CHEMICAL PEELS

As we age, our skin goes through certain changes. It thins and loses its elasticity, causing crinkles and lines to form. In addition, aging skin has a tendency to become blotchy and freckled, especially if it has been overexposed to the sun.

The chemical peel is basically a way to remove damaged superficial layers of skin, exposing a new layer of healthier skin, resulting in a softer, more uniform complexion. In addition, a chemical peel may stimulate the growth of new cells, thereby plumping up the skin and helping to tighten it.

There are many different types of chemical peels, ranging from very superficial to very deep. The depth of the peel that the skin needs is dependant on the degree of damage the skin has, and the amount of discomfort the client is prepared to tolerate. In general, the more severely the skin is damaged, the deeper the peel you need to improve it.

Very deep peels use a chemical, phenol, to burn off layers of skin. These peels can eliminate many facial lines, but they have a tendency to create a very pale and waxy looking skin. Light and medium depth peels, using TCA or AHA create an excellent freshening effect, but won't remove deep lines because they don't penetrate deeply enough. However, they will significantly help improve fine lines, particularly those under the eyes, since these are due to the thinning of the skin. In addition, these types of peels don't create a waxy or pale look. On the contrary, they give the complexion a fresh, natural look.

Freshening peels remove the damaged surface layers of skin and replace them with healthier layers from deep down in the skin. Therefore these peels remove a great deal of sun damage and can help create healthier skin, in addition to healthier looking skin.

Internationally the trend is towards repeated superficial peels rather than medium or deep peels.

Who will benefit?
Anybody will benefit from having chemical peels, but in specific people with sun damage, acne and aging skin will benefit most.
Usually a course of peels are done to achieve an accumulative cosmetic effect.

Glycolic Peels
Alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA's) are a group of organic acids that have recently become popular in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions. We use Skinceuticals system which is well respected. It can be performed on the face, neck, décolletage, back and hands.

Vitalize Peel®
Vitalize Peel® is a powerful yet non-damaging chemical peel that helps fight the effects of time, sun damage, and environmental assaults. This peel can take years off aging skin in just minutes. Vitalize Peel® is the only superficial peel suitable for all skin tones and complexions. This special formulation includes a unique blend of peeling agents: alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, resorcinol, and retinoic acid (obtained by physicians only). While results are predictable and noticeable after just one peel, dramatic results are seen after a series of peels. This is a highly effective rejuvenation procedure with no downtime.

LA Peel®
The LA peeling solution is a superficial to mid depth peel comprised of three different peeling agents in an ethanol base. Each agent acts in a slightly different manner, making the solution highly effective and predictable. This peeling agent provides significant visible exfoliation with minimal complications and is simple to use.
The LA's peel solution includes (essentially) 14% each of resorcinol, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. Each ingredient performs an important function in the peeling process.

Aftercare
Avoiding the sun after a peel is essential. The skin will be more prone to possible UV damage. It will be however safe to go outside as long as a high factor cream SPF 30 is applied. The skin might feel tight and some people might have some light shedding of skin, but it is normally not necessary to have time off.