Our feeds are flooded with the latest skincare trends every scroll serving up yet another viral hack to try. Ten-step routines, miracle serums, treatments that claim overnight results. But honestly, between a full-time job and two toddlers, I barely have time to exfoliate properly.
My skin, however, had other plans. It was practically begging for a reset, so I tried the Environ Cool Peel Treatment to see if it lived up to the hype. Here’s the lowdown on my Cool Peel experience, what it actually is and how it compares to traditional chemical peels.
The Truth About Traditional Chemical Peels
Chemical peels resurface skin by removing outer layers with acids. The deeper the peel, the more dramatic the change – and the longer the recovery. Alongside those striking before-and-after photos, however, can come risks like:
- Skin barrier damage
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Scarring (especially for darker skin tones)
- Patchy or uneven results
- Long, painful recovery periods
Major medical institutions like the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic now warn of these risks, especially when deep peels are applied to sensitive skin or done improperly.
World-renowned plastic surgeon and founder of Environ Dr Des Fernandes knows this firsthand which is why he pioneered Cool Peels. “In the 1980s, I tested aggressive peels on myself,” he says. “But I quickly learned how damaging they could be and I began to pull back.”
That said, there’s absolutely a place for traditional peels. When performed correctly, they can work wonders – especially for targeted issues like scarring, hyperpigmentation or stubborn wrinkles. The key is finding the right treatment for your skin type and goals.
READ MORE: Here’s What You Really Need To Know About Chemical Peels
Cool Peel Vs Chemical Peel: The Difference
Environ Cool Peels are non-invasive, intelligent skin renewal treatments developed by Dr Des Fernandes. Instead of using harsh methods, this advanced treatment stimulates natural growth factors and regenerative effects – giving visible results with no downtime.
Performed exclusively by trained skincare professionals, Cool Peels can be tailored to address photo-ageing, uneven tone and texture, discolouration, dryness, dullness and even breakouts. Dr Fernandes describes the technique as painting with watercolours: building depth with soft layers instead of forcing results in one go. The focus is rehabilitation, not destruction.
The most surprising part? The results were immediate.
WH Tries It: My First Cool Peel
I arrived at Beauty Gallery in Pretoria feeling nervous. I had never done a chemical peel – ever – and you hear horror stories all the time. Some even require hiding from the sun for days, which isn’t exactly realistic when you live somewhere sunny (like I do). Side note: those results depend on the type of peel you choose. Not all treatments are created equal.
My esthetician, Susan Di Ciccio, has been a sole Environ stockist for 25 years and says their tagline is simple: “a beautiful skin for a lifetime.” Over the years, she has seen remarkable transformations in her clients, even those with stubborn or problematic skin. Susan guided me through the process, explaining exactly what she was applying and why. That alone calmed me down and reassured me that my skin was in expert hands.
READ MORE: Here Are The 7 Things Dermatologists Would Never Do
Prepping The Skin
The session started with a thorough cleanse to remove make-up, impurities and dead skin cells. Already, my face felt lighter. Then came the 10% lactic acid gel, brushed on in a cool, jelly-like layer. I did feel a brief tingle and slight itching, but it passed quickly. Honestly, it felt like my skin was shouting: “PLEASE HYDRATE ME MORE OFTEN, WOMAN!”
The Cool Peel In Action
Susan applied a gauze mask and used iontophoresis to push the active ingredients deep into my skin for 15 minutes. This was followed by the Vita Antioxidant Treatment Gel, an alginate mask and another 20 minutes of iontophoresis. While all this was happening, she gave me a blissful neck and shoulder massage.
We finished with moisturiser and sunblock so I could walk straight out into the sunlight without a second thought.
The Results
The most surprising part? The results were immediate. My skin looked fresh, plump and hydrated. I didn’t even want to put on make-up because it would only dull the glow. Treatments rarely deliver that instant confidence boost, but this one did.
Quick Guide: Moisture Boost Cool Peel Step by Step
- Deep Cleanse – Removes make-up, dirt and dead skin cells. A clay microexfoliator is massaged in to prep the skin, followed by steam.
- 10% Lactic Acid Gel – Hydrates and lightly resurfaces. Covered with gauze and conductive gel, then enhanced with iontophoresis for 15 minutes (expect a tiny tingle – mine was gone in seconds).
- Alginate Mask – Locks in hydration with antioxidants (vitamins A, C and E). Another 20 minutes of iontophoresis ensures deep penetration (this part felt like my face got a tall glass of water).
- Moisturiser and Sunblock – Leaves skin plump, glowing and protected.
READ MORE: Beauty Biohacking: Five Practices A Pro Swears By
Who Would Love The Cool Peel Treatment?
If you’ve been hesitant about peels because of redness, flaking or long recovery times, the Cool Peel is worth considering. It’s not about instant, dramatic change, but about long-term skin health and giving your skin what it really needs.
After my session, my face felt cared for, nourished and genuinely healthier. Would I do it again? Absolutely – because sometimes your skin doesn’t need a dramatic overhaul, it just needs a reset.
WH Recommends:
Environ Claytech Micro-Exfoliator
“The results from this product alone were incredible. Susan applied a dollop to one hand and left it on during the treatment. When we washed it off, I was shocked – one hand looked like the Namibian desert and the other smooth and hydrated. The standout feature? You can sleep with the mask on and wash it off in the morning. Overnight, it removes dead skin cells and leaves your face fresh and plump for the next day.” – Chamain van Zyl, Digital Editor
