Chemical Peel

Treatment Introduction

A chemical peel is a safe and effective skin-resurfacing and regenerative procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to skin to peel away the top layers. The skin which grows back after a chemical peel is smoother and younger looking. Peels are used typically on the face although treatment may be provided to other areas of the body such as the neck, chest, hands, feet, arms and back. A chemical peel can be done alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures. Chemical peels vary in their depth of penetration for very superficial, to superficial. The choice of which peel will be used on your skin will depend on your skin condition and your desired results. An initial course is recommended for achieving optimal results.

A chemical peel is a safe and effective skin-resurfacing and regenerative procedure. Peels are used typically on the face although the treatment may be provided to other areas of the body such as the neck, chest, hands, feet, arms and back. Chemical peels vary in their depth of penetration with some peels causing gentle exfoliation to more advanced peels causing peeling and or flaking. The choice of which peel will be used on your skin will depend on your skin condition and your desired results. An initial course is recommended for achieving optimal results. Chemical peels achieve fantastic results in treating
:

Fine lines and wrinkles
Hyperpigmentation/ Sun damage
Uneven skin texture
Enlarged Pores
Oily & Acne skins
Scar tissue

How do chemical peels it work?
With superficial peels, the keratin protein in the dead skin cells is coagulated and the cells are thereby destroyed, become detached from the underlying tissue and then subsequently flake away. In deeper peels, the inflammatory and healing responses in the skin are triggered by the peeling agent causing the regeneration of new epidermal cells as well as the production of fresh collagen in the dermis. This brings about the reduction in the signs of ageing, removal of pigmentation staining, reduction in scar tissue and a general refinement of the skin. In an acneic or oily skin, the peel will reduce the congestion in the pores, reduce inflamed blemishes and improve scarring.

What does the treatment involve and does it hurt?
A peel treatment is a relatively quick procedure taking between 20 – 30 minutes in total. The peel is painted onto your skin in a very fine layer and left on for between 30 seconds and 5 minutes with some of the very gentle peels being left on the skin for up to 10 minutes. After the given time, your peel will be neutralized and removed and a cold compress will be applied. Peels should not be painful, but you will experience some level of sensitivity depending on your personal threshold. You may experience sensations from a mild tingling sensation, to pins and needles, to heat. Your practitioner will monitor your level of sensitivity carefully and if at any time you feel very uncomfortable the peel will be removed straight away.

What is the recovery time?
Depending on the intensity and depth of your peel, you may experience light flaking of the skin for 2 -3 days with a superficial peel. After a peel, your skin may look slightly pink for a few hours, but this will usually subside within 12 – 24 hours. Many people have no redness at all. A feeling of tightness is also very normal for 1 – 5 days post-peeling. It is preferred that you not have a peel treatment less that 14 days prior to a special event. Please bare in mind that your skin will be more sensitive than normal for a few days especially to sunlight, so it is absolutely essential that you wear a sunscreen while your skin is recovering.

What are the risks of chemical peeling?

There is a small risk of slight chemical burns during the treatment if the skin is not monitored effectively during treatment or the skin is unknowingly compromised prior to treatment. If aftercare instructions are not adhered to then this could lead to possible infection, skin damage or infection.

What is the difference between a ‘Gentle and Advanced’ Peel?

It is best to start with a gentle peel if you are prone to having sensitive skin and then moving your way up to the advanced treatment. The gentle peel will have very little downtime and will cause very little peeling/ flaking, but will leave the skin feeling instantly refreshed and glowing. Whereas, a more advanced peel will be stronger and penetrate deeper, resurfacing the skins layers and aiding in age regeneration and hyperpigmentation reduction.

What product do we use for the Gentle Peel?

