Benefits

Benefits of chemical peels include:

• Smooths away fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduces discoloration caused by sun damage
• It helps to clear up breakouts and controls sebum production
• Improve the appearance of skin imperfections and mild scars
• Improves skin colour, tone and texture
• Increases hydration of the skin
• Stimulates new collagen and healthy skin cell growth, resulting in a radiant complexion
• It enables skin care products to penetrate deeper into the skin

History

Chemical peels are amongst the oldest anti-ageing treatments with description of milk peels (lactic acid) being used in ancient Egypt and are the third most commonly performed non-invasive cosmetic procedures with millions being performed each year.

The first chemical peels were performed in the Middle Ages when women used to soak cloths in lime, mustard, or sulphur to rejuvenate the appearance of the skin.

Today, chemical peels are an indispensable part of most aesthetic practices, and the chemicals used are frequently derived from natural ingredients. For example, milk contains lactic acid, sour grapes contain tartaric acid, and lemon contains citric acid. These are all alpha hydroxy acids, which are used in light chemical peels. Salicylic acid, derived from willow bark, is a beta hydroxy acid, which is often used in peels for acne prone skin.

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is used for medium-depth peels in patients with moderate sun damage. The deepest peels, which use phenol, require general anaesthesia and will create significant skin peeling.

Process

An initial consultation with you and your therapist will determine your skin concerns and goals. Depending on your skin concerns, your practitioner will discuss with you the most suitable peeling acid.

The skin is then cleansed to remove any make-up or impurities from the surface of the skin. A protective barrier is applied to the most sensitive parts of your face such as the corners of your mouth and eyes.

Our practitioner will apply the first layer of acid solution to your skin. The feeling is a mild to moderate stinging sensation. Moderate stinging is normal and with the milder peel option, this sensation may not be felt at all. With the higher strength peel the stinging sensation can be expected. However, it is not painful with discomfort scores typically ranging from 1 to 5 out of 10 depending on the individual. The peel is left on the skin for 2-10 minutes depending on the skin?s reaction. It is then removed and neutralized. The procedure finishes with the application of UV protection.