Dr Zein Obagi created two gentle ZO peels, and we offer both at Cheshire Lasers in Middlewich. They are level 2.5 peels, which means they refresh and brighten the skin without the downtime of a stronger peel. Which one suits you depends on what your skin needs.
ZO Stimulator Peel — the Red Carpet Peel
The ZO Stimulator Peel is gentle on the skin but strong enough to make a visible difference, brightening and refreshing the face for a youthful, dewy look. It contains a blend of lactic, citric and salicylic acids plus potent concentrations of other active ingredients, and works on the signs of ageing, discolouration and UV damage. It is known in the USA as the “Red Carpet Peel”, because it is the one people choose before an event when they cannot afford to hide away with redness or flaking afterwards.
ZO Restorative Peel
Dr Obagi created the ZO Restorative Peel in 2024. It is the gentler of the two — a blend of lactic, citric and mandelic acids that provides surface exfoliation while instantly improving the skin’s luminosity, texture and tone. It suits all skin types but particularly dull, dry, weak and redness-prone skin, and it is a good choice for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
Which of the two should I have?
If you want brightness and freshness before an event, or you are treating sun damage, discolouration and early signs of ageing, the Stimulator Peel is usually the one. If your skin is dry, sensitive or prone to redness, the Restorative Peel is gentler and better suited. Your aesthetician will confirm which is right at your consultation, and you can have a different one next time — they are not a course you commit to.
What happens during a ZO peel?
Your skin will be cleansed using the appropriate cleanser from the ZO range to remove any makeup or oil. This is followed by ZO Exfoliating Polish and Polish Activator and ZO Peel Prep Solution to prepare the skin for the Peel.
The peel is then applied and left on for two to four minutes before it is neutralised with pads soaked in Peel Neutraliser, which restores the skin’s Ph balance after the acids in the peel. The appropriate products are applied if you have a Brightening or Hydrating Medical Peel. The final step is using ZO Daily Power Defence moisturising serum and ZO Ommerse Renewal Cream to hydrate and protect your skin.
The active Peel solution causes the superficial layer of the skin to peel off and may cause slight initial reddening. However, the treatment exposes a new layer of healthy, undamaged skin, resulting in a smoother texture and even skin tone.
What are the benefits of these peels?
- Soften and rejuvenate sun-damaged skin.
- Improves skin texture and tone.
- Reduce or eliminate age spots, freckles and hyperpigmentation.
- Soften fine lines and wrinkles.
- Stimulate the production of collagen for firmer, more youthful skin.
- Stimulate the growth of healthy cells while you shed damaged skin.
- Reduces the appearance of melasma.
- Treats mild acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Reduces pore size.
- Improves the efficacy of skincare products.
- No downtime.
- Immediate results.
Who should (and should not) have a ZO peel?
This peel is recommended for adults concerned with skin ageing, sun damage and hyperpigmentation or anyone wishing to have a rejuvenating boost to the skin.
We do not recommend the peel for those who are:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Using Roaccutane or prescription retinoids
- Having radiation or chemotherapy
- Allergic to lactic acid, citric acid, salicylic acid or latex
Do I need to prepare my skin before the peel?
You do not need to prepare your skin or use any specific skincare before the peel. However, you will get better results if you use some ZO products before the treatment.
How long does the treatment take?
The treatment will take about 45 minutes.
You will notice results immediately, and your skin will be fresher, glowing and have improved texture and tone. We recommend a course of treatments for optimum results.
Are these peels painful?
Unlike stronger chemical peels, which can be uncomfortable, this peel is not painful and involves no downtime. You may experience a mild warming sensation briefly whilst the peel is applied. You may have slight initial reddening, followed by limited peeling a day or two later. For special events, the Peel is ideal to have three days before.
How long before I see results?
Most people will see a dramatic improvement in their skin after just one peel. However, we recommend a course of 3 to 4 Peels, 4-6 weeks apart, for maximum benefit.
Maintenance
Ideally, every four months or before special events.
Enhance your ZO peel results.
You can add an additional ZO Mask to your peel to enhance results. If you opt for one of these, your treatment time will be 10 minutes longer :
ZO Hydra Mask
Other ZO Hydra massage gel and mask ingredients make this ideal for dry, dehydrated or weak skin.
ZO Brightening Mask
A ZO Brightening mask and a brightening massage cream make this ideal for sun-damaged skin with age spots and pigmentation.
ZO Complexion Clearing Masque
Containing eucalyptus and kaolin for antiseptic and detoxifying benefits.
Oily or congested skin?
Our ZO Acne and Oil Control treatment is the one we usually reach for with acne-prone skin.
How do I book a ZO peel at Cheshire Lasers?
At Cheshire Lasers, our Level 4 Laser Technician and aestheticians perform the ZO Stimulator and Restorative Peels and offer ZO Skincare advice.
We recommend you book a skin consultation and analysis before booking your treatment so they can determine the most appropriate peel for your skin.
Book a Skin Assessment Consultation
How much are ZO Stimulator and Restorative Peels?
Sometimes it’s included in our special offers — so it’s worth checking this month’s offers.