In the world of medical aesthetics, patients are increasingly looking for non-surgical, results-driven skin treatments. As a practitioner, you’ve likely seen a rise in demand for treatments that deliver smoother, brighter, and younger-looking skin, without downtime or invasive procedures. Two standout options in any professional skincare arsenal are chemical peels and microneedling. These modalities have established themselves as cornerstone treatments in modern skincare clinics, with each offering unique benefits when properly matched to patient needs.
While many practitioners tend to favour one technique over the other, leading professionals recognise that these treatments aren't competitors but complementary modalities. When strategically combined and tailored to individual skin types, combination skin treatments create synergistic effects that far exceed what either treatment can achieve alone.
At Church Pharmacy we exclusively distribute PCA Skin chemical peels, with over 30 years of innovation they represent the gold standard in professional skincare and exfoliation treatments, with formulations designed to address a spectrum of skin concerns across different Fitzpatrick types.
Meanwhile, the innovative 1NEEDPRO microneedling system from Campomats offers practitioners unprecedented precision with its patented PD/DS (Performance Deep/Double System) technology that allows for exact calibration of needle depth, from superficial 0.15mm treatments to deeper 2.5mm penetration.
Chemical peels are a trusted favourite among skin professionals for good reason. These solutions work by exfoliating the top layers of the skin to reveal fresher, healthier cells underneath. But the impact goes beyond surface level, peels can stimulate collagen production, reduce pigmentation, and even help manage conditions like acne and rosacea.
Chemical peels use active acids to break down the bonds between dead skin cells in the stratum corneum. This controlled chemical reaction triggers an inflammatory response that stimulates cellular turnover, collagen production, and melanin regulation. The depth of penetration varies based on:
Church Pharmacy is proud to be the exclusive distributor of PCA Skin in the UK. With more than 30 years of innovation behind the brand, PCA Skin peels are designed with safety and efficacy in mind. They’re formulated with advanced, skin-friendly acids and botanical ingredients that target concerns across all Fitzpatrick types, including sensitive and melanin-rich skin.
Common Peeling Agents and Their Applications
The PCA Skin range offers several key acid categories:
Blended Peels
PCA Skin pioneered modified Jessner's solutions and proprietary blending peels that combine multiple acids with anti-inflammatory and brightening ingredients.
Matching Peels to Skin Concerns
Chemical peels are ideal primary treatments for surface-level skin concerns:
While chemical peels work primarily at the epidermal level, microneedling stimulates the skin from the inside out. Known as collagen induction therapy (CIT), microneedling uses small, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These trigger a natural healing response, boosting collagen and elastin, the structural proteins responsible for skin firmness, elasticity, and resilience.
The mechanism revolves around controlled micro-injury to the skin, triggering a three-phase wound healing response:
Available exclusively through Church Pharmacy, the 1NEEDPRO device by Campomats is an advanced microneedling system designed for medical professionals. It combines innovation, flexibility, and safety through features such as:
Microneedling excels at addressing concerns that originate in the dermis:
Condition |
Microneedling Result |
Acne Scars |
Breaks down scar tissue and stimulates new collagen |
Fine Lines & Wrinkles |
Promotes dermal thickening and firmness |
Skin Laxity |
Tightens skin through neocollagenesis |
Stretch Marks |
Improves texture in damaged dermal areas |
Enlarged Pores |
Reduces visibility through dermal stimulation |
As every practitioner knows, not all skin types respond the same way to each modality. Here’s a quick guide to selecting the right approach:
Treatment Selection by Fitzpatrick Type
Fitzpatrick Type |
Chemical Peel Approach |
Microneedling Approach |
Combination Strategy |
I–II (Fair Skin) |
Tolerant of most acids AHA and BHA |
All microneedling depths usually safe |
Begin with chemical peels, progress to needling |
III–IV (Medium Skin) |
Use anti-inflammatory blends |
Micropricking initially, advance to needling |
Begin with gentle peels and nanopeel treatments, progress to micropricking |
V–VI (Dark Skin) |
Use melanin-safe peels (e.g. mandelic acid) |
Start with nanopeel/micropricking, avoid high trauma |
Combine cautiously, start with nanopeel, introduce gentle peels then progress to micropricking |
Treatment Selection by Skin Concern
Skin Concern |
Chemical Peel Approach |
Microneedling Approach |
Optimal Combined Protocol (only after each treatment has been received on its own) |
Acne (Active) |
NoPeel Peel |
Nanopeel only (avoid micropricking/needling during active breakouts) |
Nanopeel + NoPeel Peel |
Acne Scarring |
Bright & Even Peel |
Needling (1.5-2.5mm depth) |
Needling + Bright & Even Peel |
Hyper-pigment |
Pigment Correct Peel |
Nanopeel and micropricking with brightening correctives |
Nanopeel + Pigment Correct Peel |
Rosacea/Sensitive |
NoPeel Peel |
Nanopeel and cautious micropricking |
Nanopeel + NoPeel Peel |
Photo-aging |
Bright & Even Peel |
Progressive approach from micropricking to needling |
Micropricking + Bright & Even Peel |
The strategic integration of chemical peels and microneedling creates synergistic benefits when properly sequenced and combined, addressing both epidermal and dermal concerns.
