Peels for skin imperfections
Chemical Peels
The application of a chemical solution to the surface of the skin can
produce the careful removal of its outer layers, together with the
imperfections contained within, to give a markedly clearer, smooth and
rejuvenated complexion. The results can be as good as laser treatment, at
less cost. I offer two types of peel: Superficial peels and moderate depth
peels. Deep peels use an even stronger chemical solution and while the results can
be spectacular, the "down time" or time one would want to spend out of
circulation, can be considerable too. The chance of complications is greater
and I feel they are best suited to a hospital setting, often requiring an
intravenous sedation or anaesthetic.
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 or Obagi Blue 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:
- Peels are £70 each
Keep Young and Beautiful - Beauty & anti-ageing treatments.
Cosmetic treatment clinics in Hove, East Sussex & Mid Sussex
Tel : 01273 691424
Email : alison@arcaesthetics.com
