*Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. The treatment (DermaQuest Complex Peel) was provided by the brand DermaQuest, though the review thereof is based on the author’s experience and opinion. The published reviews are intended to be for information purposes only, nor should they be regarded as a replacement for sound medical advice. Always speak to your doctor or skincare therapist if you have any concerns*

With the hot weather making a comeback, it’s the perfect time to invest in a skin treatment to boost cell renewal and encourage some juiciness back into your epidermis.

Peels used to be scary in the past, with downtime dragging on, as layers of dead cells flaked off unattractively and social get-togethers were strictly off-limits. These days, however, you can enjoy a peel treatment at lunchtime and be back to whatever you need to do in a jiffy. And there’s no discomfort or awful side effects to contend with.

DermaQuest Complex Peel

I was treated to a lovely Complex Peel – a combination of DermaQuest Power Peptide Resurfacer and DermaQuest Hibiscus Flower Mandelic Peel. This particular blend was designed for my type of skin – normal, mature skin – with the aim being cell regeneration.

DermaQuest peels are safe and effective, using a signature blend of active ingredients that all work together to ensure the protection, strength, and regeneration of your skin. The active ingredients – stem cells, peptides, and antioxidants – all address a variety of skin concerns, encouraging a highly functioning skin, which is what we all want.

The Peel Process

My skin was efficiently degreased so that the active ingredients to penetrate properly. During this process, I felt a slight tingling due to the acids used (a blend of glycolic and lactic acids, as well as peptides). My wonderful therapist, Elisma, checked in with me all the time to see how my skin was reacting. Each treatment is micro-managed so that – even if you have super sensitive skin – there is a solution for you.

The DermaQuest Hibiscus Flower Mandelic Peel has a multitude of benefits, which range from lifting, firming, and brightening to increasing cell turnover and refining texture. Yes, please!

At the end of the treatment, a retinol solution was applied to encourage rapid cell turnover and start the peeling process. I was advised to leave my skin for the next 24 hours (no cleansing or any further product application) for an optimal outcome.

DermaQuest Post Treatment Balm

Dos and Don’ts After Treatment

Peeling is an ongoing process that lasts for a few days after the treatment, and my experience was not alarming at all.

On Day 2, my skin felt a little tighter and drier, but applying the DermaQuest Post Treatment Balm relieved that dryness in no time.

On Days 3 and 4, the areas around the nose, mouth, and chin area revealed a slight peeling. Again, the balm and my sunscreen alleviated the flaking.

Top Tip: It’s best to stay away from any retinol use for at least a week, depending on your skin.

I found that a regular spritz of a favourite, fragrance-free water mist during the day (on top of the DermaQuest Post Treatment Balm and sunscreen) did wonders for keeping the skin moisturised and dewy. I didn’t really apply any make-up except for a slick of mascara and lipstick.

After a week, I used my tinted sunscreen and was really pleased with how radiant my skin looked.

Tailored to Your Skin

The best part is that you can build up the level of your treatments – from a low-intensity peel at first to deeper penetration of the epidermis – for some lovely results. It’s really a great boost for any type of skin at this glorious time of the year.

Where to Find Providers

To locate a DermaQuest Complex Peel provider near you, visit Evolution Cosmetic.

Paola Chellew

Paola Chellew is a freelance journalist and regularly writes for a number of publications. A former professional contemporary dancer, she has always loved the arts in all their forms. She has been a freelance writer for many years and has been published in various magazines including Live Out Loud, Private Life and Do It now magazines. Her passion for beauty and skincare started in her teens, when she would read every beauty editor’s picks and reviews. Serious about skincare, she has researched medical-grade products for over ten years, as well as aesthetic treatments to restore and repair skin to look its best. Having turned 60 last year, she has dedicated her blog to the “over 50s and beyond Club”, shining a spotlight on a generation that is seemingly side-lined by the beauty industry. “There is no age limit for when you stop being beautiful – a gorgeous lipstick, a sexy fragrance, radiant skin- these are not synonymous with youth- they are just things that add an extra sparkle to my day”.

📸 Profile photo credited to Lerissa Kemp Photography