Chemical Peels

• What is a skin peel? Superficial chemical peels & Medium depth peels
• How does it work?
• Do I need any special preparation?
• How is it done?
• What will I look like afterwards?
• How often should the treatment take place?

What is a skin peel?

A skin peel is a very effective way to revitalising dull tired skin. It is also used as a specific treatment for sun damaged skin, age damaged skin and skin damaged by exposure to chemicals and other irritants.

There are different levels of peel available (superficial and medium) and each pone is prescribed specifically for the patient depending on their skin tyoe suitabliltity and specific needs. 

How does it work?

Peels involve non toxic chemicals which are gently applied to your skin in order to exfoliate the top layer of skin which comprises of old tired skin cells.

Once absorbed into the skin the active ingredient works from within the skin to encourage the renewal of fresh new skin cells and the production of collagen. The result is a radiant, refreshed healthier better looking you!

Superficial Chemical Peels

Superficial facial peels exfoliate away the top layer of skin to reveal a smoother more radiant skin surface. This also helps to reduce and irregular surface pigmentation, treatment creams to penetrate better and creates a better complexion.

When done regularly, the repeated exfoliation of the superficial skin layer can help stimulate collagen production below. Increased collagen production then helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Salicylic acid peels (derived from willow plants) can be particularly useful in acne as they remove the thick layers of oil and unblock pores.

Glycolic acid peels (derived from sugar cane) are also very helpful in acne, as well as having a moisturising effect on the skin.

How effective a glycolic acid peel will be depends on the depth of penetration ie the concentration of the peel.

Generally when starting it is recommended to use 20% or 30% concentration. For greater affectivity, the concentration and contact time with the skin can be gradually increased with each treatment.

Do I need any special preparation?

Approximately 2 weeks before a glycolic acid peel it can be  helpful to try a light glycolic acid cleanser and/or moisturizer. This is to prepare your skin for the glycolic acid peel and mainly to check that check that you sensitive to glycolic acid.

Strong exfoliators, microdermabrasion and topical retinoids should not be used the week before the superficial peel. Men should not shave on the day of the peel.

How is it done?

On a makeup free face, Vaseline is applied over the lips, corners of the eyes and any broken areas of skin to protect it. The skin is wiped with a cotton pad containing a preparatory lotion.

The light acid peel solution is then applied to the skin. Often this feels like warm sensation.  The peel is usually in contact with your skin for approximately 2-5 minutes.

Once this time is over, the treatment peel is inactivated by applying a spray of lotion to neutralize the peel. |This works immediately to inactivate the peel. A soothing spray of cool water and a soothing cream are then applied to the skin.

What will I look like afterwards?

Immediately after the peel, the skin may look slightly red, however this is temporary and will pass.

Over the next few days you may notice slight peeling and flaking but this should not interfere with your everyday activity and will settle over a couple of days. This indicates the peel is work as it is exfoliating the superficial layer of skin off.

How often should the treatment take place?

In order to gain maximum benefit from this form of treatment, a series of peels is usually necessary. The normal time interval between the peels is two to four weeks. At each successive treatment, the time the peel is in contact with the skin will gradually be increased until five minutes is reached, and then the strength of the peel is increased.

Medium depth peels

Medium depth peels use trichloracetic acid (TCA), this works to remove a slightly thicker layer of skin and hence produces a more significant improvement.

However, due to the greater penetration and increased action, following a medium depth peel the skin may become very red and peel for a minimum of one or two weeks. Due to this after effect, it may be necessary to take time off work in the week after treatment while the skin recovers from this deeper peel.