Chemical Peels
What Are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels involve applying a controlled solution to the remove the upper layers of the skin. This stimulates new skin growth with a smoother, more evenly pigmented and glowing appearance.
A chemical peel can restore a more youthful appearance to wrinkled, unevenly pigmented, blotchy or sun-damaged skin. They can be used on the face, neck, décolletage and hands.
What Are The Types Of Chemical Peel?
There are three basis categories of chemical peels.
- Light peels:
These are most commonly performed using Alpha Hydroxyl Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxyl Acids (BHAs). These peels include glycolic, lactic and fruit acid peels (AHAs) or Salicylic Acid (BHA). AHAs are found in plants and foods such as citrus fruits, sugar cane and sour milk. Glycolic acid, derived from sugar cane, is the most commonly used AHA. Glycolic acid breaks the intracellular bonds, decreasing the "glue" that holds the dead skin cells on the skin surface. It stimulates the production of collagen and the growth of better quality skin. - Medium peels:
These are usually performed using Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA). This is used to treat skin with moderate sun damage, surface wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. - Deep Peels:
These are most commonly Phenol Peels, and are the deepest possible chemical peel. They are used for large wrinkles and have dramatic effects. They generally require anaesthesia and involve 4-6 weeks recovery.
The types of Peel offered will be Light Peels and Light/Medium TCA peels.
These Chemical Peels are a medical peel, and are only allowed to be carried out by trained professionals (Doctors and Dentists) who are licensed to use a much stronger concentration of solution, if required, than beauticians or aesthetic nurse practitioners.
They are not available in the high street and should not be confused with the very mild and gentle peels available from beauty therapists.
Which Type Of Peel Is Correct For Me?
You will have Skin Consultation and the treatment will be customised for your skin type and specific skin problem. The basis principle is that the deeper the peel the better the results, but the longer the recovery period. The depth of the peel is dependent on the concentration and type of solution used, the duration of contact, and the client's skin type and sensitivity.
Preparing For Chemical Peel Treatment
During your Consultation a complete Medical History will be taken to assess your suitability, and the benefits and possible side effects will be discussed. If you suffer from cold sores, oral anti-viral medication should be started 2 days prior to the treatment and continued for 3 days after the treatment.
Before a peeling procedure, it is recommended that the client undergoes 2 weeks (minimum) of pre-treatment with twice daily use of a glycolic acid home-care product. This will improve the peel results, and identify potential sensitive skins to glycolic acid.
On the day of the procedure you should arrive at the clinic without make-up or perfume.