Skin Care, Chemical Peels and Microneedling
Minimally invasive procedures restore a youthful appearance
At Perfect Smile Clinic in Sudbury, we provide the latest in cosmetic non-surgical skincare treatments to help pause and slow the signs of ageing, our approach to facial aesthetics is rooted in balance, subtlety, and purpose. We believe that facial aesthetics is not about changing how you look, but about supporting and enhancing your natural features through thoughtful, clinically led care.
- We prioritise skin health, facial harmony, and long-term results over quick fixes or dramatic changes.
- Our aim is always to achieve refined, natural-looking outcomes that allow you to look refreshed and confident, without appearing over-treated.
Obagi Medical-Grade Skincare
We believe that everything starts with the skin. Healthy, well-functioning skin forms the foundation of all aesthetic treatments. For this reason, improving skin health from within is a key part of our philosophy.
At Perfect Smile Clinic in Sudbury, we offer Obagi medical-grade skincare, which is designed to improve skin health at a cellular level. These evidence-based products help address concerns such as pigmentation, uneven skin tone, acne, and signs of skin ageing.
Obagi Skincare Programme
- Obagi is a skincare system that uses higher concentrations of active ingredients to deliver more potent, cellular-level results. The formulas in its products are backed by scientific research and are often prescribed by dermatologists.
- If you’re interested in learning more about Obagi products or would like to get started with a consultation, we can help. Following a clinical skin assessment, personalised skincare programmes are recommended to support long-term skin function, skin clarity and quality.
Chemical Peels: Obagi Blue Peel Radiance®
The Obagi Blue Peel Radiance® is a medical-grade, superficial chemical peel designed to improve skin tone, texture, and clarity while delivering an instant, healthy glow. It is suitable for all skin types and is ideal for patients looking for visible skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime. This treatment gently exfoliates the skin, helping to reveal smoother and brighter skin after just one session.
Why Choose the Obagi Blue Peel Radiance?
As we age, the skin’s natural exfoliation and cell renewal process slows down. Dead skin cells can accumulate on the surface, leading to dullness, congestion, uneven texture, and fine lines.
The Obagi Blue Peel Radiance helps by removing dead and damaged skin cells to reveal softer, more radiant skin, simulating skin renewal and improving overall skin tone and texture.
Salicylic acid–based peels are particularly effective for improving a range of skin concerns, including acne, congestion, sun damage, and pigmentation such as melasma.
Procedure Information
TREATMENT TIME
Typically 30-60 minutes.
BACK TO WORK
No downtime, some short- lived redness.
RESULTS
Results develop over approximately 7 days. Effects last 1-3 months, after which treatment can be repeated.
ANAESTHETIC
No anaesthetic is required.
How Does the Blue Peel Radiance Work?
- Blue Peel Radiance contains a blend of powerful yet controlled exfoliating acids: Salicylic Acid (20%), Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid.
- With a low pH of approximately 2.7, the peel deeply exfoliates the uppermost layers of the skin while remaining safe and well tolerated when applied by trained professionals.
- A consultation is required prior to treatment to ensure suitability.
What does Blue Peel Radiance Do?
It is an excellent way to prepare the skin before starting a medical-grade skincare routine, helping to accelerate and optimise results. The Obagi skin peel can help:
- Dull or tired-looking skin – exfoliates damaged surface layers
- Congested or acne-prone skin – helps clear congested pores
- Uneven skin tone or texture – improves texture and tone
- Skincare Products – enhances penetration of skincare products
- Sun damage – exfoliates the uppermost damaged layers of skin
- Pigmentation – can break down excess melanin, lightening sun/age spots
What Happens During a Blue Peel Radiance Treatment?
The peel is applied evenly to the skin. During application, you may experience a warm, tingling sensation lasting around 1–2 minutes. This sensation is normal and not painful, although it may feel mildly uncomfortable for a short time.
If the skin responds well, a second layer may be applied to enhance the effects of the peel. Once complete, the skin is often left immediately brighter and smoother.
