Skin Peels
A skin peel can help speed up our natural skin cell regeneration process. There are a number of solutions that can be applied to your face to remove the dead cells and promote the growth of new skin cells. Our experienced therapists will assess your skin and advise on the best treatment for your skin type and condition. We offer two types of peels at our clinic – superficial and medium peels.
Superficial peels will remove top layer of skin only. The solution is applied and left on for few minutes and your skin will likely feel tight for a few hours afterwards. Regular top-up treatments will maintain the effects.
A medium skin peel removes skin cells from the top and middle layers of your skin. For a few days afterwards you should expect your face to go slightly brown or red and have a mild sting to it. A top-up treatment every 6 to 12 months will maintain the effects of the treatment.
What is a chemical skin peel?
A skin peel is effective in the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, large pores and blackheads, blemish prone, dull and ageing skin, hyperpigmentation, sun spots and sun damage.
Chemical peels work well on all skin types from light to darker shades of skin. A chemical peel specific to your skin type will be used in order to achieve the best results and reduce the incidence of complications.
A skin peel works by chemically irritating the top layers of the skin causing them to peel and shed. This speeds up the body’s skin cycle.
There are superficial, medium and deep skin peels available. Superficial and medium depth peels can be administered by aesthetic therapists. However, deep peels need to be carried out by a healthcare professional.
During a peel you will feel a stinging or burning sensation, but generally the process is well tolerated and not painful. Fanning the skin helps to cool and soothe during the treatment. We may apply several coats of the chemical during your treatment. This will take about 30-45 minutes including cleansing, preparing the skin and aftercare.
Superficial-medium depth peels
We have a selection of chemical peels to help you achieve clearer, smoother, brighter skin.
Our Image skin peel addresses concerns such as fine to moderate wrinkles, hyperpigmentation issues, acne scars, blackheads and UV damaged skins. Image peels use ingredients such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, kojic acid, retinol and fruit enzymes to treat the skin.
Our TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) skin peel is a well-established and effective medium depth, medical grade chemical peel. Varying strengths of TCA are available. The strength of your chemical peel may vary from 15-20% (both medium depth peels) depending on your skin type and sensitivity, the time you can dedicate to the peeling process and your desired results. TCA peels are stronger than lactic, salicylic or glycolic acids.
A chemical skin peel is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Further, if you have a current outbreak of cold sores, active acne outbreak, or are on antibiotics your skin will be more sensitive. We would recommend waiting until these episodes are under control before doing a chemical peel. Unless, of course, it is an acne specific peel.
The Benefits
Your Questions Answered
How should I prepare my skin for treatment?
For best results, your skin should be prepped for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment. You should use ‘peeler’ products containing glycolic acid and a resurfacing night cream. Immediately before your peels do not shave/exfoliate or use depilatory creams.
Two weeks prior to treatment avoid: electrolysis, waxing or laser hair removal, botox or dermal fillers, sun bathing or tanning booths. Three days prior to treatment avoid: products containing Vitamin A, products containing AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHA (beta hydroxyl acids).
Sufferers of acne should have completed a course of Roaccutane/Accutane at least 6 months prior to any chemical peel. When treating for hyperpigmentation, the darker areas of your skin may appear darker for several weeks. This will calm down once the peeling and healing process is complete.
What can I expect from a treatment?
Each individuals experience following a chemical peel will vary slightly. However, generally, you can expect the top layers of the skin to peel or flake as a result of a chemical peel.
You may experience mild to moderate discomfort in the form of a stinging or burning sensation during the procedure. The amount of contact time the chemical has on your skin varies according to the peel, your skins reaction, and prior preparation but can be as little as a few minutes.
A white frosting will appear on your skin when the peel has neutralised. The white frosting indicates that the peel has been absorbed into the uppermost layer of the skin.
Straight after a peel, your skin will look red and irritated, much like sunburn. This can last about 2 days. A mild swelling can occur too. It may be itchy and several days later you may notice lighter or darker patches of skin and deeper wrinkling. This can take from several days to a week to clear. The irritation caused by a chemical peel may temporarily produce milia cysts or acne and can lead to the activation of cold sores.
How should I care for my skin after a peel?
Immediately following a peel, only use a gentle cleanser. If you suffer from acne, do not use an antibacterial wash or cream. This can be too harsh after treatment.
If you were treating for acne scars, blackheads or other reasons then care should include morning and night cleanse.
You should keep well hydrated and moisturise the skin at least 4 times a day. Do this more often if skin feels tight or dry. You may find you need to moisturise 1-2 hourly after your peel. Ensure your moisturiser does not contain an exfoliant or irritating ingredients such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid. This will cause further irritation.
Never pick at or remove attached skin. Complications such as hyperpigmentation, bleeding or scarring can result if skin is removed prematurely. Washing with your cleanser and massaging your face should adequately remove loose skin.
Men may find they need to use a gentle exfoliant during the peeling phase and can continue to shave as tolerated and once redness has settled.
How can I aid the healing process?
We will give you a post-treatment pack which includes a facial cleanser, moisturisers and sun protection to help the healing process. You can aid healing and comfort by adding a few simple measures.
Soaks
A cold water compress is a simple and cost effective way to soothe irritated skin. Simply soak fresh gauze/clean towels in chilled water and apply directly to the face as often as you need to. Remember to moisturise afterwards.
Moisturiser
If your skin is particularly dry and itchy, Vaseline can be used at night and will provide lasting hydration.
Is sun protection recommended?
Sun protection is vital following a chemical peel. Your skin will be more vulnerable to sun exposure (ultra violet light). Avoid direct or long exposure to the sun as much as possible for at least 3 weeks after a peel. If you show your unprotected skin to the sun it will damage your healing skin. This could result in tanning unevenly resulting in a patchy complexion. Avoid using chemical sunscreens during the peeling process as this can cause irritation. Instead, use a barrier sunblock that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Choose one with a minimum of SPF30 for the first 3 weeks.
Prevent further photo-damage by always protecting your skin from the sun.
Can I wear makeup following a chemical peel?
Do not apply make-up directly following a chemical peel. We would recommend you wait until peeling has completely stopped before wearing make up (usually a week). An exception would be mineral make ups or a silicone based camouflage make up called Lycogel. They have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents and provide sun protection. Please be aware that not all make ups are suitable.
If you do choose to wear make up, please pay particular attention to cleansing your skin so as not to block pores. Blocked pores cause irritation and subsequently delay healing.
What if I suffer from cold sores?
If you suffer from regular or intermittent outbreaks of cold sores (herpes simplex type 1) it is possible that mild-deep chemical peels will cause an eruption. It is standard procedure therefore to prescribe a course of anti-viral medication. It is important that you take this medication as instructed and complete the course as scarring and complications may occur in the event of an outbreak.