There are three types of skin peels available and they are used to achieve different results.
Superficial chemical peels (for example glycolic acid) are easy to apply and the time needed for healing is minimal, but they won’t achieve long-lasting or dramatic results.
Medium chemical peels (like trichloroacetic acid/TCA) can achieve more dramatic and long-lasting results for blemishes, fine lines and facial scarring.
A deep peel will help reduce more severe facial wrinkles, but carry a higher risk of producing post inflammatory pigmentation and scarring.
The peel is applied to your face for a set period of time. Following the procedure, your face will be red and sensitive. The length of time it will take to recover will depend on the type of peel you have had and sensitivity of your skin. After a medium or deep peel, it can take a couple of weeks before you can go back to normal activities but even after this time, your skin could still be quite red.
As your skin heals, you will have to take precautions such as wearing sun block. You will be given instructions on how to look after your skin during this time and it is important to follow these to allow your skin to heal properly and avoid complications.
Softening of fine lines from sun damage
Diminution of coarse Lines from sun damage
Increased smoothness in skin texture
Mild or moderate smoothing of acne scars
Lightening of pigmentation irregularities
Increasing skin glow or radiance
Some minimization of pore size
textural smoothening and improvements with acne prone skin can occur within a month
deeper textural changes require multiple peels. Noticeable improvements usually occur within 3 months
no time, back in your routine the day after the peel
a few days, up to a week
You are likely to experience localised redness and swelling to the treated area
Rarely pain or tenderness requires painkillers
Normal activities can be continued
Rich moisturising cream should be applied for comfort
DO NOT pick or peel the skin before it is ready to come off, you can trim large areas of peeling skin with clean scissors
Apply total sun block daily to maintain results
Rarely the following may happen:
Should you experience any of the above please contact your specialist.
Please remember, that the correction will not last forever, it is therefore advisable to have repeated treatments and use skin care products as advised.
At least three to four weeks before the peel you should stop using exfoliating sponges or buff pads and discontinue all forms of hair removal. Avoid shaving the day of the peel.
For 3-7 days after the peel, clean the skin with warm water using the mild liquid cleanser. Use fingertips (not a wash cloth) since the skin is very sensitive at this time. Avoid the use of abrasive or exfoliating sponges.
The skin will turn brown, wrinkle up, and crust, like sunburn.
Do not peel, pick, or scratch the exfoliating skin.
Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds as this can cause discoloration of the new skin. A sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher should be applied every morning before going outdoors. Daily sunscreen use should continue indefinitely to prevent new photo damage from occurring. Make up can be used, but do not cover the entire skin that was treated.
Swelling of the skin following superficial peel in uncommon. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen (200 mg) may be taken 3-4 times daily with food to reduce swelling and discomfort, if needed. Sleep propped up in bed on the first night following treatment.
Contact the specialist if you develop fever, blistering of the treated skin or cold sores.
Touch-ups or a second peel are likely to be needed after the initial peel. Wait at least 4-6 weeks before reapplying the TCA.