Chemical Peel and Polynucleotides: The Perfect Pair

If your skin is starting to look dull, uneven or tired despite good skincare, combining a medical-grade chemical peel with regenerative Polynucleotides can be one of the most effective ways to reset and revitalise your complexion. At Alcove Aesthetics by Dr Goziem, a doctor-led facial aesthetics clinic in Central London, this pairing is carefully planned to improve texture, pigmentation and fine lines while also supporting the deeper biology of the skin.

Unlike one-off quick fixes, this approach targets both the surface and the deeper layers of the skin for more natural, longer-lasting results. A tailored peel refines and brightens, while polynucleotides work beneath the surface to stimulate repair, hydration and elasticity. For many of our Mayfair, Pall Mall and Westminster patients, this is the sweet spot between visible change and a still-you look.

Introduction: Why combine chemical peels and polynucleotides?

From your early 30s onwards, you may notice fine lines around the eyes, enlarging pores, lingering acne marks or uneven tone that make your skin look tired even when you feel well. Many women are understandably wary of looking “done” and want subtle, believable improvements that preserve their natural features.

Chemical peels and polynucleotides are especially powerful in combination because they address two sides of ageing skin: the damaged outer layer and the slower, less efficient regeneration happening underneath. At Alcove Aesthetics in Pall Mall, London, every treatment is designed and performed by Dr Goziem Onuchukwu, BDS, MSc (Aesthetic Medicine), to deliver this balance of refinement and regeneration with minimal downtime.

What It Is & How It Works

What is a chemical peel?

A medical-grade Chemical Peel is a controlled exfoliation treatment that uses specific acids to dissolve the “glue” between tired, damaged skin cells. At Alcove Aesthetics, we offer:

• Level 1 Peels – £250
  Light to medium strength, ideal for brightening, mild pigmentation and refining texture.
• Level 2 Peels – £420
  Deeper-acting peels for more significant sun damage, stubborn pigmentation, acne scarring and fine lines.

By removing the dull outer layers, peels:

• Smooth the surface
• Even out tone and sun damage
• Unclog pores and soften acne marks
• Stimulate fresh cell turnover

Think of it as professionally “resetting” the surface so healthier, fresher skin can come through.

What are polynucleotides?

Polynucleotides are highly purified chains of nucleotides (the basic building blocks of DNA and RNA) derived from controlled, medical-grade sources. When injected into the skin in small amounts, they act as powerful bio-stimulators rather than fillers.

Polynucleotides help to:

• Attract and hold water in the skin for deep, long-lasting hydration
• Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
• Encourage fibroblasts (the skin’s repair cells) to produce more collagen and elastin
• Improve the quality of the extracellular matrix that supports smooth, bouncy skin

Over time, this can translate into firmer, healthier, more resilient skin, especially in delicate or difficult areas such as under the eyes, the cheeks and neck.

Why do they work so well together?

A peel prepares the canvas. Polynucleotides rebuild the canvas.

1. Surface renewal

• The peel removes damaged cells, pigment and congestion, improving clarity and texture.

1. Deeper regeneration

• Polynucleotides then support the healing phase, amplifying collagen production and hydration from within.

1. Synergistic timing

• When spaced and layered correctly, the controlled “stress” of the peel triggers renewal, while polynucleotides guide that renewal towards stronger, higher-quality skin rather than simply healing back to where you started.

At Alcove Aesthetics, this is never a one-size-fits-all protocol. The type and strength of peel, treatment areas and polynucleotide dosing are all adjusted by Dr Goziem according to your skin type, lifestyle and tolerance.

Benefits & Results

When a chemical peel and polynucleotides are combined thoughtfully, patients typically notice that their skin not only looks better, but behaves better.

Key benefits can include:

• Brighter, more even skin tone
• Smoother texture and refined pores
• Softer fine lines and crepey areas
• Fresher, less “tired” under-eye area
• Improved acne marks and mild scarring
• Better hydration and plumpness
• Stronger, more resilient skin barrier over time
• More natural-looking results than relying only on volume-based injectables

| Concern | How the peel helps | How polynucleotides help |
|——————————-|———————————————-|————————————————–|
| Dull, uneven tone | Exfoliates and lifts superficial pigment | Calms inflammation, supports healthier turnover |
| Fine lines / early wrinkles | Stimulates renewal, smooths surface lines | Encourages new collagen and elastin formation |
| Under-eye tiredness | Gentle brightening of surface | Improves thickness, hydration, crepiness |
| Acne marks / texture | Softens scars and roughness | Supports deeper repair and tissue quality |
| Loss of “glow” | Reveals fresher cells | Enhances hydration and cellular vitality |

Why Choose Alcove Aesthetics

In Central London, there is no shortage of aesthetic clinics. What sets Alcove Aesthetics by Dr Goziem apart is a combination of medical expertise, precision and a deeply conservative, natural-first ethos.

• Doctor-led care only
  All consultations and treatments are carried out by Dr Goziem Onuchukwu, a GDC-registered dentist with over 7 years of aesthetic medicine experience and more than 1,000 patients treated.

