Peels

Peels

Maintain Healthy Age-Resistant Skin

Chemical peels are a method of regenerating and resurfacing the skin by inducing a controlled wound to the skin. They remove the top layers of skin to help induce collagen remodelling and, therefore, improve sun-damaged skin, skin pigmentation problems, wrinkles, skin texture and the overall appearance of the skin. The strength of the chemical peel will determine its depth. Deeper peels will have a greater number of complications and a longer recovery, but will also result in a greater improvement in the skin.

What types of chemical peels are there?

There are several types of chemical peels suited to different skin problems and types. Chemical peels also vary in strength and are classified as superficial, medium and deep, according to the level of skin they reach.

River City Cosmetic Clinic offers the following chemical peels:

Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) peels - glycolic and lactic acid peel. Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane and lactic acid is a naturally occurring acid in the body. These peels can be performed at different concentrations to vary the strength of the peel. Their main role is to remove the top layers of the skin and induce new collagen formation. 

Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) peels  - Salicylic acid is the main ingredient found in these peels. These peels are generally used in oilier skins or acne prone skins as they are oil soluble and penetrate deeper into this type of skin environment. Beta-hydroxy acids are generally larger molecules than alpha-hydroxy acids and, therefore, may not penetrate as deeply in a normal (non-oily) skin environment.

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel 10-20% – This is a peel that has been performed for many years.  When performed at lower concentrations, TCA peels provide superficial resurfacing of the skin to improve skin texture, wrinkles, and pigmentation.

Different skin problems respond to particular peels. Acne, for example, responds well to Jessner’ s peel and salicylic (beta-hydroxy acid) peels. This is because these peels are very oil soluble and are able to penetrate deeper into pores and remove oil and sebum. They are also anti-inflammatory. Both alpha-hydroxy acid and beta-hydroxy acid peels help exfoliate the skin. TCA peels, alpha-hydroxy acid peels and Jessner’s peels are beneficial in treating pigmentation problems and sun-damage.

Light to medium depth chemical peels have the advantage of not causing any down time or irritation and can achieve the same results as stronger peels, but will have to be applied in stages. The different types of professional peels are individualised to your skin condition and imperfection by your dermal therapist. Your skin needs to be prepared prior to being treated with a chemical peel and the use of an active skin care product for 2 weeks prior to treatment is also important. 

Benefits from Regular Peels:

• Improves the freshness and smoothness of the complexion
• Improves acne, congestion and blocked pores
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Assists in the absorption of other products following the peel
• Improves skin texture and stimulates collagen renewal
• Improves superficial scarring and irregular pigmentation
• Benefits hands, feet, neck and décolletage

Although a single treatment will produce visible improvements, we recommend a course of 6 treatments to achieve a long lasting and cumulative result by a regular maintenance programme. Chemical peels can be performed as individual treatments or in combination with other procedures such as Microdermabrasion, Vibradermabrasion, Intense Pulsed Light, Oxygen Therapy or red/blue light therapy.