Peels. Are they right for you?

My clients often ask me this, so I thought I’d share some of my knowledge and tips with you.

A Chemical Peel is a solution applied to the skin to cause controlled but accelerated exfoliation. Your skin’s top layer, Stratum Corneum, is essentially made up of dead skin cells. These cells are usually exfoliated as the Epidermal and Dermal layer regenerates every 28 days. This process slows as we age resulting in reduced collagen and elastin, textural changes, fine lines, pigment build up and a dulled complexion.

There are three classifications of peels; superficial, medium and deep. My scope of practice allows me to perform superficial to medium depth peels.

Some clients only require a superficial peel for their skin concerns. I’ll use a lactic, glycolic, mandelic, salicylic acid preparations. These peel’s break the bonds between the dead cells at the skins surface causing microscopic exfoliation. The treatment is mildly prickly on the skin and then leaves your face feeling a little dry for a few days but otherwise no downtime.

For other clients I’ll recommend a SUPERFICIAL – MEDIUM PEEL that penetrates the upper part of the Epidermis. Here I’ll use a few layers of Jessner (as shown in the video below) or Retinoic Acid Peel. This is a slightly more uncomfortable procedure and leaves your face with mild - moderate peeling for 4-5 days.

For those clients with significant texture, sun damage and pigmentation concerns, a stronger MEDIUM PEEL containing TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) maybe ideal. During treatment there is an intense heating sensation on the skin and post treatment there can be 7 -10 days of peeling, redness and sensitivity.

There are three types of peels that I recommend for my clients depending on what’s going to give them the best results.

Some clients only require a mild peel which I’ll use a lactic or a glycolic peel where the exfoliation is microscopic. The treatment has no pain and leaves your face feeling a little dry for a few days.

For other clients I’ll recommend a deeper peel that penetrates the upper part of the 2nd layer of skin (Epidermis). Here I’ll use a Jessner Peel (as shown in the video) which is a slightly more uncomfortable procedure and leaves your face with mild peeling for 4-5 days.

And some clients really need a deeper, more serious peel to properly cleanse their pores and re set their skin. For these clients I’ll use a TCA peel which is a little more uncomfortable and you’ll shed skin for anything up to a week.

I’ve found peels can have some great benefits for your skin including;

· Clear your skin’s pores and relieve congestion

· Reduce pimples

· Smooth your skin’s texture

· Lift and lighten its pigmentation

· Improve your skin’s overall radiance

For optimal results, it’s best to see me for a free consultation 2 weeks prior to the treatment. Here we can assess your skin, talk about your concerns, what to expect and decide which peel is appropriate for you. We will need to get you started on a Home Care Program containing Active Skin Care ingredients in order to prep your skin and ensure you get the most out of your treatments.

Afterwards you need to stay out of the sun during the peeling phase and always wear your SPF 30+. You’ll need to treat your skin very gently with a basic skin cleanser, drink plenty of water and apply a thick moisturising cream.

To begin I recommend my clients do a series of peels 2-3 weeks apart reducing to maintenance peels every 8-12 weeks.

Peels can take up to 40 minutes and range between $110 - $250.

I hope that’s helped you better understand peels and what they can do for your skin. I’d love to see you again to discuss what’s right for you – just click here to book your free consultation with me at Cosmedical.

Thanks for reading and have a great May as the weather turns a little cooler and the winter woollies come out!

Warm regards

Bec