Chemical Peels (From £55.00)
Also known as chemexfoliation or derma-peeling, chemical peels are techniques used to improve the appearance of the skin.
The chemical peel treatment involves the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which causes the skin layer to form blisters and eventually peel off after a short period of time. The new skin that is regenerated is expected to be smoother, and a lot younger looking compared to the “old” skin.
Conditions Treated with a Chemical Peel
- Fine lines around the eyes and the mouth area can effectively be treated with a chemical peel.
- The appearance of mild scars can be improved with a chemical peel treatment.
- Wrinkles caused by natural ageing, too much exposure to the sun, and genetic factors are treated effectively by chemical peels.
- Certain types of acne problems can also be addressed with a chemical peel treatment.
- Skin that has taken on a dull texture and appearance can be improved with a chemical peel as well.
- The appearance of freckles, age spots, and melasma can be improved with a chemical peel treatment.
Formulas Used in Chemical Peel Treatments
- Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs)
Benefits:- Improves texture of skin that has been damaged by the sun
- Effectively smoothens rough, dry skin
- Helps with acne control
- Can be combined with a bleaching agent to address pigment problems
- Can be used as TCA pre-treatment
Note: A series of peels may be needed; As with most peel treatments, sunblock use is recommended
- Phenol
Benefits:- Improves the appearance of skin blotches caused by: ageing, sun exposure, birth-control pills
- Smoothens the appearance of coarse wrinkles
- Effective in removal of pre-cancerous skin growths
Note: Phenol may only be used on the face, and is not recommended for dark-skinned individuals. As with other peeling treatments, sun protection – including the use of sunblock – must always be used. The procedure may pose a risk for patients with heart problems, and recovery or complete healing from the chemical peel treatment may take several months.
- Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
Benefits:- Smoothens the appearance of fine wrinkles on the surface of skin
- Effective in the removal of superficial blemishes
- Addresses problems with pigmentation
Note: TCA can be used on the neck or other body areas, and these areas may require pre-treatment with Retin-A or AHA creams. The treatment can quickly be done, and can only take 10-15 minutes to finish. TCA chemical peels are recommended for darker-skinned patients. The healing process is often much quicker than with a chemical phenol peel. Sun protection and the use of sun block must be vigilantly done for several months
Chemical Peel Procedure
The chemical peel can be done in a Kent doctor’s office as an outpatient procedure. The treatment is started by thoroughly cleansing of the skin with an agent that removes excess oils; the doctor also makes sure that the eyes and hair are protected. One or more chemical solutions, such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid (phenol), will then be applied to small areas on the skin. These applications produce a blister of a controlled wound, which will in turn encourage the formation of regenerated skin.
Majority of the patients who have undergone a chemical peel say that they experienced a warm to somewhat hot sensation that stays for about five to ten minutes; this warm/hot sensation is then followed by a stinging sensation. The doctor may apply a cool compress in the treated area to help relieve the stinging sensation. A patient who will undergo a deeper chemical peel may be provided with pain medication during or after the procedure.
What to Expect After the Chemical Peel
Depending on the type of chemical peel treatment administered, a reaction that resembles sunburn can occur following the procedure. The peeling stage is usually accompanied by redness, which will then be followed by scaling of the skin that will last for three to seven days. Mild chemical peels may be repeated at one to four-week intervals until the desired end-result is achieved.
Medium depth or deep chemical peeling procedures may result in swelling of the treated area; these types of chemical peeling can also involve the presence of water blisters that may break, crust, turn brown, and will then peel off, lasting for a period of seven to 14 days. If necessary, medium-depth peels may be repeated in six to twelve months.
After the chemical peel treatment, some patients may require bandages to be placed on a portion or all of the skin that has been treated. The bandages will usually be taken off after several days, and can actually improve the efficiency of the treatment. It is very crucial to avoid too much exposure to the sun’s harmful rays after a chemical peel, because the new regenerated skin is fragile and more susceptible to complications.