Chemical Peels
Microneedling
Together, they offer a multi-level approach that enhances product penetration, accelerates visible improvement and prolongs treatment benefit.
Protocol 1: Progressive Rejuvenation for Fitzpatrick I-III
Protocol 2: Hyperpigmentation Management for Fitzpatrick IV-VI
At Church Pharmacy, we believe that the right training is just as important as the right product.
PCA Skin Training Excellence
We offer regional training across the UK and Ireland, including:
London, Loughborough, Leeds, Manchester, Durham, Bristol, Cardiff, Southampton, Scotland, and Ireland
Each session covers:
1NEEDPRO Demonstration and Support
In-Clinic Demonstrations
As an aesthetic practitioner, your goal is to offer safe, evidence-based treatments that deliver visible results. By combining microneedling and chemical peels, you’re not just offering two separate services, you’re offering a comprehensive skin solution.
This dual-modality approach allows you to:
Contact Church Pharmacy today to arrange a personal consultation with their clinical education team or schedule an in-clinic demonstration of the 1NEEDPRO microneedling device. Your patients deserve effective, evidence-based treatments delivered through the power of combination treatments.
Can you combine microneedling and chemical peels in one treatment plan?
Yes, many advanced practitioners use a combined approach to achieve superior results. When properly sequenced, chemical peels and microneedling complement each other, peels target epidermal concerns while microneedling stimulates the dermis. Always assess skin sensitivity and tolerance before combining modalities.
Which is more effective for acne scarring: microneedling or chemical peels?
Microneedling is generally more effective for deep acne scarring as it stimulates collagen from within. Chemical peels can enhance outcomes when used alongside microneedling by improving skin tone and treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
What is the best treatment for pigmentation in Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin types?
For darker skin types, start with low-irritation chemical peels like PCA Skin’s Pigment Correct Peel and pair it with gentle micropricking using a device like 1NEEDPRO. This combination targets melanin while minimising the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Is microneedling safe for all skin types?
Yes, microneedling is safe across all Fitzpatrick types when performed with the correct needle depth and device hygiene. Devices like 1NEEDPRO, which allow precise depth calibration, are ideal for tailoring treatment by skin type and concern.
What are the most popular PCA Skin peels for UK practitioners?
Popular choices include the NoPeel Peel (for sensitive skin), Bright & Even Peel (for radiance and ageing), and the Pigment Correct Peel (for hyperpigmentation). All PCA Skin peels are professional-use only and are exclusively distributed by Church Pharmacy.
How often should patients receive microneedling or chemical peels?
Microneedling is typically performed every 4–6 weeks, while light to medium peels can be done every 3–4 weeks. When combining treatments, leave sufficient recovery time between sessions and adapt based on the patient’s skin response.
Can you perform microneedling immediately after a chemical peel?
This is not generally recommended. While certain light peels can be used in the same protocol, most treatments benefit from spacing, for example, performing microneedling 1–2 weeks after a chemical peel to reduce irritation and maximise results.
What’s the benefit of combining microneedling and peels instead of offering them separately?
Combination therapy addresses multiple layers of the skin in one treatment cycle. While peels improve tone and texture on the surface, microneedling stimulates deeper repair and collagen formation. This layered approach can produce more dramatic and long-lasting results.
Do I need training to offer chemical peels or microneedling in my clinic?
Yes. In the UK, healthcare professionals must complete appropriate training before offering either treatment. Church Pharmacy offers PCA Skin training across multiple UK and Irish locations, and in-clinic demonstrations for 1NEEDPRO.
Where can I buy 1NEEDPRO devices and PCA Skin peels in the UK?
You can order both exclusively through Church Pharmacy.
Commited to delivering excellence For your medical aesthestic and clinic needs
About Church Pharmacy
Church Pharmacy is an award-winning UK pharmaceutical and aesthetics distributor, trusted by medical professionals. We supply fully licensed, high-quality aesthetic and prescription products, including botulinum toxins, dermal fillers, cosmeceuticals, and essential clinic consumables.
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