How do chemical peels work?

Superficial Peels – These peels work on the epidermis, the top layer of the skin. They do not penetrate deeply. They usually consist of alphahydroxy acids (AHA) and betahydroxy acids (BHA) such as glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid. These acids are naturally occurring and are derived from sugar cane, milk and citrus fruits. As the chemical peel encourages the sloughing of dead skin cells from the epidermis only, repeated treatments every 6-8 weeks will be needed to maintain the effect.

Medium Peels – These peels work on the upper part of the middle layer of the skin, the dermis. The peel usually consists of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) which is sometimes combined with glycolic acid. These chemical peels can produce a significant improvement in the appearance of sun damaged or blemished skin. They need to be repeated every 6-12 months to maintain the effect.

Deep Peel – These peels work on the lower part of the dermis. They are generally only carried out by dermatologists.

What will the effects be?

The superficial and medium chemical peels will encourage the sloughing of dead skin cells and promote the growth of new skin cells. The initial effect will be some redness and a tight feeling of the facial skin with a superficial peel. With a medium peel the skin can sting or burn a little and be red or brown in the few days after the peel. With repeated treatments you will notice a dramatic improvement in the texture and quality of your skin.

What will happen during the treatment?

You may need to use recommended skincare products for a few weeks before your treatment in order to get the full benefit. The chemical peel itself will take up to about 20 minutes. The chemical peel is applied to the face during which you may feel a slight stinging or burning. The solution is then removed or neutralised after a few minutes. Your skin may feel slightly tight for a few hours.

What are the risks?

The risks associated with chemical peels include infection, skin colour changes and scarring. The treated skin may appear darker or be tight or swollen for a time