Dermaceutic Milk Peel is used for our gentle peel treatment. It has little to no flaking/ peeling and gets instant results, resulting in instant smooth and glowing skin. It stimulates the skin epidermis and restores a healthy, radiant complexion. This treatment a superficial chemical peel system is perfect for reducing the appearance of

Reduces the appearance of acne scars
Improves or eliminates superficial pigmented lesions
Improves the condition of keratosis pilaris
Boosts collagen production
Suitable for all skin types and photo types
Aids in treating mild acne
Improves fine lines
Revives a dull complexion
Improves loss of skin tone

What product do we use for the Advanced Peel?
BiorepeelC13 FND is used for our advanced peel treatment. Biorepeel is a TCA 35% peel that contains 6 acids (TCA (35%), Lactobionic acid, Salicylic acid, Tartaric acid, Citric acid and Aminobutyric acid (GABA). 4 Amino acids (Glycine, Proline, Hydroxyproline and Arginine and Vitamins C and B2.

Its biostimulating and revitalizing actions ensure fibroblasts’ activity, activate cutaneous proliferating and biosynthetic processes, as well as increase cellular turnover and collagen and elastin production. In addition, hydrophilic phase promotes exfoliation, reduces fine lines by neutralization of free radicals. This treatment is an advanced chemical peel system and is perfect for reducing the appearance of;

Can improve acne scars
Reduces/eliminates pigmented lesions (including melasma)
Boosts collagen production
Improves the appearance of lines and wrinkles
Mild acne
Improves Dull complexions
Shrinks enlarged pores
Regulates Sebum production
Improves loss of skin tone

Am I a suitable candidate for treatment?
If you are affected by any of the below conditions, you will be contraindicated from proceeding with the treatment.

History of dermatologic disorders that manifest skin sensitivity eczema / dermatitis / psoriasis (Koebner’s phenomenon)
Radiation treatment/chemotherapy in preceding 6/12 months
Currently unwell or taking antibiotics at time of treatment (wait 14 days after course is finished or illness has subsided)
Invasive medical facial treatment with the last 6 -12 months including surgery
Recent physical facial injury which is still healing
Photosensitising medication
Roaccutane –no treatment for 12 months after conclusion of medication
Vitamin A Tretinoin skincare. Treatment must be stopped for 3 months prior to a chemical peel treatment.
Currently taking Antibiotics Blood thinning medication – warfarin (Aspirin may be stopped for 3 days prior to treatment and resumed after treatment. Please seek medical advice before stopping medication)
Known sensitivity to components/ allergies to product ingredients.
Any history of Anaphylaxis
Active or inflamed outbreak of acne, herpes simplex/coldsore or Rosacea (please use your herpes medication for 2 weeks prior to treatment to avoid a breakout)
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Diabetes type 1
Immunosuppressant diseases such as Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV
Epilepsy
Within 4 weeks pre or post extreme UV light exposure
Within 4 –6 weeks of any other form of regenerative skin treatment such as laser resurfacing, other chemical peels or microneedling.
Within 2 weeks of Botulinum toxin, dermal filler or Mesotherapy injectable treatments
Within 1 week of waxing in the area to be treated.
Within 4 weeks of any skin laser treatments.

What is the treatment Aftercare?

It is imperative that you follow the aftercare advice to prevent post treatment complications that may arise if you fail to do so. To encourage the best results from your treatment it is also important to eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water to nourish the skin cells in their regeneration process.

Do not pick at or exfoliate the flaking skin.
Please ensure to use any prescribed products to support skin healing and regeneration.
Please apply a physical sunscreen of SPF 30 – 50 to protect from photo sensitisation and free radical damage whenever you are outside (even if it’s a cloudy day)
Do not expose your treated skin to intense direct sunlight/sunbeds for at least 4 weeks.
Avoid exposing the area to any extremes of heat (only use tepid water when cleaning the area) for 3 days.
Avoid harsh, perfumed, astringent, or alcohol containing products in the area for 3 days.
Avoid products containing AHA’s, BHA’s, Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid for 10 days.
Do not go swimming in a chlorinated pool for 7 days.
Do not have any other clinical treatment such as Laser or IPL, waxing, microdermabrasion, Microneedling, facial steaming or electrolysis for 4 weeks without full consultation with a professional skin care practitioner.
Avoid make up on the area for a minimum of 24 hours
To give your skin the best chance of full and rapid healing, do not put your body’s resources under undue strain for the next few days e.g. excessive gym work, other regenerative treatments, Laser/IPL hair removal as this will overload the wound healing responses of the body.
Avoid workouts that will cause you to sweat heavily in the facial area for 3 days.