Chemical peels are one of the most versatile treatments in men's aesthetics — and one of the most misunderstood. Most men think of them as a facial treatment. In reality, the same principles that resurface and renew facial skin apply equally well to the back, hands, feet, and intimate areas.

This guide covers every area we treat at Refine Clinic, what each peel does, and what to expect.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a controlled exfoliation treatment in which a solution of active acids is applied to the skin. The acids dissolve the bonds holding dead and damaged skin cells together, triggering the skin's natural renewal process. The result is fresher, clearer, more even-toned skin — whether on your face or anywhere else on your body.

The depth of the peel — superficial, medium, or deep — determines how aggressively the skin is treated and how significant the results are.

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Facial Peels: Clearer, Younger-Looking Skin

Men's skin is different from women's — it's thicker, oilier, and subject to daily trauma from shaving. It also ages differently. Facial peels are one of the most effective treatments available for the specific concerns that affect male skin.

What Can a Facial Peel Treat?

• Acne and post-acne scarring — peels reduce active breakouts and fade the red or brown marks left behind
• Uneven skin tone — sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and blotchiness are significantly improved
• Enlarged pores — regular peels keep pores clear and visibly smaller
• Rough skin texture — from shaving irritation, ingrown hairs, and general neglect
• Fine lines and early signs of ageing — medium-depth peels stimulate collagen production
• Dull, tired-looking skin — even a superficial peel delivers an immediate brightness

Types of Facial Peel

Superficial Peels (Lunchtime Peels)

These use mild acids — typically glycolic acid (AHA) or salicylic acid (BHA) — at low concentrations. They target the very outer layer of skin, require no downtime, and are ideal for first-time clients, oily or acne-prone skin, and general brightening and texture improvement.

Medium-Depth Peels

These penetrate deeper into the epidermis and upper dermis using higher concentrations of glycolic or trichloroacetic acid (TCA). They are more effective for moderate acne scarring, sun damage, fine lines, and skin laxity. Expect two to five days of visible peeling and redness.

Algae Peels

At Refine Clinic, we also offer specialist algae-based peels — a gentler alternative that delivers brightening and hydrating benefits without the downtime of acid-based treatments. Particularly well-suited to sensitive or reactive skin.

What Happens During a Facial Peel?

The treatment takes 30 to 60 minutes. Your skin is cleansed and degreased, the peel solution is applied evenly, left for a controlled period, then neutralised and removed. A soothing serum and SPF are applied afterwards. You may feel a mild tingling or stinging sensation — this is normal and subsides quickly.

Aftercare for the Face

• Shaving: avoid for 24–48 hours after a superficial peel, up to five days after a medium peel
• Sun exposure: SPF 50 is non-negotiable for at least two weeks post-treatment
• Skincare: gentle, fragrance-free products only — no retinol, AHAs, or actives during healing
• Gym: avoid heavy exercise and sweating for 24–48 hours

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Back Peels: Clearing Bacne and Body Hyperpigmentation

The back is one of the most common problem areas for men. The skin here is thick, prone to oiliness, and difficult to treat with topical products alone.

Back Acne (Bacne)

Back acne affects a significant proportion of men, particularly those with oily skin or who exercise regularly. Salicylic acid peels are particularly effective here — salicylic acid is oil-soluble, meaning it penetrates into the pores and breaks down the sebum and dead skin cells that cause breakouts.

A course of back peels will:

• Reduce active breakouts
• Prevent new spots forming
• Fade post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation
• Improve overall skin texture

Body Hyperpigmentation

Sun exposure, friction from clothing, and post-inflammatory pigmentation from spots or ingrown hairs can leave the back with an uneven, blotchy appearance. Glycolic acid and TCA peels break down melanin deposits and accelerate cell turnover, progressively evening out skin tone.

Rough Skin Texture

The back is prone to keratosis pilaris — the rough, bumpy texture caused by keratin build-up around hair follicles. Regular peels keep the follicles clear and the skin surface smooth.

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Hand Peels: Reversing the Signs of Ageing

The hands are one of the first places to show age — and one of the most neglected. Men's hands are subject to daily sun exposure, manual work, and harsh soaps that strip the skin's natural barrier. Over time, this leads to hyperpigmentation and age spots, rough and crepey skin texture, and uneven skin tone.

A glycolic or lactic acid hand peel addresses these surface concerns by removing the outer layers of damaged skin and stimulating fresh cell production. Results are visible after a single session, with a course of three to four delivering significant improvement.

Aftercare note: hands are in constant use. Avoid washing with hot water or harsh soaps for 48 hours, and apply a rich moisturiser regularly during the healing period.

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Foot Peels: More Than Just a Pedicure

Men's feet take a beating — from sport, from standing all day, from shoes that don't breathe. The result is typically thick, hard calluses on the heels and balls of the feet, dry and cracked skin, rough texture across the sole, and discolouration from friction and pressure.

A clinical foot peel uses a combination of salicylic acid and urea to break down the bonds in thickened, hardened skin. Over the week following treatment, the outer layers of dead skin shed — revealing softer, smoother skin beneath.

This is a more intensive process than a standard pedicure. The peeling can be quite dramatic (in a satisfying way), and the results last significantly longer.

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Can Multiple Areas Be Treated in One Session?

Yes. Many clients combine a facial peel with a back, hand, or foot peel in a single appointment. The treatment areas are independent, so there's no reason they can't be done together. Your practitioner will advise on the best approach based on your skin and goals.

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How Many Sessions Are Needed?

Area	Recommended Course
Face (acne/scarring)	3–6 sessions, 2–4 weeks apart
Face (maintenance)	Monthly superficial peel
Back acne	3–6 sessions, 3–4 weeks apart
Back hyperpigmentation	4–6 sessions
Hands	2–4 sessions; monthly maintenance
Feet	1–2 sessions; quarterly maintenance

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Pricing

Chemical peel pricing at Refine Clinic starts from £60 per area per session. Package pricing is available for courses of three or more sessions. See our full chemical peels service page for details.

Book a Consultation

Ready to treat your skin — face, body, or both? Book a consultation at Refine Clinic, 66 Nile Street, London N1 7SR, and we'll build a treatment plan for the areas that matter most to you.