This simple, safe but effective treatment is used to reverse the visible signs of ageing. The peel and treatment protocols can be tailored to suit the condition to be treated.
It can be used to treat acne, acne scarring, sun spots, sun damage, blotchy skin, age spots, lines and wrinkles and the signs of ageing that occur on the face, hands, neck, decollate, scalp and body. It is much more effective than the widely used GA peels, but without the downtime of the stronger chemical peels or laser resurfacing.
What are chemical skin peels?
All chemical peels involve applying a solution to the damaged outer layers of the skin in order to cause these layers to peel away leaving younger, smoother, more evenly pigmented skin beneath and a glowing appearance.
Types of chemical peels?
There are 3 main types of chemical peels:
Which type of chemical peel is right for me?
Each treatment is customised for a patient’s skin type and specific skin problem. The basic principle is 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 acid used; the duration of contact and a person’s skin type and sensitivity. All our chemical peels are carried out by doctors who are licensed to use a much stronger concentration of acid, if required, than other aesthetic nurse practitioners.
Preparing for the treatment
During your consultation a full medical history will be taken to assess your suitability, and the benefits and potential side effects will be discussed in full. 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.
Depending on your skin type and condition, pre-treatment with Retin-A for 2 weeks may be advised. Retin-A is a prescription only cream (derived from Vitamin A). It is used to thin out the skins surface layer to allow the chemical peel solution to penetrate more deeply and evenly. If your skin will not tolerate Retin-A, an AHA may be used instead. On the day of your procedure you should arrive at the clinic without make-up or perfume.
What is the treatment like?
Your skin will first be cleansed thoroughly and degreased. The chemical peel solution will then be applied to the skin. With Glycolic Peels a warm, mild prickling sensation is experienced; with a TCA peel this sensation is much more intense however the solution is only left on the skin for a few minutes before the skin is cooled with cold compresses.
After the treatment
You face may be red immediately after a peel. With a Glycolic peel the temporary redness, flaking and dryness that you experience should not prevent you from working or engaging in your normal activities. With a TCA peel you will experience mild discomfort and swelling similar to mild sunburn for a few days. In about a week your new skin will be apparent and you should have healed sufficiently to return to your normal activities. After all chemical peel treatments you should avoid sun exposure for several weeks and use a good sun protection cream.
How many treatments will I need?
Superficial peels such as glycolic peels require a course of 4-6 treatments every 2-3 weeks to achieve the optimum results. Medium TCA peels can be used as a one off treatment, however, depending on a patient’s initial skin condition, some patients may wish to repeat the procedure after a few months to achieve even more dramatic results.
Who is not suitable for a chemical peel?
Chemical Peels are not advisable if you are pregnant or breast feeding or you have been prescribed Accutane in the past 6 months.
Are there any side effects?
Chemical peels are normally safe procedures when performed by a qualified, experienced nurse or doctor. However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while extremely infrequent, are possible.
TCA is a mild acid that removes the upper layers of skin (epidermis) and helps to minimally tighten and rejuvenate skin. It is also useful if there are minor skin colour problems and for “age spots”. This also improves fine lines and wrinkles.
Single or Course of Four
Glycolic Acid is a naturally occurring fruit acid that gently removes the upper layers of the skin to rejuvenate and tighten skin. We can offer a variety of strength of peel - up to 99%.
Glycolic Acid Peel Single or Course of Six
The LA Peel contains a high concentration of natural lactic acid which effectively increases new skin collagen and elastin production. This results in diminished fine lines, promotes smoothness and even colouration. The products for use at home include a preparation skin renewal system. There are 4 products which are to be used 2-4 weeks prior to the LA Peel. These products are also to be used following the peel in order to enhance the overall result.
Microdermabrasion is a mechanical removal of the upper layer of skin using fine abrasive crystals that are rapidly blown across the skin using a special machine.
Surface blemishes and particularly acne spots can be improved using this technique. It is particularly good when used in combination with another skin rejuvenative method such as peels or oestrogen treatments.
Half Hour Treatment single or Course of Six