Skin Peeling FAQs
Skin Peels are exactly what it says - peeling of the skin. To do this we use chemicals. A chemical peel removes the outer layers of the skin. This freshens the skin, removes some sunspots and rough scaly patches, and reduces freckles and irregular pigmentation. They also can reduce fine wrinkles. There is some evidence that it may reduce the risk of skin cancer. It is safest and most effective on the face.
Cleopatra and the ancient Romans used various food acids to peel their skin. In the early 1900s, European and American women underwent `non-medical` peels in salons with secret formulae, which were probably mild acids. In the early 1950s, the phenol peel was developed.
This was a fierce deep peel that could remove years of wrinkles, but also gave peeling a reputation for complications - pigmentation, depigmentation, scarring and even abnormal heart rhythms due to absorption of the chemicals. However, when done under controlled conditions by an experienced physician phenol peeling is safe and effective.
Trichloroacetic acid, being a more gentle acid, has made a comeback in popularity because although it will not make a 50 year old look 25 again, it rejuvenates the skin without the risk of serious side effects.
This was a fierce deep peel that could remove years of wrinkles, but also gave peeling a reputation for complications - pigmentation, depigmentation, scarring and even abnormal heart rhythms due to absorption of the chemicals. However, when done under controlled conditions by an experienced physician phenol peeling is safe and effective.
Trichloroacetic acid, being a more gentle acid, has made a comeback in popularity because although it will not make a 50 year old look 25 again, it rejuvenates the skin without the risk of serious side effects.
Most people can have this treatment. However, chemical peels are not appropriate for people who will continue to have excessive sun exposure. There are also a few people in whom, pigment changes can be caused by a peel, who are prone to this complication due to their skin type. Those known to develop brown discolouration after injury such as a mild burn should have a test area peeled first before undergoing a full face chemical peel.
Chemical peeling is not a substitute for a facelift. It does not tighten sagging skin, stimulate collagen production or remove broken capillaries.
Scaly patches and rough skin (keratoses) can be removed. Very thick keratoses may need additional treatment for complete removal. Fine wrinkles can be reduced, though deeper lines will remain, (some of which can be improved by other methods) with chemical peeling. Most brown marks, freckles and pigmentation can be removed or lessened, especially age and liver spots (lentigines).
Skin that is thin and fragile eg sun-damaged skin, bald scalp skin, can be significantly rejuvenated.
Chemical peeling is not a substitute for a facelift. It does not tighten sagging skin, stimulate collagen production or remove broken capillaries.
Scaly patches and rough skin (keratoses) can be removed. Very thick keratoses may need additional treatment for complete removal. Fine wrinkles can be reduced, though deeper lines will remain, (some of which can be improved by other methods) with chemical peeling. Most brown marks, freckles and pigmentation can be removed or lessened, especially age and liver spots (lentigines).
Skin that is thin and fragile eg sun-damaged skin, bald scalp skin, can be significantly rejuvenated.
Scarring could occur with strong acids, but is unusual with the weaker ones we tend to use. The most common causes of scarring are infection, and pulling off the skin before it is ready to peel. Both of these are avoidable.
Cold sores can be activated in those prone to this kind of condition. Anti viral medication can prevent this. Increased pigmentation may occur, and resolves with time. It can be largely prevented by religious use of sunscreen for three months after the peel.
Cold sores can be activated in those prone to this kind of condition. Anti viral medication can prevent this. Increased pigmentation may occur, and resolves with time. It can be largely prevented by religious use of sunscreen for three months after the peel.
The skin may have had preparation with Vitamin A, Alpha Hydroxy Acid or other preparations.
Firstly the skin is thoroughly cleansed with a cleanser. The acid is then painted onto the face and monitored. If burning or stinging is a problem, a cold pack may be helpful.
Firstly the skin is thoroughly cleansed with a cleanser. The acid is then painted onto the face and monitored. If burning or stinging is a problem, a cold pack may be helpful.
The skin will go a little pink. Generally it is not painful, but feels tight. Over the next few days the skin dries and you will be advised on which creams to apply. Water will do no harm but soap should be avoided.
The skin will begin to peel 3 to 4 days later depending upon the depth of the peel, and must be left to come off at its own pace. However, with some of the products we use there may not be much of any visible peel. As soon as the skin has healed, make up may be applied over the new, pink skin.
Sunscreen is mandatory for at least three months, and moisturisers are helpful. Chemical peeling can be repeated after three months, but it is not usually necessary to repeat this treatment so quickly.
The habitual use of sunscreen will prevent further sun damage and will help to maintain the improved skin quality. Additionally, the use of vitamin creams, AHA creams or enzyme creams can continue to improve the skin texture and reverse some of the effects caused by years of sun exposure.
The skin will begin to peel 3 to 4 days later depending upon the depth of the peel, and must be left to come off at its own pace. However, with some of the products we use there may not be much of any visible peel. As soon as the skin has healed, make up may be applied over the new, pink skin.
Sunscreen is mandatory for at least three months, and moisturisers are helpful. Chemical peeling can be repeated after three months, but it is not usually necessary to repeat this treatment so quickly.
The habitual use of sunscreen will prevent further sun damage and will help to maintain the improved skin quality. Additionally, the use of vitamin creams, AHA creams or enzyme creams can continue to improve the skin texture and reverse some of the effects caused by years of sun exposure.
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