Peels - for skin revitalisation

The use of medical (chemical) peels to revitalise the skin dates back as far as the Egyptians, who used sour milk or fermented grape skins. What they didn't realise was they were benefiting from the light skin peeling effects of a family of chemicals called hydroxy acids. Today, scientists have identified many safe forms of acid, which can be used to induce collagen stimulation in our skin.

What peels do we offer?
We offer superficial and medium-depth peels that are designed to rejuvenate your skin by gently exfoliating (or lifting off) the upper layer of the skin in a controlled way, encouraging skin to rejuvenate for a fresher, younger looking appearance.

Superficial (gentle) peels are typically carried out as a course and are often referred to in the press as "lunch-time" peels as they are fast and convenient, taking about 30 minutes and need virtually no recovery time and no anaesthetic crème is required. You can be back to your normal daily routine immediately afterwards.

Superficial peels are recommended for early signs of sun damage and for boosting collagen production. They also help to reduce fine lines, open pores, as well as reduce pigmentation and freckles. A course of superficial peels can be repeated once or twice a year to keep your skin in good condition and to protect against skin aging.

We also offer a medium-depth peel that goes slightly deeper into the skin for a faster and more dramatic result. There is a bit more redness and peeling and you would required to take a few days off from work or your normal social activities to recover.

Superficial Peels - no downtime

Glycolic Acid (derived from sugar cane)
This provides a controlled and predictable removal of surface skin cells, stimulating skin renewal to improve the appearance of the skin. You will notice a difference in your skin texture.

The procedure is fast and convenient, taking only about half an hour. With virtually no recovery time, you can be back to your normal routine the same day. There is no significant discomfort and no anaesthetic is needed.

It takes usually 6 treatments at three to four week intervals to achieve the desired effect. All body areas appear to respond well to treatment with glycolic acid; however, the arms, hands, neck and chest all improve at a slower rate than the face.

Most patients undergo glycolic peeling without any side effects. The fact that a patient underwent a peel is usually undetectable to others. Some redness and dryness is temporary and normal and can be covered with make-up.

Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid peels help to exfoliate the skin while decongesting pores and reducing irritation. This light chemical peel revitalizes sensitive skin and is suited for people with oily, acneic, or sensitive skin, as well as for patients with darker complexions. You can return to your normal activities immediately afterwards with the minimum of inconvenience. A course of 6 peels at 3-4 week intervals is recommended.

Light TCA (trichloroacetic) Peel
Light TCA Peel can be used on all types of skin e.g. fine skin, normal skin or greasy or thick skin. It can also be used safely and effectively on black and Asian skin.

Light TCA Peel, in combination with a special cream can be most effective in reversing sun damage, treating acne, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, removing hyper-pigmentation, Liver spots and other visible signs of ageing. It can be used on the face, the neck, the chest (a particular problem area for women following prolonged exposure to the sun) and the hands.

After applying the Light TCA peel to the skin you will experience some mild heat or irritation. This shows the product is working. The practitioner will be looking for the first visible signs of "frosting" after which they will apply a post peel cream, which will immediately stop the irritation. After approximately 30 minutes to one hour the skin will feel more taut.

Your skin will tend to flake after 3 - 5 days but rest assured you will not shed your skin completely like a snake! When you do start to peel, you need to keep it moisturised as directed and use a high factor sunscreen recommended by our doctor.

It takes usually 4 treatments at 8-day intervals to achieve the desired effect but for acne treatments, generally 8 peels are recommended.

Medium Depth Peels

Unideep
Unideep is a peel using a higher concentration of TCA acid and is an effective treatment for:

• Reducing smooth fine wrinkles
• Correcting of pigment problems and blemishes
• Reducing acne or smoothing acne scarring

It is effective for photo-ageing, acne, smoothing of acne scars, melasma, chloasma, keratosis and fine lines. It has the same benefits as a course of light TCA peel but using a stronger solution so that one treatment is generally sufficient.

This peel is suitable for patients desiring a faster result and who are able to take a few days to a week off from normal activity to recover. It is suitable for white, olive and Asian skin types.

Clients will need to use a special crème for 2 weeks prior to treatment and you must avoid sun exposure and use a high factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 60) for several weeks following treatment, then a sunscreen with a lower factor for up to 3 months. If you do not follow the sun protection advice it may produce some unwanted colour changes in your skin.

If you would like to book a consultation to discuss any of these treatments, click on the 'contact us' link for details.