Cool Peels for Acne-Prone Skin: Environ Blemish Control Peel in Orpington
Oily, congested or breakout-prone skin can be really frustrating. Spots appear at the worst moment, pores look enlarged, and high-street products rarely make a lasting difference. At All About You in Orpington, one of the treatments we recommend most often for blemish-prone skin is the Environ Blemish Control Cool Peel. In this post we explain what a Cool Peel for acne is, how it works, what to expect, and whether it could be right for you.
What is a Cool Peel?
A Cool Peel is a professional skin peel from Environ, the vitamin-based skincare brand developed by plastic surgeon Dr Des Fernandes. Environ’s latest peels use TCA Cool Peel Technology: a low-strength trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in a cream or gel, rather than a runny liquid.
That might sound strong, but the cream base makes all the difference. It releases the acid slowly and stays visible on the skin. Your therapist can see exactly where it is and build it up gently, layer by layer, where you need it most. Traditional peels work by damaging the top layers of skin. A Cool Peel is designed to work with your skin instead, encouraging it to renew itself and produce fresh collagen and elastin.
How does a Cool Peel for acne work?
Breakouts usually start with a build-up of oil and dead skin cells in the pores. Our Blemish Control Cool Peel is designed for exactly this kind of skin. It helps to:
- Clear congested pores – loosening the build-up of dead skin and oil that leads to blackheads and spots.
- Control excess oil – helping oily skin look less shiny and more balanced.
- Reduce future breakouts – keeping pores clearer over a course of treatments.
- Improve skin texture – for a smoother, more even-looking surface.
- Soften the look of marks – encouraging healthy skin renewal, which can help the appearance of post-breakout marks over time.
Because the peel is applied in layers, your therapist can concentrate on your most congested areas, such as the chin, nose and forehead, while being gentler on more delicate skin.
Who is it suitable for?
The Blemish Control Cool Peel is ideal if you have:
- oily or combination skin
- blackheads and enlarged or blocked pores
- regular or hormonal breakouts (Cool Peels are for clients aged 18 and over)
- a rough or uneven skin texture
If you have severe, painful or cystic acne, please speak to your GP or a dermatologist first, as you may need medical treatment. The NHS guide to acne is a helpful place to start. We are happy to work alongside any advice you have been given, and we will always tell you honestly at your consultation if a peel is not the right option for you.
Getting your skin ready: why vitamin A matters
To get the best results, and to keep your skin comfortable, Environ peels need your skin to be prepared first. Before your peel, you use Environ vitamin A skincare for at least 3 weeks, ideally with vitamins C and E. This strengthens your skin so it responds better to the peel. We cannot carry out a Cool Peel without this preparation, so the best place to start is a consultation, where we will recommend the right homecare for your skin.
A Cool Peel is also not suitable if you have taken isotretinoin (Roaccutane) or had Laser resurfacing or dermabrasion in the last 6 months, or Microdermabrasion in the last 6–8 weeks.
What happens during the treatment?
Your Cool Peel takes around 60 minutes. First we cleanse and prepare your skin. Then we apply the TCA cream and gently build it up where you need it. Most people feel some warmth, tingling or mild itching while it works, which settles quickly. We finish with a soothing mask and Environ products chosen for your skin.
Is there any downtime?
Very little. Afterwards your skin may feel a little tight and dry, and you may notice light to moderate flaking for a few days. Let it shed naturally rather than picking. For the first 24–48 hours avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot baths and strenuous exercise; avoid the sun and sunbeds for 7 days, and always wear a good SPF. Avoid Waxing the treated area for 2 weeks.
How many peels will I need?
Acne-prone skin responds best to a course. We usually recommend 3 to 12 Cool Peels, spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, together with the right Environ products at home. Many clients notice their skin feels clearer and smoother after the first few treatments, with results building over the course. Your therapist will create a plan to suit your skin and your goals.
How much is a Cool Peel for acne?
Our Environ Blemish Control Cool Peel is £69.95 for 60 minutes. You can see all our Environ TCA Cool Peels, as well as our Environ facials and full price list, on our website.
In between peels, a Deep Cleanse Steam and Extraction (from £34.95) is a great way to keep pores clear, and is especially popular with teenagers.
Cool Peel for acne: frequently asked questions
Most clients find it very comfortable. You may feel some warmth, tingling or mild itching while the peel is on, which settles quickly once it is removed.
Cool Peels are for clients aged 18 and over. For teenagers with breakouts, our Deep Cleanse Steam and Extraction is a gentle, effective alternative, and we can recommend the right homecare too.
Many clients notice their skin feels smoother and looks clearer within a few days of their first peel. For breakouts, results build over a course of treatments, usually 3 to 12 peels every 2 to 4 weeks.
Your skin may look a little flushed straight after treatment and can feel tight or dry for a few days, with some light flaking. Most people go straight back to their normal day.
We recommend keeping your skin as clean as possible for the rest of the day and avoiding heavy make-up for 24 hours to give your skin the best chance to recover.
Yes. Because you need to prepare your skin with Environ vitamin A for at least 3 weeks, we always start with a free skin consultation to check the peel is right for you and recommend your homecare.
Book your Cool Peel consultation in Orpington
All About You is in Orpington, just a short drive from Bromley, Petts Wood, Chislehurst and Sevenoaks. If breakouts are getting you down, the first step is a free skin consultation, where we will look at your skin, talk through your concerns and recommend the right treatment and homecare for you.
Call us on 01689 861943 or book online.
