Bespoke Corrective Peels

Skin peels involve the application of an acidic solution to the surface of the skin to produce careful removal of its outer layers and depending on the ingredients can help clean out the pores too.

Some of the more modern peels also contain ingredients to stimulate cell turnover and collagen generation in the dermis layer to regenerate skin.

The most suitable peel for your skin and the regimen is recommended during your skin consultation. If you have age spots, uneven brown pigmentation or melasma we usually recommend a series of light brightening peels in combination with a melanin inhibiting skin care products and in some cases prescription creams.

If your skin concern is acne our preferred peel would be the BioRePeel. If you are seeking a rejuvenating treatment with the aim of collagen production and plumping of the skin then our recommendation would be the PRX T33 peel, which is a modified TCA peel.

Skin peels acquired their name due to the ‘peeling’ associated with them. Peeling was seen with early skin peels because the solutions used tended to be quite injurious to the skin. Hence, the skin ‘peeled’ off in sheets. Modern skin peels and new generation ‘actives’ do not cause ‘peeling’ of sheets of skin but may be associated with some amounts of dryness or flaking.

Preferably you would come for a consultation and your skin is analysed and medical history taken and then we decide which peel is best for you depending on your skin type and concerns.

Your skin is first cleansed, and a peel preparation solution applied to thoroughly degrease the skin and allow for uniform penetration of the peel. You may experience tingling and/or a warming sensation after the peel solution is administered. The peel remains on the skin for a defined amount of time depending on the type of peel and the desired effect on your skin and then for some peels a neutralising agent is used followed by a soothing treatment such as a hydrating masque.

A tinted SPF skin shield will be applied before you leave the clinic, or you may go home with the masque still applied if you prefer. For best results you should follow the instructions of your doctor on home skin care.

One month before receiving a peel please avoid the following:

• Chemical peels
• Microneedling
• Other resurfacing treatments such as fractional laser, microdermabrasion or intense pulsed light.

One week before receiving a peel please avoid the following:

• Electrolysis or laser hair removal
• Waxing
• Depilatory creams
• Exfoliating products or facial treatments that have been irritating including dermaplaning and microdermabrasion
• Do not use any products containing retinol or retinol derivatives
• Stop using any serums or creams containing alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid
• Avoid tanning and sunbeds

Best results are seen if you prepare the skin with a prescribed home care regimen for at least 2 weeks before the first peel.

You will need to have a patch test between 24 and 48 hours prior to receiving a particular type of peel for the first time.

On the day of the peel please arrive without any makeup, no jewellery and no contact lenses.

Sensation depends on the type of peel used and the condition of your skin. Some peels give a tingling feeling on the skin which lasts for a few moments; in other cases, it can be a little more intense, but in all cases this feeling only lasts around 5 to 10 minutes.

The peels we use at the clinic will show some improvement within a day to two, but usually need a course of treatments for optimum results.

You may go about your usual activities as your face will usually only appear a little flushed. You should not apply makeup until the following day.

You may get some small areas of shedding or flaking. First the skin will feel tight, then you may notice some brown discolouration before the skin starts to peel at around day 3. We recommend using a lot of moisturising agents and sunscreen during this period.

This treatment is not recommended during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding.

For light or superficial peels, you can have them as often as every two weeks and for the modified TCA peels such as BioRePeel or PRX T33 the recommended treatment interval is monthly.

You will not be suitable to receive a skin peel treatment if you:

• are pregnant or possibly pregnant
• nursing/breastfeeding
• have a history of problems with keloid or other types of scarring of your skin;
• wounded, sunburned, excessively sensitive skin
• allergy to aspirin or salicylates (for a peel with salicylic acid)
• history of autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, vitiligo
• have abnormal skin pigment/colour
• have a current facial infection such as active cold sores or warts
• have used the anti-acne treatment Ro-accutane (isotretinoin) within the last 6 months;
• have darkly pigmented skin

Whilst complications are rare, they can and do happen. This can range from more shedding than anticipated from a superficial peel, to in the worst-case scenario, hyper- or hypo- pigmentation. A high factor sunscreen should be applied at all times to help reduce the potential for this problem and there are many excellent skin care products with ingredients to inhibit melanin production.