Skin Peels

Thursday, July 21, 2011 Posted by Matt

Most of us have heard the term “Skin Peel” and also seen them on the TV program, 10 Years Younger. The peels that you may have seen on “10 Years Younger” are Medical Grade, which means they need to be performed by a medical skin care professional such as a surgeon, doctor or nurse. However, there are many different skin peels available to us and it is my goal here to uncover some of the the truths and myths surrounding skin peeling.

Skin Peels have been around for many years, going back as far as the 80’s. There are many new methods of peeling but some of the old methods are still used. Many people think that there is only one type of peel available – this is a myth. There are many types and many different strengths. Most people who I speak to have seen the peels on “ 10 years younger “ and believe that all peels will cause the skin to peel away and go through what is commonly known as “ Down Time,” which means you need to stay home and take time off work, the skin will be very red and eventually peel away. The results which can be achieved with this type of peel are good, but the peel does not suit everyone and certainly does not suit all skin types either. This type of peel needs to be performed by as Doctor, Surgeon or Nurse – basically a medical professional. It is very important to note that not all peels will make the skin peel.

Firstly let us look at how a skin peel works and how it affects the skin.

Skin peels can address multiple skin conditions and concerns including ageing and sun damaged skin, hyper pigmentation , acne, scarring and rosacea. They work by removing the out layer of dead skin cells to reveal a fresher, more youthful skin beneath. In the process they will also clear congested pores and stimulate the collagen and elastin in the deeper layers of the skin, this will help to “remodel” the skin and is particularly beneficial for skin losing elasticity. By removing the layer of dead skin cells you are in effect removing a “barrier” which can potentially hinder the penetration of any topically applied products So any products applied after a peel will have a much better chance of penetration and will be more effective.

Secondly let us look at the different types of peels available.

Different peels work at different depths in the skin. I will give you some examples of the different types of peels on the market, who can perform them and which ingredients are used:

A superficial peel .

The superficial peel is most commonly performed by a Skin Therapist or Beauty Therapist, however, some medical professionals will also use this type of peel as they are very safe to use but still provide outstanding results. This type of peel affects the outer layers of skin, for example: the upper epidermal layers. The skin will not peel and there is no “down time”. They are mostly performed as a six week program with the client having one peel each week for six weeks. The ingredients commonly used for this type of peel are Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Salicylic Acid. Unless there are any contra- indications, this type of peel suits all skin types, and will address most skin conditions and concerns.

A medium depth peel.

A medium depth peel needs to be performed by a medical professional and will go much deeper into the skin than a superficial peel. There will be “down time” and the client may need to stay home and take time off work. The skin will go through the peeling process. These type of peels are most commonly performed as either a one off treatment, or a short course depending upon which one is administered. The ingredients commonly use for this type of peel are TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid ) or Glycolic Acid.

A deep peel.

The deep peels such as a Phenol peel go very deep into the skin and are really only used in extreme cases of sun damage. The “down time” with this type of peel can be extensive and range from a few weeks to two months. These types of peels are hardly used any more as the skin is left extremely sensitive to UV rays.

After you have had a peel whether it is superficial, medium depth or deep it is important that you follow the aftercare advice provided by your skin care professional. Most skin care professionals will carefully recommend the correct homecare products for you to use and this must include the use of a good sunscreen, usually and SPf30 is sufficient.

There is a very important point that I would like to cover. I would like you to be aware of a vital point when undertaking any non surgical treatment – and it is this: you must remember that whatever professional treatment you decide to have - the results will only be as good as your homecare program. By this I mean that it is pointless investing time and money in good quality professional treatments if you go home and do not use a good quality effective skin care program such as a cosmeceutcal brand. Many people miss this vital key point when it comes to looking after their skin. Good quality home care with high levels of active ingredients will provide you with outstanding results when combined with skin peels. Of course you will get good results without the homecare – but if you would rather have outstanding results then combine the peels with a good long term cosmeceutical homecare program.

In a nutshell, skin peels are a safe, effective method of resurfacing the skin and helping the skin to look and behave much younger. The superficial peels are safe to use long term and once you have completed your course you can have a peel once a month as a maintenance facial. So whether your concern is to keep your skin looking young or to address a skin condition you can rest assured that a professional strength skin peel will provide you with the desired result.

I offer a range of chemical peels to suite all skin types and conditions.

Click here to find out more.