Aftercare Advice
To achieve the best results following your peel:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF30 +) daily for at least a week
- Avoid direct sun exposure
- Treat the skin gently and do not exfoliate
- Do not pick or peel flaking skin — this will shed naturally
- Avoid products containing alpha and beta hydroxy acids, retinol or retinoids, and fragrance
- Always follow professional advice before returning to your usual skincare routine
FAQs – Obagi Blue Peel Radiance
Yes. Chemical peels improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and enhance overall skin clarity. They deeply exfoliate the skin, helping skincare products penetrate more effectively. Results improve with repeated treatments and are particularly beneficial for congested or problematic skin.
A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that uses natural acids to exfoliate the skin. Peels can be performed on the face, neck, hands, and body to improve the appearance and feel of the skin. Not all peels involve downtime, making them a flexible treatment option for different lifestyles and skin concerns
• Mild redness, dryness, or tightness may occur
• Light peeling or flaking may appear 1–2 days after treatment
• Not everyone will experience peeling — this depends on skin type, condition, and the number of layers applied
Downtime is minimal, and most patients return to normal daily activities straight away.
Blue Peel Radiance is not recommended for patients who:
• Have active cold sores, herpes simplex, or warts in the treatment area
• Have broken, sunburnt, or excessively sensitive skin
• Have dermatitis or inflammatory rosacea in the treatment area
• Have used isotretinoin (Accutane) within the last 6 months
• Have a history of radiation therapy in the treatment area
• Have an allergy to salicylates (e.g. aspirin)
• Are pregnant
Healing time depends on the type of peel, the acids used, and how the skin responds.
• Superficial peels ( Obagi Blue Peel) often have little to no downtime
• Medium-depth peels may take around 3–5 days before makeup can be comfortably worn
There is usually little to no pain during or after treatment.
Many patients see noticeable results after one treatment. However, a course of peels may be recommended for optimal and longer-lasting results, depending on your skin concerns.
In most cases, makeup can be worn the following day, provided the skin is comfortable and not excessively irritated.
SkinPen® – Microneedling
What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a collagen-stimulating treatment that helps improve skin texture, fine lines, scarring, and overall skin quality. We use SkinPen, (an FDA-approved, medical-grade device) one of the safest and most clinically studied microneedling devices available.
SkinPen creates controlled micro-channels in the skin to stimulate the body’s natural healing response, supporting collagen production and skin renewal with minimal downtime.
Advanced Medical Microneedling
SkinPen Precision is an FDA-cleared medical microneedling treatment designed to safely stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving skin quality, texture, and tone at a cellular level.
- Using precision-controlled, sterile microneedles, SkinPen creates micro-channels in the skin that activate the body’s natural wound-healing response. This process promotes skin regeneration from within, resulting in a smoother, firmer, more refined complexion over time.
- All SkinPen treatments are performed in a clinical setting by a licensed medical professional with advanced training.
- Results develop gradually as new collagen forms, with optimal improvement achieved through a customized treatment series.
Benefits – SkinPen microneedling is clinically indicated to improve:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scarring and mild textural scarring
- Uneven skin tone and surface irregularities
- Enlarged pores
- Sun damage and loss of skin vitality
- Mild skin laxity
Procedure Information
TREATMENT TIME
Typically 45-60 minutes.
BACK TO WORK
Mild redness 1-3 days.
RESULTS
Results develop over approximately 3-4 weeks. Effects last 3-6 months, after which treatment can be repeated.
ANAESTHETIC
We can apply a medical-grade topical numbing cream.
Who is SkinPen Microneedling suitable for?
SkinPen microneedling may be appropriate for patients who:
- Desire non-surgical skin rejuvenation
- Wish to improve texture, tone, or scarring
- Prefer medically guided treatment with minimal downtime
- Are able to follow pre- and post-treatment protocols
A comprehensive consultation is required prior to treatment.
How SkinPen® Works: the Skin Renewal Process
SkinPen supports visible results by working with the body’s natural healing phases:
- Inflammation – Micro-channels increase blood flow and activate the skin’s immune response, helping clean and prepare the area for repair.
- Proliferation – New tissue formation begins as collagen and elastin production increases. The skin rebuilds with fresh, healthy cells.
- Remodelling – Over the following weeks, collagen continues to mature and strengthen improving firmness, texture, and overall skin quality. This gradual remodelling is why SkinPen results look natural, refined, and progressive.
