Chemical Peels
Have you ever wished you could have brighter, more even toned and clearer skin? Have you got congested skin that is prone to break outs? Do you suffer from blushing and redness? Or maybe your skin has been weathered from the harsh UV rays with fine lines and discolouration?
Age, hormones, stress, sun and other lifestyle choices can affect the skin causing it to look dull, aged, congested, oily or flushed. Chemical peels can be tailored to suit your individual concerns as a fast alternative to achieving the results you desire.
Q & A
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is generally a cocktail of vitamins, minerals and fruit acids which aim to regulate the skin cells to produce a more refined and clearer complexion. Each chemical peel will vary in the way it regulates the skin; some aim to exfoliate while others are more like a nutritional additive for the skin cells.
Not all chemical peels will result in flaking and peeling skin. Sometimes the skin can be refined with gentle care and minimal downtime.
The benefit of chemical peels is that different layers of the skin can be targeted therefore conditions which can be difficult to treat such as scarring and deep wrinkles can be effectively targeted.
Does it hurt? Most patients tolerate chemical peels very well, with minimal discomfort. In fact, some peels you won't even feel on your skin! More active peels tend to feel warm on the skin and sometimes a slight tingling sensation will be felt.
Are there any side effects? Peeling and flaking skin is the most common side effect and this is a positive effect on the skin! Not all peels result in peeling skin so sometimes you will notice a gradual improvement of the skin. The skin often feels softer after a peel and sometimes looks immediately brighter.
Every different peel will have its own expected effect on the skin; however any adverse effects will be minimised by having a thorough consultation with a skin specialist who will be able to choose the right peel for you. If you are allergic to any ingredients it is best to advise your consultant.
Which areas can be treated? Treatments are most commonly performed on the face, chest, back, dé colletage and the back of the hands. A test patch may be performed on an area which may be prone to sensitivity.
What conditions can be treated with chemical peels?
- Oily skin
- Acne
- Congested skin with blackheads and whiteheads
- Aged skin with fine lines and wrinkles
- Sun damaged skin
- Rosacea
- Dull complexion
- Asphyxiated skin
- Scars
What are the advantages of a chemical peel over other treatments? Chemical peels can be individually tailored to suit your specific skin concerns. A chemical peel can be a deep treatment or very superficial in order to target different skin conditions. A more gentle nutritional peel can be as affective in repairing the skin as a laser treatment however with less downtime.
How many treatments will I need? You may notice good results after only one peel however a course of four peels is typically recommended to commence cellular repair of the skin tissue. Each skin condition will require a specific program and may require a boost treatment every now and again. Some clients choose to have a chemical peel once a month as a skin maintenance treatment.
Will I be suitable for a chemical peel? In most cases it is necessary to prepare your skin with a mild version of the key peel ingredients prior to a full strength clinical peel. During your initial consultation you will be advised of how you need to prepare your skin. Usually it is as easy as using a night gel every evening for two weeks prior to your peel.
