What is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel, otherwise known as a superficial peel, is a non-invasive skin procedure used to treat pigmentation, scars and breakouts. The most common chemicals used to achieve smoother, more radiant skin texture are salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid and alpha hydroxy acid. Derived from natural sources, such as sour milk, unripe fruits, and sugar cane, these acids work by stripping away dry, dead layers of skin to reveal the softer more supple skin beneath. There is little to no recovery time needed following the treatment. This is why chemical peels remain one of the most popular treatments for signs of ageing, to improve skin texture and combat skin problems such as acne and rosacea.
How it works
A trained skin therapist or medical practitioner should perform your skin procedure. They will thoroughly cleanse your skin to remove excess oil and dirt. The peel product is applied in layers. Your skin will then be monitored for a reaction. Once the desired result is achieved, the peel will be removed or neutralised. A soothing or moisturising cream, as well as a sunscreen, will then be applied. It is important to stay out of direct sunlight while your skin heals.
Benefits
Chemical peels renew skin cells by lifting dead cells off. The peel thus effectively stimulates the metabolism of cells beneath the skin surface. This ultimately works to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and acne scars. Enlarged pores may also become less noticeable, while acne breakouts may be reduced. Peels can be administered as superficial, minor or deep peels. However, most peels require very little downtime following treatment and may be administered over a six to 12 week period. Chemical peels may be performed on the face, neck, chest, arms, hands and the back to improve skin texture. All skin types may be treated with a chemical peel, although lighter skin types may respond better to the treatment.
Side-Effects
Of course, as with any medical treatment, a chemical peel may result in a few mild side effects. These range from skin redness and swelling immediately after the treatment, to flaking and peeling a few days afterwards. Depending on the strength of the peel, flaking and peeling can vary from mild to a dark scaling which sloughs off after five to seven days. For deeper peels, a short period of rest and sedation may be needed. However, for most peels there is no down time needed.
People with sunburned or damaged skin should wait until their skin has healed before undergoing a chemical peel. Similarly, if you recently waxed or used a hair removal cream, consult your specialist before undergoing treatment. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should avoid chemical peels.
Despite the mild side effects of chemical peels, they remain one of the most effective ways to improve overall skin texture and look.
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Dermalogica[/caption]
If you are considering undergoing treatment, visit these treatment centres:
Skin Renewal
Skin Renewal offer superficial TCA (Trichloracetic Acid) peels at their branches in Fourways, Parkhurst, Illovo, Bedfordview and Morningside. They use the Lamelle range of TCA peels, which have been proven to even out fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone and give the skin a healthy, youthful glow. Prior to your peel, you will given a Luminesce brightening cream to administer at least 10 to 14 days before the chemical peel. This prevents post inflammatory pigmentation following the peeling process. Their peels range in cost between *R400 - R950 per treatment.
Contact Details:
Tel: 0861 7546 72 | Email:
[email protected]
Dermalogica
Dermalogica offer a 60 minute Pro-Power peel at their centres across Johannesburg. Using advanced techniques to thoroughly address your skin's ever-changing needs, the Pro-Power peel feels as if it has been customised just for you. The peel specifically targets the signs of acne, hyper-pigmentation and premature ageing. You can find your nearest Dermalogica store
here.
Contact Details:
Tel: (011) 268 0018 | Email:
[email protected]
The Melrose Aesthetic Centre
The
Melrose Aesthetic Centre offer superficial peels to treat skin dullness, pigmentation and blemishes. Situated within the up market Melrose Arch precinct, the Aesthetic Centre will treat you like a VIP. Providing a completely relaxing and invigorating experience, this is the place to go if you want more from your peel than just skin improvement.
Contact Details:
Tel: 011 214 9940 | Email:
[email protected]
Have you been for a chemical peel before? Let us know how it went!