What is the SkinPen® Microneedling Procedure?
- Before Treatment
Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed, and a medical-grade topical numbing cream will be applied to ensure optimal comfort throughout the procedure. This preparation phase allows the skin to be calm, clean, and ready for treatment. - During Treatment
Once the numbing cream has taken effect, SkinPen is gently passed over the treatment area. The precision microneedles create controlled micro-channels in the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing response. Patients typically describe the sensation as light pressure with a mild vibrating or buzzing feeling, rather than pain. The active treatment portion generally lasts approximately 30 minutes, depending on the area treated. - After Treatment
Immediately following treatment, a soothing hydrogel is applied to support healing. Most patients experience mild redness, similar to a light sunburn, along with possible tightness or warmth. These effects are temporary and typically subside within 24–72 hours. Makeup and sunscreen may usually be applied 24 hours after treatment, unless otherwise directed. - Typical SkinPen Microneedling Treatment Plan
- Treatments are typically spaced 4 weeks apart
- A series of 3–6 sessions is commonly recommended
- Collagen remodelling continues for weeks following each treatment
Aftercare Advice
To help your microneedling treatment settle beautifully:
- A medical-grade soothing hydrogel is applied immediately post-procedure
- Redness, warmth, tightness, or mild swelling may persist for 24–72 hours
- Avoid sun exposure, saunas, steam rooms, and vigorous exercise for 72 hours
- Avoid active skincare products until cleared by your provider
- Maintain hydration and adhere strictly to aftercare instructions
- Avoid other facial aesthetic treatments for a minimum of 4 weeks
- Most patients resume daily activities within 24–48 hours.
FAQs – SkinPen® Microneedling
SkinPen has not been evaluated in patients with certain conditions, and medical clearance may be required. These conditions include, but are not limited to:
• Active acne or skin infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal)
• Eczema, psoriasis, or chronic inflammatory skin disorders
• Rosacea
• Diabetes or impaired wound healing
• Keloid or hypertrophic scarring tendencies
• Autoimmune disease or immunosuppressive therapy
• Use of anticoagulant medications
SkinPen microneedling should not be performed in patients who:
• Have active skin cancer in the treatment area
• Have open wounds, infections, or inflamed skin
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have known bleeding or clotting disorders
• Have allergies to stainless steel or topical anaesthetics
• Are currently using isotretinoin (Accutane®) or have used it within the past 6 months
1–2 Weeks Prior
• Discontinue active skincare products (retinoids, AHA/BHA acids, benzoyl peroxide)
• Avoid professional skin treatments (chemical peels, laser, IPL, waxing, dermaplaning)
• Avoid excessive sun exposure; no tanning beds
• Use broad-spectrum SPF daily
3–5 Days Prior
• Discontinue self-tanning products
• Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements if medically appropriate (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo)
• Always consult your GP or prescribing physician before discontinuing any medication
24 Hours Prior
• Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup and skincare products
• No alcohol
• No strenuous exercise
• Keep skin calm and well hydrated
• Do not shave the treatment area
SkinPen microneedling is generally very well tolerated. Most patients describe the procedure as well tolerated, with sensations ranging from mild pressure to light vibration rather than pain.
A topical numbing cream is applied prior to treatment for comfort, especially in sensitive areas.
Most appointments last 45–60 minutes, including consultation, numbing, and treatment time.
Yes. SkinPen is designed to be safe for all skin tones when performed by a trained medical professional.
SkinPen is widely regarded as one of the safest microneedling technologies available. It is an FDA-cleared device, sterile and using single-use needle cartridges. A new, disposable treatment head, needle and cartridge is used for every patient. These protocols significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination or infection and distinguish SkinPen from many other microneedling devices.
Downtime is minimal. Most patients experience temporary redness and sensitivity for 1–3 days.
Many patients notice early radiance within the first week, with progressive improvement over several weeks as collagen builds.
Important Medical Disclaimer
SkinPen microneedling is a medical aesthetic procedure and results vary based on individual anatomy, skin condition, medical history, and adherence to treatment protocols.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. A formal consultation and medical assessment are required prior to treatment to determine candidacy, risks, and expected outcomes. Not all patients are candidates for microneedling.