Skin Peels

Why does skin develop blemishes?

As we get older, our skin ages and loses some of its thickness. It also becomes pale and wrinkled. Most of the ‘damage’ done to skin comes from exposure to the sun (UV light). This can result in dullness, pigmentation and redness. The other main source of damage is from Acne which can also leave scars, pigmentation, redness and uneven skin texture. Hormonal changes can also result in uneven pigmentation.

What are skin peels?

There are various types of Skin Peel. Light or Superficial peels work on the top surface of the skin. Medium and Deep peels, as the names suggest, work on deeper levels of the skin. Skin Peels work by applying an acidic solution to the face to create a face mask. Depending on the ‘depth’ of the peel, the solution will be stronger and will remain in place for longer.

How do skin peels work?

Because the solutions used are acidic, essentially they ‘burn’ the layers of the skin, depending which depth is selected. This process removes or reduces blemishes, discolouration and minor scarring caused by sun damage and Acne. The skin will repair itself by peeling away the top layers that have been treated, revealing ‘new’ skin underneath. Peels also have a tightening effect on the skin.

What can skin peels be used for?

They can be used to remove or reduce blemishes on the skin caused by the ageing process, Over-pigmentation (blotchiness), sun damage and scarring due to Acne. Skin Peels are generally used on the face, although they can be used on other parts of the body such as hands, legs and arms.

Who is suitable for a skin peel?

Subject to initial medical screening, both men and women of any age can benefit from the treatment. You should NOT have treatment if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, have a skin infection, suffer from Keloid scarring or have warts in the area to be treated.

What happens during the treatment?

The solution is applied to the skin in the surgery and depending on the ‘depth’ of the treatment, will remain on the skin for a period of time. Once the solution is removed and a post-peel crème is applied, you can return home. The skin will initially look red, a little like sunburn. Over the next few days, the skin will tighten and will begin to peel. The level of peeling will depend upon the ‘depth’ of the treatment. Special moisturising creams are applied and the peeling process will gradually slow.

How long does the treatment take?

The time in the clinic will depend on the ‘depth’ of Skin Peel being applied, but will typically be between 15 and 30 minutes. The length of time the skin takes to complete the peeling and repair process is also dependent on the ‘depth’ of the treatment, but will generally be between a couple of days and a couple of weeks.

Is it painful?

Because the procedure involves the application of an acidic solution, it can initially sting and create the sensation of heat. However, the use of a fan will usually reduce this sensation. The skin may feel a little swollen and warm for a few days after treatment.

When will I notice a difference?

Once the peeling process has completed, the skin will appear tighter, clearer and more radiant.

How many times can I be treated with skin peels?

There is no maximum to the number of times you can receive the treatment. However, your clinician will advise you on the number of times and depth of treatment to achieve the desired result.

What happens pre and post-treatment?

You will need to complete a medical questionnaire to ensure there are no reasons why you cannot receive treatment. After the Skin Peel you will be given an after-care leaflet which tells you what to do following treatment. It is important that these after-care instructions are followed carefully to ensure the maximum benefit from the treatment and to avoid the risk of complications or side-effects. One of the most important after-care factors is the protection of the skin from sunlight. A high-factor sunscreen must be worn for about 6 weeks after treatment, so exposure to strong sunlight (holidays) should be avoided.

Are there any adverse effects?

As with all treatments, people’s bodies react differently. There is a risk of skin infection and the break-out of cold sores for those people who have a history of them. However, if the after-care instructions provided by the clinician are followed carefully and the clinician notified of any susceptibility to infection, these risks can be minimised.