is a renewal of your skin. The new skin that emerges is smoother, brighter and more even in tone and texture.

During your skin peel treatment at Air Aesthetics your comfort is important to us. The skin is thoroughly cleansed before the peel solution is applied. You may feel a warm or tingling sensation as the solution gets to work but your practitioner will be in complete control throughout the quick procedure. We will ensure the experience is both comfortable and effective.

Step 3: Post-Peel Recovery and Aftercare

The final step is perhaps the most important for ensuring a beautiful result. Proper aftercare protects your skin during its healing phase and helps you get the most from your investment. Being honest and clear about this process is key to building trust and managing expectations.

The Healing Timeline

We offer 3 different levels of chemical skin peel: mild, moderate and full strength. Regardless of which option that you choose, your skin will go through a natural renewal cycle after the peel.

Full Strength Chemical Skin Peel

• Day 1: Immediately after your treatment your skin will likely be red and feel tight much like a mild sunburn. This is a normal reaction.
• Days 2-5: The skin resurfacing begins. Your skin will start to flake or peel. It is essential that you do not pick or pull at the skin and that you allow your skin to shed naturally to avoid any scarring.
• Days 5-7+: The peeling will subside which will reveal your fresh new skin underneath. This new skin will look visibly smoother, more radiant and have a more even-tone.

Mild chemical skin peels 

With mild chemical skin peels there is no downtime. 

Moderate Chemical Skin Peel

In the 24 hours following a moderate chemical peel, you may experience visible peeling, flaking, or dryness.

Skin Peel Aftercare Advice

To ensure optimal healing and protect your skin peel results follow these essential rules:

1. Avoid the Sun: Your new skin is extremely sensitive to UV radiation. A high-factor broad-spectrum SPF 50 is non-negotiable every single day even when it is cloudy.
2. Be Gentle: Use only the gentle cleanser and moisturiser recommended by your practitioner. Avoid all harsh products including exfoliants and retinoids until your practitioner says it is safe.
3. Stay Hydrated: Keep your skin well-moisturised to support the healing process. Drinking plenty of water is also beneficial.

By following these aftercare instructions you are safeguarding the results of your treatment. You will enjoy a visible reduction in pigmentation, softer fine lines and an undeniable glow.

Why Choose Air Aesthetics & Wellness Clinics?

Choosing where to have winter skin peel treatments is just as important as the treatment itself. Air Aesthetics is a multi-award winning group of clinics committed to providing the highest standard of care in a luxurious and safe environment. Our patient-focused approach ensures your journey is reassuring and your results are exceptional.

We insist on using only the highest quality FDA-approved products and treatments. This commitment to excellence guarantees that you receive a solution with a proven track record for safety and long-term effectiveness. A key differentiator is our specialisation in the advanced ZO Skin Health portfolio of peels. Our range includes the gentle ZO Herbal Enzyme Facial (Mild), the powerful ZO 3 Step Stimulator Peel (Medium), and the advanced ZO Controlled Depth Peel (Full-Strength), the results of which are known to equal those of a CO2 laser resurfacing procedure. 

Our team of highly trained practitioners creates bespoke treatment plans tailored to your unique skin goals, delivering tangible and lasting improvements. We are proud winners of the ‘Safety in Beauty Awards’ which highlights our unwavering dedication to patient wellbeing. From your initial consultation to your final follow-up we are here to guide you.

Happy Customer Testimonials

“I have suffered with oily skin and breakouts which have continued as an adult. ZO and HydraFacial were recommended to me. Using the ZO products daily and including an Acne HydraFacial within 12 weeks my skin is clear of spots and looks glowing. I feel confident enough to go without foundation. Thank you Air Aesthetics”
- Marijana

“I was very well looked after by Lisa during my recent coolsculpting experience. I was made to feel relaxed and comfortable all day. The environment was personal, professional and friendly. I was so well looked after. There was real attention to client care which made me feel very reassured. Lisa was just amazing.”
- Sue Turner

Winter Skin Peels Frequently Asked Questions

Does a chemical peel remove sun spots?

Yes, a full strength chemical skin peel does remove sun spots and mild and moderate skin peels remove sun spots but may not remove severe sun spots or damage. 

Skin peels are an effective treatment for sun spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation. The skin peel treatment works so well because it lifts and exfoliates the pigmented cells from the surface of the skin. This reveals an even and clear skin tone underneath. 

How long does it take to recover from a skin peel?

The time it takes to recover from a skin peel varies depending on the intensity of the skin peel. For most patients visible peeling and flaking can last for approximately 5 to 7 days after the treatment. Then after this period of time, the fresh new skin is revealed and any residual redness will continue to fade.

Is a chemical peel painful?

A chemical peel should not be painful. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild to moderate tingling or feeling of warmth on the skin while the peel solution is active. Our qualified team of practitioners at Air Aesthetics ensure you are comfortable throughout the entire skin peel process.

Why is winter the best season for a chemical peel?

Winter is the ideal time for a chemical skin peel because there is less ambient UV radiation in the environment. After a peel the new skin is very sensitive and susceptible to sun damage which can be challenging to avoid in the heat of summer. Healing during the winter months significantly reduces the risk of complications like post-treatment hyperpigmentation and it also helps you protect your results.

Learn more about our skin peels

Book your skin peel complimentary consultation

About The Author

Jayne McIntosh has been immersed in the aesthetics field for well over two decades now. With all that experience, it's no surprise she's the Director of the multi-award-winning Air Aesthetics & Wellness Clinics and has become a go-to specialist for advanced, results-driven non-surgical treatments. It really appears to be her deep-seated understanding of skin health, coupled with a genuine dedication to exceptional patient outcomes, that has established Air Aesthetics as a highly regarded Centre of Excellence. At Air Aesthetics, we offer a carefully chosen collection of FDA-cleared procedures, which, speaking personally, includes some of the most effective winter skin peels we know of, specifically designed for a truly deep rejuvenation.