Peels
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a treatment used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck or hands.
An acid solution is used/applied to the skin which causes it to exfoliate and eventually peel off.
The “new skin” is smoother & brighter in appearance and improves the look of wrinkles blemishes and uneven skin pigmentation.
Doctors/therapists would apply either:
- Alphahydroxy Acids (AHAS) – acids which are derived from citrus fruits (citric acid), sugar cane (glycolic acid), sour milk (lactic acid), apples (malic acid) or from grape wine (tartric acid) – superficial peel.
- Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) – Acid that is a relative of vinegar acetic acid – medium depth peel.
Doctors/therapists will assess your skin to determine which peel is best suited to your skin/problem areas.
Benefits & advantages of doing a chemical peel
- Chemical peels decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Improves the appearance of uneven skin tone and dullness by exfoliating surface cells.
- Decreases the frequency of acne breakouts and fades the appearance of post-acne discolouration.
- No anesthetic is needed and patients only feel a slight tingling/hot sensation during the procedure.
- Depending on the peel that was done, there is no down time required.
- Peels can be done every 2 – 4 weeks.
- Results can be seen from the second treatment, provided that the patient follows the skin regime/home-care given to them by the doctors/therapists.
- Make-up can be applied after a peel.
What to expect when doing a chemical peel
- During a peel you will feel a slight stinging/tingling/hot sensation.
- You might hear a fizzing like noise when the peel is being neutralised.
- You may have some reddening post peel.
- You may feel your face is slightly dry and mildly irritated after the peel.
- You may experience some peeling/flaking of the old skin after the peel.
- Your skin will be sensitive after a peel, so try avoid the sun.
- Follow doctors.therpaists recommendations and safety precautions after the peel.
Peels available at Crosby Medical
- Skinceuticals (pigment balancing)
- Dermaceuticals (TCA)
- Neostrata (Glycolic peel)
- Lamelle
- Filorga