Chemical Peels

WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEEL?

A solution is applied to the skin to produce even peeling of the outer layers of skin. This ‘freshens’ the skin, removes some sunspots and rough scaly patches, and reduces freckles and irregular pigmentation. It also reduces fine wrinkles. It is safest and most effective on the face, but can also be performed on the backs of hands, forearms, neck and chest for age-spots, sun-damage and pigmentation. Chemical peels have been used for centuries. Cleopatra and Roman women used fruit acids to peel and rejuvenate their skin.

WHAT CHEMICAL PEELS ARE USED?

In this clinic, three solutions are used:

Our doctor, Nurse or Beauty Therapist will discuss which peel best suits your needs.

WHAT WILL A CHEMICAL PEEL TREAT?

Fine wrinkles can be reduced. Deeper lines can be treated with Muscle Relaxant and Dermal Fillers; these procedures are performed at this clinic. Most brown marks and pigmentation can be removed or reduced. (Depending on the strength of the peel).

Tired, dull looking skin. The peel removes the dead layers of skin to reveal fresh new skin. As we get older, our ability to slough off these dead layers is reduced. The peel also stimulates our deeper layer of skin to produce more collagen, which then plumps up the skin.

Early sun damaged skin. Scaly patches and rough skin can be removed.

Thin, fragile skin. Chemical peeling – is not a substitute for a facelift – it does not tighten sagging skin. Will not remove broken capillaries (these can be treated with laser) Will only mildly improve some acne scarring. (These can be best treated with a dermal filler). For those who wish to continue to sun-worship, forget about chemical peeling, as the benefits will be rapidly lost by UV exposure from any source.

GLYCOLIC PEELS

Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane. It is one of the fruit acids or AHAs. To have a Glycolic Peel, suitable products must be used at least 10-14 days prior to treatment. First the skin is thoroughly cleansed, and then a solution of glycolic acid is applied. It may produce a mild tingling sensation. These peels must be carefully timed and then removed by rinsing with water. Usually a series of peels about 2 – 4 weeks apart are necessary.

If pigmentation is being treated, peels are often combined with daily use of a fading cream. Omnilux treatments are wonderful used in conjunction with a peel. A 30+ Sunscreen must be applied EVERY DAY to protect the skin from further damage.

After a glycolic acid peel, a light moisturiser is used for the first few days and then the normal skin routine can be recommenced. Better results will be obtained if this routine includes a glycolic preparation. A glycolic peel does not involve any ‘hiding away’ time and you can often return to work immediately after a peel. ID Mineral make-up can be used after peels. This makeup sits on top of the skin and does not penetrate into the follicle. It is a very light makeup letting the skin breathe.

LACTIC PEELS

Lactic peels often need to be performed in a series 2-4 weeks apart. They require at least 2 weeks preparation on Ultraceuticals Even Skintone Serum.

SALICYLIC PEELS

Salicylic peels are ideal for oily and acne-prone skins. The peel depth is slightly deeper than the Lactic-based peels and is often done in a series. Salicylic peels require two weeks preparation of glycolic and/or salicylic-based products.

TCA PEELS

The skin needs to be prepared with daily application of glycolic acid for at least 2 weeks.

Firstly the skin is cleaned with acetone. The TCA is painted onto the skin until the skin whitens. At this stage it burns so a cooling fan is used until the stinging abates. This takes 5 – 10 minutes. The skin will go red and a little swollen over the next 24 hours. Once the initial burning has settled, the skin feels tight. Over the next few days, the skin dries and looks like brown leather. Vaseline is applied several times a day to prevent cracking. The skin will begin to peel between 5 and 7 days.

For about a week, most people feel the need to hide. Sunscreen is mandatory at all times!

ARE THERE ANY COMPLICATIONS?

Scarring which occurs with strong acids or phenol peels is virtually unknown with Glycolic, Lactic and TCA peels alone. The most common causes of scarring are infection and pulling off the skin before it is ready. Both are avoidable.

Cold-sores may be activated in those prone to this problem. These patients should use anti-viral medication. Increased pigmentation may occur and resolves with time. It can be prevented by sun avoidance and the religious use of sunscreens.