What is a Chemical Peel?

Skin peels are amongst the oldest anti aging treatments with descriptions of milk peels (lactic acid) being used in ancient Egypt. More recently in the 1900s the chemical peel was a mainstay of anti-aging in the USA. These peels were performed by non medical non qualified peelers and the methods and mixtures of their peels were often family secrets. At this time the primary ingredient was phenol and as these were often very deep peels (to achieve skin tightening) they would also kill the pigment cells in the deep layers of the dermis. This would give rise to the characteristic pigment free facial skin known as the china doll appearance.

What are the different types of chemical peel?

Glycolic and Fruit acid peels
Glycolic, Salicylic acid, Mandelic Acid and Lactic acids are common examples of these. They will generally produce superficial peeling or exfoliation only. Salicylic acid peels are a useful treatment for active acne especially on the chest and back. Recovery is usually in 1 or 2 days.

The product used in our clinic if from the Skintech range.

TCA peels
Trichloroacetic acids are the basis for these types of peels, they can be used as a superficial exfoliation or a medium depth peel. They can improve scarring and produce skin tightening. This is the most commonly used and most effective used peel in our clinic. Recovery takes 7 to 10 days.

TCA peels may be used singularly or in groups of 4 peels which are performed two week apart. We prefer not to do peels in the summer months in order to protect your newly exposed skin from sun exposure.

We use peels from the Skintech range.

Phenol peels
Phenol peels are the deepest of all peels and should only be performed by appropriately qualified doctors and surgeons. Commonly they will be performed in hospital with ECG monitoring due to the danger of toxicity to the heart and kidneys. Results are significant and can be long lasting.

On the day of your peel treatment your skin will be cleansed by removing any moisturiser and make up and then treating it with an antiseptic solution. The TCA peel solution is a clear liquid which is applied evenly to your skin using a cotton bud. Once a complete layer has been applied. A second layer is begun. Usually after the second or third layer is applied your skin will begin to feel warm . A fan will be used to make this more comfortable. After only two or three minutes the peel will have reached the correct depth and your skin will feel quite hot. At this point we will immediately apply the neutralising cream and the heat will disappear within a minute or so.

The depth of the peel is carefully controlled by the doctor to ensure that an effective peel is produced.

After the peel has been neutralised your face will appear warm and pink but there will be no peeling or discomfort. Peeling normally begins on the second or third day after treatment and lasts for two or three days.

It is vital that a Skintech moisturising cream is applied several times a day to the peeled area in order to promote even healing. It is vital that you do not remove any of the peeling skin no matter how tempting this may be as this may lead to scaring. As soon as the skin has finished peeling you may apply light make up which is usually around the fifth day.

If you have been prescribed  a course of peels we will wait at least two weeks between treatments.

What are the benefits of a peel

• Texture of the skin will improve.

• Sun damage will be reduced and pigment will become more even.

• Pores will reduce in size.

• Fine lines will diminish or disappear.

• Skin will also tighten.

• Scars can be reduced especially soft acne scars

• Skin will return to a youthful translucent and dewy look.

• Reduction of lines and skin tightening is seen with medium to deep peels only.

Sun exposure after a peel?

A primary reason for having a skin peel is to reduce and reverse the effects of sun damage. Secondly the skin which regrows after a deeper peel will be more delicate than the skin you had previously. If you wish to benefit long term from the skin peel you must protect yourself from ongoing sun damage. After all you would always ensure that your baby or child wore their sunscreen and avoided sunbathing.

What are the complications of a peel?

Most people suffer no complications. Many listed complications are self limiting and need no specific treatment. However, more serious problems like infection and abnormal healing and scarring may be treated if detected early.

• Delayed healing.

• Persistent erythema (redness).

• Secondary infection.

• Perioral dermatitis.

• Acne flare up.

• Milia.

• Skin sensitivity.

• Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.

• Scarring.

Who can perform a peel?

Light peels such as fruit acid peels can be performed be performed by a Beauty Therapist or a nurse. Medium depth peels can be performed by both doctors and nurses. Deep peels should only be performed by qualified doctors under hospital conditions.

To avoid the complications listed above we recommend that medium or deep peels only ever be performed by a suitable qualified cosmetic doctor as a doctors input may be essential to treat any such problems.

Always check that the practitioner performing your peel is qualified. If necessary ask to see certificates of training.

How much should I expect to pay?