Superficial Peels

Superficial peels remove the upper, outer layer of the skin. They can help to smooth skin texture, reduce very fine lines and lessen some brown spots. A series may have an effect on mild acne marks. We use differing strengths of glycolic, salicylic and malic acids and the procedure is quick to perform. After cleansing, the peel solution is painted onto the area to be treated and timed for several minutes before it is neutralised. Patients may feel a stinging sensation and be left with a pink complexion afterward, which fades in a couple of hours with no visible peeling. This type of peel needs to be repeated weekly for 6-10 weeks to get good results, after which, it can be maintained on a monthly basis. The procedure will take about 45 minutes and will include a facial and masque.

Medical Microdermabrasion works very well in conjunction with these peels and can be undertaken in the same session.

Moderate Depth Peels

These remove more of the upper layers of skin than the superficial type and have a greater potential for improvement of the skin. I use TCA (Trichloroacetic acid) Easy Peel solution which is applied to the face or hands with cotton buds and left until a frosted look appears in places. It will be necessary to repeat this peel weekly until the desired effect is achieved. Recovery can take a week or more. Skin may be pink, taut and swollen at first, before beginning to itch and peel. It is not just peeling and renewal of the skins top layers that produce the results: with the barrier of the top layers removed, high quantities of beneficial factors such as antioxidants in the after care creams are then allowed to reach the exposed new skin. As skin renewal is progressive over the months treatment, a relatively normal social life is possible during this time. To maximise results, at least a months pre-treatment with creams, for example Retin-A, which allows better penetration of the peel solution is recommended.

A combination treatment using TCA acid and other acids is also available. There is a longer downtime, often amounting to a week.

What moderate depth TCA peels can do:

• Progressively regenerate skin
• Treat acne
• Reduce small wrinkle lines
• Level some acne scars
• Treat unevenness of pigmentation and texture
• Can be used on hands, neck and chest
• Can be used on Black and Asian skin

What moderate depth TCA peels can not do:

• Chemical peels can not change your pore size
• Can not tackle deep acne or traumatic scarring

The down side?

• Stinging during the procedure, followed by redness and significant peeling.
• Sun block of at least Factor 35 must be used for 6 weeks after treatment as skin will be sensitive to the sun.
• You must avoid contact of the area with water or jewellery until the next day.
• Fruit acid containing beauty products can not be used during treatment.

What can go wrong? (moderate depth peels only)

• Development of hyperpigmentation or brown spots as skin has little protection against the sun. (Can be minimised by sun avoidance and strict use of sun block).
• Infection.
• Long lasting redness of the face (over 2 - 3 months).
• Very rarely, scarring can develop. This can be permanent, but is very unlikely.
• Outbreak of cold sores.

Cost:

- Superficial peels are £50 each or £250 for a course of 6
- Moderate peels are £700 for a series of 4 including all necessary home care products
- Peel and microdermabrasion package - £500 for a course of 6.