Chemical peels are an intensive exfoliation treatment used to improve and smooth the texture of the skin.
Chemical peels are intended to remove the outermost layers of the skin, they do this by causing a controlled trauma to the skin triggering the fibroblast cells into “healing mode” this induces collagen and elastin production which rejuvenates the skin, making it look brighter, improve texture, remove fine imbedded dirt and dead skin cells reducing fine lines and wrinkles, open pores and imperfections.
By encouraging circulation to the skin surface Chemical Peels leave the skin looking more youthful, firmer with a healthy glow.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the acid help rejuvenate the skin. It reduces brown sunspots and is an effective treatment for hormonal pigmentation like Melasma. Glycolic Peels create a younger and more even skin tone. unclogging blocked pores, mild acne, superficial acne scars, and blackheads.
Is a chemical peel good for all skin types?
Generally, superficial peels can be used on all skin types. However, if you have darker skin tone, you have a greater risk of hyperpigmentation. If you have a naturally darker skin tone, we will reduce the concentration to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.
Chemical peeling may not be suitable if you:
- Have a history of abnormal skin scarring.
- Have extra pigmentation in your scars.
- Have skin conditions or take medications that make your skin more sensitive.
- Can’t stay out of the sun for the healing period.
Which skin conditions can be treated with Peels?
- Open pores
- Uneven texture
- Fine lines under your eyes, around your mouth or on the backs of your hands and wrinkling on your neck and décolletage (chest) caused by sun damage, aging and hereditary factors.
- Certain types of acne.
- Mild scarring.
- Pigmentation and uneven skin tone.
- Sun spots, age spots, liver spots, freckles, uneven skin coloring.
- Precancerous scaly spots called actinic keratosis.
- Rough skin, scaly patches, dull complexion.
- Melasma, dark areas and patches and hormonal pigmentation that occurs during or after pregnancy or taking birth control pills and HRT.
How often should I have a peel?
For best results, we generally recommend around of six peels each spaced 1-4 weeks apart. It is always best to have skin treatments like peels in the winter months when damaging UV rays are weaker causing less damage to the newly formed skin cells.
Prepare your skin for a peel
To prepare for your chemical peel, we recommend:
- Avoid tanning and direct sun exposure for two weeks before each treatment. Peels are always safer in the autumn – winter months..
- Don’t use any products containing retinoids (such as tretinoin) one to two weeks before treatment, unless we advise you differently.
- Peel areas must be free of any open sores, lesions or skin infections.
What to expect
Day of peel:
Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed.
The procedure:
During a chemical peel, a solution is applied to your skin. You may feel a warm to somewhat hot sensation that will last a few minutes.
This is followed by a tingling mild stinging sensation.
To relieve the sting, a cool compress may be applied your skin. The chemical is then washed off and/or neutralized.
Dermalux LED can be added to optimise results and aid recovery.
What should I expect after the chemical peel?
What to expect varies depending on the strength of your chemical peel.
If you’ve had a light chemical peel:
- Expect a sunburn-like reaction to occur after your peel, meaning you’ll see redness followed by scaling that lasts between three and seven days.
- Apply lotion or cream as directed until your skin heals. After your skin heals, apply daily sunscreen.
- You can wear makeup immediately after treatment or the next day.
- Additional peels may be repeated every two to five weeks until you achieve your desired results. Typically three to five peels are needed to achieve your goal.
If you’ve had a medium chemical peel:
- Expect some redness, swelling, stinging and flaking of your skin. Swelling may last and/or worsen for 48 hours. Blisters can develop and will break open. Skin will crust and peel off over seven to 14 days.
- Perform daily soaks as directed by your doctor. Apply ointment after each soak. Apply lotion or cream daily. Don’t expose your skin to sunlight until completely healed.
- Antiviral medication will need to be taken for 10 to 14 days.
- You can wear makeup after five to seven days.
- Additional medium-depth peels may be repeated at six to 12 months intervals, if needed, to maintain results.
To get the best results, regardless of the depth of your peel, follow these tips:
- Avoid all UV exposure while your skin is healing.
- After your skin heals, always apply a daily SPF30+.
- Apply a daily moisturizer, as directed, to keep your skin moist to prevent scarring.
The new skin is fragile and more susceptible to complications. We will provide you with post-treatment instructions to reduce the chance of developing abnormal skin color after your peel and other complications.
If your skin itches, swells or burns, call your GP or 111.
Itching or scratching your skin could lead to an infection we always recommend patting or tapping the skin to relieve an itch!
Infections are rare but still a risk.
What are the possible complications of chemical peels?
In certain skin types, there’s a risk of a temporary or permanent change in the colour of your skin. Taking birth control pills, pregnancy or a family history of brownish discoloration on your face may increase your risk of developing abnormal pigmentation.
There’s also a low risk of scarring in certain areas of your face and certain individuals may be more prone to scarring. If scarring does occur, it can usually be treated with good results.
If you’ve had a history of herpes outbreaks, there’s a small chance of reactivating the cold sore.
Your GP can prescribe medication to reduce the chance of a flare up. Follow the instructions of your