Derma Peels
What is a Derma peel?
Derma Peels also known as skin peels or chemical peels is a minimally invasive procedure where a solution is applied to the skin for exfoliation and to help improve a variety of skin concerns.
What are types of Peels?
There are a vast number of chemicals that can be used for skin peeling, some natural and some synthetic, targeting different depths of the skin and for different indications.
Chemical peels can generally be classified into three different groups:
* Superficial (Epidermis only)
* Medium (Extending into the dermis)
* Deep (Deep dermal)
Does Peel treatment cause peeling of skin?
Despite being described as a chemical peel or a skin peel, many modern-day treatments do not actually cause any peeling of the skin or very minor peeling.
What areas can be treated?
Peels are most frequently performed on the face, but they can be used on other areas such as the neck, back and hands.
Peels are particularly popular for the following indications:
* Ageing skin
* Uneven skin tone and texture
* Acne and acne scarring
* White-heads and black-heads
* Pigmentation problems
* Blotchy, flaking, dry or oily skin
* Pock marks and small scars
* Fine lines/wrinkles
* Sun damaged skin
* Age spots
* Large pores
What does the procedure involve?
- Prior to having a peel, the area will be cleansed and disinfected to remove the skin’s natural oils to allow the peel to be more effectively absorbed into the skin.
- The peel is applied to the skin, using either a brush, gauze, cotton stick or a gloved hand, and usually a timer started. This allows sufficient time for the chemicals to penetrate the skin to a controlled depth. The whole area will be systematically treated in specific areas and several passes (layering) may be applied.
- Many peels will then be neutralised with either water or a specific neutralising agent. Treatment time is generally between 20 – 40 minutes.
- Following the procedure, your practitioner or therapist will often apply a moisturiser or other serum as well as a good sun protectant as the skin’s natural barrier may be compromised.
- After treatment, the skin will feel much cleaner, fresher, and firmer. It is usual to get a slightly reddened complexion immediately after treatment.
Post treatment advice
* Following your chemical peel treatment, you may experience some redness on the treated areas accompanied by a warm glow. This will last for several hours but should have settled by the following morning.
* Peeling does not generally occur with superficial treatments, but if peeling does occur, it generally starts after 48 hours and may last from 2 to 5 days and sometimes longer.
* Make-up or your usual skin care products should not be applied after your treatment, unless otherwise advised by your dermatologist. Ensure they are aware of any skin care products that you are using so they can advise you on when they can be safely restarted.
* Do not pick, peel, scrape, scratch or wax your skin as this may lead to infection, bleeding, pigment change, delayed recovery or scarring.
* Avoid abrasive sponges and exfoliating skin care products for one week after treatment.
* Avoid other cosmetic procedures without the specific guidance of your practitioner or therapist, including waxing or electrolysis.
* Wash with a very mild soap, rinse with warm water and pat dry. Remember to moisturise regularly following the treatment as you may experience some dryness for a few days.
* Avoid sun-exposure and use a broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) sun-cream of at least SPF30 for 6 weeks post-treatment as your skin’s natural barrier may have been compromised.
Is it safe?
Generally, side-effects are uncommon from superficial peels and if they do occur, they are often mild and usually resolve within a few days after treatment. The deeper the peel, the greater the risk of adverse effects. Possible side-effects include sunburn like redness of the skin, whitish discolouration/blotchiness of the skin, itching, dryness , flaking of the skin, Swelling, particularly in the under-eye area, Infection due to skin disruption, Pigmentation developing after treatment.