Jenny

Chemical skin peels help freshen the skin, reduce wide pores, remove irregularities of texture and colour and reduce fine wrinkling.

Milder skin peels form a basis for home maintenance, and stronger skin peels in the office provide a healthy boost to ageing skin.

Skin Peels should form the foundation of most skin care regimens. Chemical skin peels have a greater effect on finer skin and less on thick heavy skin. Heavy wrinkles require multiple treatments and drooping tissues may require alternate procedures such as eyelid lift, brow lift or facelift.

Chemical skin peels are classified as being SUPERFICIAL, MEDIUM and DEEP. They may be combined with microdermabrasion to achieve a greater affect. To achieve the best results, skin peels are usually done as part of a programme in conjunction with home maintenance. Lactic acid type skin peels are performed in a programme of 3 to 6 sessions, 1 to 3 weeks apart. A greater effect may require laser skin resurfacing.
Preparation

Prior to any treatment your skin will be analysed and you will be advised on any on general measures. A Home Maintenance programme will start skin repair and measure your skin peel sensitivity.

Two weeks before you should begin taking vitamins B, C, and Zinc, taking in at least 2 litres of water a day to keep yourself hydrated, increase the protein in your diet and rub on a moisturiser two times a day for 1 week before the skin peel.

If you have experienced any of the following you should tell your specialist, any cold sores, if you on hormonal medication, work in the sun, have had any former radiotherapy, have used any acne treatments such as roaccutane and any previous hair removal.

Antibiotics and antiviral medicines may be prescribed in selected cases.

You can return to work same day. The face usually has a healthy glow. Make-up can be applied the next day.
What are Skin Peels?

Chemical skin peels are specially prepared lotions, which remove the outer cells of the skin. At the Beacon Face & Dermatology Clinic we restrict ourselves to mild or medium depth skin peels and do not recommend strong skin peels for safety reasons.

The lotions are applied direct to the skin in varying strengths. Typically one would use a mild preparation on the first occasion. Based upon how you recover we may increase the strength of the skin peel to match your skin type. Sometimes we may combine 2 different skin peels depending upon your needs and skin type.

Mild to medium strength chemical skin peels are popular because they have a high safety margin but provide effective results. Many patients benefit from a series of several skin peels at 2-4 weekly intervals. This provides a chance for the skin to recover.

Although extremely uncommon, people may react to chemical skin peels and complications can occur. Excessive redness and peeling of the skin, Infection, Hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin colour), Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin colour) and scarring have been reported.