Chemical Peels

The use of medical (chemical) peels to rejuvenate 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 rejuvenation 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.

We only use brands that have demonstrated a clear safety profile and excellent results such as
Mene and Moy, DermaCeutic Cosmo TCA Peeland Obagi Blue Peel.

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 require to take a few days off from work or your normal social activities to recover.

Superficial Peels - no downtime

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 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 TCA Peels

Medium TCA peels are especially suitable for thickened sun-damaged skin with deeper wrinkles and irregular pigmentation. We use Dermaceutic, Mene and Moy TCA Peels and the Obagi Blue Peel for Medium Depth Peels.

During the procedure a burning or stinging sensation may be experienced and this is relieved by a fan.

Over the next few days the skin goes red then becomes brown and a bit crusty, peeling at about day four or five and revealing newer skin underneath. The skin takes up to ten days to recover and to show the benefit of the treatment, which then continues for up to a further six months.

A single peel is usually all that is required although this can be repeated whenever necessary.

The final results of TCA peels will be seen over a period of two to six months post-treatment, during which time the skin will continue to produce new collagen and elastic fibres and as a result, will become more youthful in structure, firmer and more elastic.

TCA Peeling can be repeated every one to two years as an effective anti-aging treatment.

If you would like to book a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss any of these treatments, click on the 'contact us' link for details or call us on 02380 637 638.