Chemical Peels

What is a Chemical Peel?

 A chemical agent is applied to the skin that will cause it to exfoliate and ultimately peel off and remove the dead surface top layers of the skin. The new, rejuvenated skin is usually smoother with improved smoother texture and less wrinkles. A chemical peel can be used as a skin treatment to improve the appearance of some common skin conditions.

How Many Peels Do I Need?

The full benefits of the peels vary dependent on the product used and a single or course of treatments will be recommended during your consultation.

There are three key types of Chemical Peels: 

  • Superficial peel  -  Alpha-Hydroxy Acid or other mild acids are used to penetrate only the superficial outer layer of skin to gently exfoliate it. The treatment procedure is used to enhance and improve the appearance of skin discolouration, blemishes, congestion and breakouts. Superficial peels are also good preparation for medium and deep peels and are appropriate for serial applications and as a companion treatment for microdermabrasion or IPL. They can be performed prior to microdermabrasion if the skin can tolerate it to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. Superficial peels are suitable for ethnic skins.

  • Medium peel  -  Peeling agents such as TCA is applied to penetrate up to the middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment procedure is used to improve age spots, freckles, fine lines, wrinkles, and moderate skin discolouration. It can be used to also help smooth rough skin and improve texture. 

  • Deep peel  -  Agents such as Phenol are used to deeply penetrate the middle and deepest layer of skin to remove injured skin cells. The treatment procedure removes moderate to deep lines, wrinkles, age spots, freckles, breakouts and scars. 

Which Peel is Right For Me?

There are three different types of peel: superficial, medium and deep peels. These are categorised by the strength of the acid solution used in the peel and how deeply they penetrate the skin. Deeper peels penetrate the skin further and require greater recovery time. Superficial peels are a good option for many people as they have a gentler effect, require no pain relief, and can be used in more skin types, including darker skin tones, with little or no recovery time. Medium and deep chemical peels cannot be used in darker skin types and it may also take a few weeks for the skin to recover from the effects of the peeling, inflammation and redness.

The Peel Procedure

During the peel your skin will be cleansed and toned and the chemical peel will be applied to your skin. Patients may experience a mild tingling or a mild burning sensation whilst the peel is left on the skin but the procedure is not painful. After the peel has been removed a cool compress may be applied to the skin. Your skin will then be moisturised and an antioxidant and a sun screen will be applied to the skin.

What Skin Conditions are Peels used for?

  • Acne – Superficial chemical peels exfoliate the skin, allowing dead skin cells to be removed more effectively, excess oils on the skin are also removed. This action unblocks hair follicles and pores and reduces the appearance of pimples and improves skin texture that is damaged by acne. 

  • Reduce fine lines and wrinkles  -  especially under the eyes and around the mouth in sun damaged or ageing skin.

  • Rough skin Texture  -  chemical peels can improve rough skin texture by increasing the amount of collagen in the upper layer of the skin.

  • Lentigines (large freckles) which appear as dark spots on the skin, they are also called liver spots, or age spots  -  Large freckles can develop as a result of sun exposure and are present on sites which are exposed to excess sun such as face and arms and neck. A course of chemical peels can lighten large freckles and improve the appearance of sun damaged skin.

  • Melasma  -  is a dark skin discoloration which appears as patches commonly found on the cheeks, nose, lips, upper lip, and forehead. It is common in women who are taking hormonal treatment in the form of contraceptives or Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and pregnant women. A course of chemical peels can lighten the appearance of dark discoloured skin caused by melasma.

  • Hyperpigmentation  -  Chemical peels can lighten and even out the tone and appearance of the skin

 

Do’s & Don'ts

There are some things that you should and shouldn’t do before you undergo the treatment. A chemical peel is far from major surgery but it is  still important that you do everything you can to help minimise the risk of infection or any side effects and complications.

Six Weeks Prior to Peel  -  Stop any products containing retinol eg. Retin-A, Renova, Differin (Adapalene 0.1%) Tazorac

Two Weeks Before Peel  -  We advise you to book a pre peel consultation two weeks before your peel where an aesthetic professional will assess your skin and discuss your expectations of the treatment. They will explain the treatment. A patch test will be performed. A patch test is to check that you are not allergic to the peel. A small amount of the skinceuticals peel will be applied to your arm to check for any reactions. Allergy to peels is quite rare.

One Week Before Peel  -  Avoid electrolysis, waxing, hair removal creams and laser hair removal for an entire week prior to your chemical peel.

24 Hours Before Your Peel  - Stop using any exfoliating products or products that may be drying or irritating including products containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids or benzoyl peroxide (a treatment for acne). You will also be advised on the day of your peel to cleanse your skin in the morning and not to apply makeup on the face other than eyes or lips.


Chemical Peel Aftercare

Patients may have tightness and smoothness immediately. With any peel, your skin may start to peel 1-3 days after the peel and continue to peel for 2-5 more days; however, it is also possible your skin may not peel at all. Transient hyper-pigmentation and superficial crusting is also  possible in areas of inflamed acne.  It is rare but possible  you may experience swelling or a reactivation of cold sores. It is very important to use sunscreen during the course of your treatment and for four weeks after to prevent uneven skin tone and excess pigmentation. Do not use any other skin products except those advised by your practitioner. Skin type III may experience darkening after treatment  due to increased shedding of the outer layers. Minor side effects may include, but are not limited to superficial crusting, edema and temporary bruising in the lower eyelid areas, hypo-pigmentation and temporary dryness, all which typically resolves quickly.

Follow these chemical peel aftercare instructions for faster healing and to minimise side effects

  • Keep your skin clean and when cleansing, do not scrub. Use a gentle cleanser as directed by your practitioner

  • Do not peel, pick or scratch the treated area, as this may result in scarring.

  • Apply Vaseline to dry flaky areas or as directed by your practitioner

  • Do not have any other facial treatments for at least 2 weeks after your peel or until the skin is smooth and back to normal. 

  • Avoid direct sunlight for at least one month. Patients with hypersensitivity to the sun should take extra precautions to guard against exposure immediately following the procedure, as they may be more sensitive following the peel.

  • Always wear your sunscreen; apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 every morning.

  • Report any unusual side effects to your practitioner as soon as possible

  • Do not use Alpha Hydroxy Acids or BetaHydroxy Acids on your skin for 24 hours

  • Avoid exercise and extreme heat, Extreme temperatures such as saunas and steam rooms and stay out of the direct sunlight. 

  • Apply a light moisturiser such as E45 as often as needed to relieve dryness and tightness

 

Morning Regime

  1. Cleanser: A gentle unperfumed cleanser.

  2. Moisturiser: Such as E45

  3. Corrective Gel: Retexturing Activator or Pigment Regulator

  4. Sunscreen: Minimum SPF 30

 

Know the warning signs

Part of your aftercare responsibility is knowing the warning signs of when something goes wrong. It’s up to you to report any warning signs of an infection or allergic reaction to your practitioner as soon as possible. Because of this, clients are always fully informed of common and serious complications that might occur with a specific treatment; this information is also highlighted in the consent form that client’s sign. 

Although rare, there are risks with any procedure and all of the above side effects are considered to be normal. What is not normal, is the sudden onset of pain or pain that causes distress. Should you experience this sensation we advise you to contact the clinic immediately or seek medical assistance. We have a dedicated Whats app number 07310177746 that is manned 7 days a week. Please send a clear photo of your treated area or concern and a message explaining what symptoms you are experiencing and someone will contact you back as soon as possible.

If you experience pain that is very distressing after botox and it is during out of hours or making you feel extremely unwell you should visit your nearest walk in center for medical assistance.