• Award-winning expertise

• Best Anti-Ageing Practitioner, Central London 2024 & 2025

• Skin Aesthetics Specialist of the Year 2025

• Tailored treatment planning
  Rather than simply adding more product, Dr Goziem maps out how your skin is ageing in layers and may integrate complementary options such as Microneedling or skin boosters when appropriate.

• Prime Central London location
  Our discreet clinic at 120 Pall Mall, moments from Mayfair, St James’s and Westminster, offers easy access for busy professionals, with weekday and evening appointments.

• Continuity and aftercare
  Follow-ups are built into the process, so you are seen and supported at each stage, not just on treatment day.

Treatment Journey: What to Expect

Your experience at our Mayfair-adjacent aesthetic clinic is structured, calm and transparent from the start.

1. In-depth consultation

Your journey begins with a detailed, doctor-led consultation:

• Comprehensive skin analysis and medical history
• Discussion of your concerns, lifestyle and previous treatments
• Assessment of whether a peel, polynucleotides or a combination is best for you
• Clear explanation of expected results, risks and timelines

This is also where we plan any additional supporting treatments such as PRP or exosomes if indicated.

2. Step 1 – Chemical peel

On peel day:

• Skin is thoroughly cleansed and prepped
• Protective measures are taken for sensitive areas where needed
• The appropriate Level 1 or Level 2 peel solution is applied for a set time and then neutralised
• You may feel warmth or tingling, but discomfort is usually very manageable

You leave with tailored aftercare instructions and product advice to support healing and maximise your results.

3. Step 2 – Polynucleotide sessions

Polynucleotide treatments are usually scheduled as a course, often starting 1 to 2 weeks after your peel, once the surface has settled:

• Numbing cream is applied for comfort
• Tiny amounts of polynucleotides are precisely injected with a fine needle or cannula into key areas such as under the eyes, cheeks, jawline or neck
• Most appointments take around 30 to 45 minutes

A typical protocol is 3 sessions, spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, followed by maintenance as needed.

4. Ongoing review

You are invited for follow-up review to:

• Track your skin’s response over time
• Refine your plan or top-up schedule
• Adjust skincare and maintenance if your lifestyle or hormones change

Recovery & Aftercare

Downtime is usually minimal, but it is important to understand what is normal.

After a chemical peel, you may experience:

• Redness and tightness for 24 to 48 hours
• Peeling or flaking for 3 to 7 days depending on peel depth
• Temporary darkening of some pigmentation before it sheds

After polynucleotides, you may notice:

• Small bumps at injection sites for 24 to 72 hours
• Mild redness or pinpoint bruising

General guidelines include avoiding saunas, intense exercise, active skincare acids and unprotected sun exposure for a few days. At Alcove Aesthetics, you will receive personalised written aftercare and access to the clinic for any concerns.

Cost & Transparency

All pricing is clear and discussed in full before any treatment is carried out.

• Chemical Peels

• Level 1: £250

• Level 2: £420

• Polynucleotides

• £340 for 1 session

• £930 for a course of 3

The best value and outcomes typically come from a planned course rather than isolated single sessions. During your consultation, Dr Goziem will design a bespoke plan based on your skin needs, budget and timeframe, with all costs confirmed in writing before you proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the combination of chemical peel and polynucleotides safe?

When performed by a qualified medical professional with appropriate training, this combination is considered safe for suitable candidates. At our doctor-led facial aesthetics clinic in London, you will always undergo a full medical consultation to assess skin type, history of sensitivity, medications and previous treatments before anything is recommended.

Does it hurt?

Most patients describe the peel as warm or mildly tingly rather than painful. Polynucleotide injections can cause brief stinging or pressure, but topical anaesthetic is used to keep you comfortable. Any discomfort is usually short-lived and well tolerated.

How soon will I see results?

You may notice a brighter, smoother surface within 7 to 10 days of your peel, once initial peeling has settled. Polynucleotides work more gradually: most patients start to appreciate improvement in hydration and skin quality from around 4 to 6 weeks, with further gains over 3 to 6 months as collagen and elastin are remodelled.

How long do the results last?

This varies between individuals, lifestyle and skincare, but improvements from polynucleotides commonly last 6 to 12 months, sometimes longer, especially when combined with sun protection and a good at-home routine. Many patients choose maintenance sessions once or twice a year to preserve results.

Am I a good candidate?

You may be suitable if you are noticing dullness, fine lines, enlarged pores, early laxity or under-eye tiredness, and would like to avoid an overfilled or “done” look. It may not be appropriate if you have active infections, severe eczema or psoriasis in the area, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. A face-to-face assessment with Dr Goziem at our Mayfair-area aesthetic clinic is essential to confirm suitability.

To explore whether a tailored combination of chemical peel and polynucleotides is right for your skin, you can book a dedicated skin consultation with Dr Goziem at Alcove Aesthetics, 120 Pall Mall, serving Mayfair, St James’s, Westminster, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Soho, Marylebone, Fitzrovia and Chelsea. To book your personalised consultation with Dr Goziem Onuchukwu at Alcove Aesthetics, Pall Mall, London, call 07856962248 or book online at alcoveaesthetics.com/appointments.