CHEMICAL PEELS

Chemical peels use a chemical liquid brushed on to the face to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the growth of new cells. Chemical peels can be done on the face, neck, or hands. They can be used to:

• Reduce fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth
• Treat wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging
• Improve the appearance of mild scars
• Treat certain types of acne
• Evens skin tone
• Reduce age spots, pigmentation, freckles, and dark patches (melasma) due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills
• Improve the look and feel of skin

There are three types of peel: superficial, medium and deep. See Superficial and medium peels are usually safe, provided they’re administered correctly. The effects of a superficial or medium peel aren’t permanent. The effects of a deeper peel are long-lasting, but this can only be administered by a medical professional.

Superficial/Medium peels:

• skin cells removed from the top layer of skin (epidermis)
• left on the skin for a few minutes
• skin may feel tight for a couple of hours afterwards
• regular treatment needed to maintain the effects

Deep peels:

• Skin cells removed from the top and middle layers of skin
• It is left on the skin for a few minutes
• A frosting appearance is seen.
• A burning or stinging sensation may be felt when the peel is applied
• Your skin may go brown or red in the days afterwards and swell
• Usually 7 days downtime
• It can take up to six weeks for the skin to return to normal often results in lightening of the skin, so it’s not really suitable for darker skin
• This treatment can only be repeated every 12 months to maintain the effects