Skin Peels

What is a Glycolic Peel?

For centuries it has been known that the application of naturally occurring acids (Alpha Hydroxy Acids, or AHA’s, also known as Fruit Acids) to the skin has had beneficial effects in keeping the skin soft, healthy and younger looking.

Glycolic Acid is now the most common AHA in use. This is because of its effectiveness, safety and predictability of its action. However, there are a number of effective acids that we regularly employ.

We commence the clinic peels in a progressive series of increasing strength of peeling at 1 to 3 week intervals until we have achieved the desired results. The number of peels required will depend on each individual’s needs. As a generalization 3 to 5 treatments are required but this can vary significantly. The peels are comfortable, there may be slight redness for a few hours and it is not necessary to take time off work. A degree of visible peeling often follows. Complications are rare.

What is a Chemical Peel?

For deeper problems such as advanced sun damage, scarring and pigmentation problems a stronger and deeper peeling process will be required. We call these “Chemical Peels” which are different to the Glycolic Peels mentioned previously.

Here, the process used is the application of a range of stronger products including TCA (Trichloracetic Acid), a mixture called a Jessner’s solution, or a complex mixture of medical peeling agents. This is applied directly to the skin, which causes the skin to react resulting in significant peeling and shedding of deeper layers. The depth of the peel will depend upon the strength of the solution and number of layers applied as well as the method of its application (rubbing or massaging it onto the skin will make it penetrate deeper than simply brushing it on).

Jessner Peels and complex medical peels may be adjusted to produce less deep peeling, and do not require time off work.

With application of a TCA Peel, the deepest of the peels, there is immediate frosting and a burning sensation which is eased by the use of a hand held fan. Over the next 15 minutes this eases and the skin feels ‘tight.’

Over the next day or two the skin becomes crinkly and darker, and on the third day it starts to lift. Peeling is complete by the end of the sixth day and reveals a clear, fresh, pink skin beneath. To encourage the process a special cream is applied regularly to the face throughout the peeling period to keep it comfortable, encourage smoother peeling and protect the emerging clear skin beneath. If your work requires contact with other people you may prefer to take 5 days off work until peeling is complete (many patients prefer to carry out the peel just before the weekend to reduce their time off work). Usually, only a single treatment is required but occasionally a repeat treatment may be necessary to remove stubborn or deeper problems.

Aftercare

At the completion of your program you will continue on a home maintenance course using the appropriate products to maintain your improved skin appearance.

Depending on your skin condition some maintenance clinic peels may be required at intervals to keep your skin at its optimum.

It is wise to avoid sun-exposure by wearing the appropriate protective head gear and by using a water based broad spectrum sunscreen. Sun baking is not on! Sensible skin care can be discussed with Dr Calfas.