Chemical Skin Peels

Facial peels are an accelerated form of exfoliation induced by the use of chemicals on the skin, A range of different formulations are available depending on your skin type at time of consultation.

Our specialist nurse who is advanced trained in aesthetic medicine and non surgical procedures will be able to recommend the right one for you. Facial peels keep your face fresh and youthful, helping to improve skin tone, texture and reduce visible lines and wrinkles. They are also fabulous at treating acne and acne scarring.

Types of Chemical Peels

There are 3 main types of chemical peels:
1.Superficial peels
◦Superficial chemical peels are the mildest type of chemical peel and can be used on all skin types.
◦Superficial chemical peels usually use liquid containing a dilute acid, most often glycolic acid.
◦Dry ice solid carbon dioxide is sometimes used.
2.Medium peels
◦Medium chemical peels penetrate the skin more deeply than superficial peels and cause a second-degree burn of the skin.
◦Trichloroacetic acid is the main peeling agent used for medium peels.
◦Medium chemical peels may be done in several steps using a different chemical solution followed by Trichloroacetic acid.
3.Deep peels
◦Deep chemical peels penetrate several layers of skin and cause a second-degree burn of the skin.
◦They are the strongest kind of chemical peel and are used only on the face.
◦Deep chemical peels are reserved for individuals with deep wrinkles from sun exposure or is used to treat skin wrinkling around the lips and chin area.
◦Deep peels tend to bleach darker skin .
◦A deep peel can be done only once in most cases

How to Prepare for a Chemical Peel?

During the week leading up to the peel:
•avoid sun exposure
•do not use scrubs or masks
•do not apply a tanning solution to your skin
•do not wax, bleach or pluck

What to Expect During a Chemical Peel

The entire chemical peel procedure takes about 45 minutes. During the chemical peel, you will probably feel a burning or stinging sensation. This stinging sensation is felt after each layer is applied to the skin. Stinging should not last more than a minute. The stinging sensation can be cooled down with a fan. You should not experience any pain once you leave the clinic or during the peeling process.

What Happens the days Immediately Following a Chemical Peel?

During the three to four days immediately following a chemical peel, most people have the following experiences:

Follow-up Care

After a chemical peel, your practitioner may recommend follow up care. Followed up treatments are usually designed to enhance the skin's regenerative process. The most common follow up treatments are a hydrating facial. 
A hydrating facial is recommended four days after the cryotherapy to protect and moisten your new skin.

Can Dark or Sensitive Skin be Peeled?

Yes. All skin types can benefit from a chemical peel.

Chemical Peel Candidates

In general, patients with fair skin and light hair are the best chemical peel candidates. However, patients with other skin pigmentation and hair color can achieve good results as well. Ideal candidates for the chemical peel procedure are individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of their skin, have realistic expectations of their procedure, and do not smoke.

Acne Chemical Peel

Certain chemical peel solutions are useful for treating acne blemishes and diminishing existing acne scars. Light chemical peels administered with a solution of alphahydroxy acids (AHA) can be beneficial for treating acne. A lower-strength AHA solution can be mixed with a facial wash as part of a daily skin-care routine.

Are chemical peels painful?

In general, patients only feel a mild stinging sensation during light or medium chemical peels. After the procedure, the practitioner may recommend a mild pain reliever to relieve any discomfort.

Will my skin literally "peel"?

Chemical peels remove the outer layers of skin to reduce or eliminate the appearance of a number of skin imperfections and conditions. After a patient undergoes a skin peel, the treated layers of skin gradually flake away, revealing a fresh new layer of skin.

How long is the recovery period after a skin peel?

The recovery time after a chemical peel depends on the type of peel administered, because each type of peel affects the skin to a different degree.

Light chemical peels: These mild peels require virtually no recovery time. Though the skin may be mildly irritated after the peel, patients can return to their daily activities immediately after treatment.

Medium chemical peels: The new layer of skin appears three to seven days after treatment. About two weeks after treatment, the skin will be fully healed.

Deep chemical peels: The new layer of skin begins to appear seven to ten days after treatment, though complete healing can take two months or longer. Patients typically take a week off from work after undergoing a deep chemical peel.

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