A chemical peel is a solution that is applied to the face, neck or decollete area to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the growth of new cells. This is a skin resurfacing procedure.
The aim is to improve the appearance of the skin by reducing age spots and evening out skin tone, reducing acne scarring or addressing solar damage.
Chemical peels are customisable to each individual patient needs and have several benefits. There are 3 types of peels, called superficial, medium and deep.
Light chemical peel. A light or superficial chemical peel removes the outer layer of skin called epidermis. It's used to treat fine wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone and dryness. You might have a light peel every 2-5 weeks.
Medium chemical peel. A medium chemical peel removes skin cells from the epidermis and from portions of the upper part of your middle layer of skin called dermis. It's used to treat wrinkles, acne scars and uneven skin tone. You might need to repeat the procedure to achieve or maintain the desired result. Medium peels may be repeated every 4-6 weeks depending on what skin issues are being addressed.
Deep chemical peel. A deep chemical peel removes skin cells even deeper. They are recommend for deeper wrinkles, scars or precancerous growths. You won't need repeat procedures to get the full effect.These should only be performed by specialist doctors.
Superficial and medium peels are usually safe, as long as they're done correctly. These types of peels are not permanent and they need to be repeated. The skin that grows back is smoother. With a light or medium peel, you may need to undergo the procedure more than once to get the desired results.
Who is not a suitable candidate?
anyone who is:
pregnant
breast feeding mothers.
Anyone on oral acne medications.
anyone with an allergy to any of the ingredients in the peel.
Prone to keloid scarring.
Have severe or frequent outbreaks of cold sores.
What to expect during a chemical peel session?
The skin is cleaned and prepared using various solutions and then the achemical peel solution is applied using a brush or a guaze.
Depending on the type of peel used and the area treated you may experience very little to some discomfort whilst the solution is applied.
Discomfort maybe described as;
Itchy feeling where the peel solution is applied,
Tingling,
Tightness,
Stinging,
Hotness in the area treated,
Redness.
The intensity of these feelings differs from patient to patient and between chemical peel solutions used. Generally speaking no pain relief is required for superficial or medium depth peels.
After the procedure
After a chemical peel of any depth, your skin will be red, tight, irritated or swollen. It is important that you follow the advise given to you with regards to sun protection, cleansing, moisturising and applying protective creams to your skin. Avoid picking, rubbing or scratching your skin.