The quick, no-knife fixes to try on your lunch break

Secret Weapon: A gentle 20-minute peel to supercharge your natural collagen production and leave you with a healthy glow. Motto: Stimulate rather than irritate.

Face peels have a bad reputation. For some, the word alone evokes images of sore, red, flaky skin after too many layers have been chemically stripped away. However, if 37-yearold Dr Rabia Malik’s taut, poreless, radiant skin is anything to go by, then perhaps it’s time to rethink that reputation.

Rather than the Botox and fillers used by her peers, Dr Malik champions gentle and regular peels to keep skin looking firm and plump. “Formulations have evolved over the years, and we now have some very sophisticated options that combine different acids with other active ingredients, like fruit enzymes and amino acids, to enhance the efficacy,” says Dr Malik.

At her clinic in private members’ club Grace Belgravia, Dr Malik uses lactic acid, derived from sour milk, rather than the more common (and cheaper) glycolic. “It’s gentler on the skin, but still offers visible results in terms of skin tone and texture,” explains Dr Malik. “Lactic acid stimulates new skin cells and boosts your natural production of collagen. It’s particularly effective on minimising pigmentation and scarring.”

Medical-strength peels are available for those with specific skincare issues, but Dr Malik has also created the Peel Boutique, which offers three professional treatments that take just 20 minutes and require no downtime. “After seven years of specialising in skin, I wanted to create a holistic, non-invasive treatment that helps prevent damage and maintain skin health for all ages.”

Whether you choose the Brightening, Hydrating or Blemish