Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a procedure which uses a chemical solution applied to the skin to remove the top layers of skin. Chemical peels are usually broken down into three categories, all reaching different depths of the skin.
● Superficial chemical peels are a more gentle, exfoliating treatment that is suitable for skin brightening or surface level skin concerns. These are usually formulated with a combination of alpha hydroxy acids(AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids(BHAs), such as glycolic acid, lactic acid or salicylic acid.
● A medium chemical peel reaches deeper layers of the skin, and is usually made up of a trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and glycolic acid combination.
● Deep chemical peels are used for more significant results, and usually only require a single treatment. This treatment uses a deep peel agent, phenol to fully penetrate the middle layer of skin.

The longevity of a chemical peel depends on your lifestyle, skincare routine, the skin's individual response to the treatment, as well as your post-treatment care. In general, the changes seen in a chemical peel will endure for 6 months to a year.

There are a few things to avoid in the days before your chemical peel. Take care to avoid excessive sun exposure and don’t schedule any other procedures for the face, including laser hair removal and injectables. We also recommend seeking advice from the dermatologist or skin care professional performing your peel, regarding adjustments to your skincare routine before the procedure.

The strength of a chemical peel will vary depending upon multiple factors. In general, the lower the pH of an acidic solution, the higher concentration of H+ and the greater the presence of free acid. The free acid concentration of a chemical peel solution is more lipid soluble and therefore is better able to penetrate the skin. The ratio of free acid versus its counterpart, ionised acid, is known as the pKa of an acid. While it may seem a straight-forward conclusion that a higher concentration of acid with a lower pKa (i.e. higher presence of free acids) would be stronger, other factors such as the solvent and emulsifier used will also affect the “strength” of a chemical peel. Your practitioner can advise you on the right strength chemical peel for your skin goals.

Chemical peels penetrate deep into the skin and use strong acids to "burn" away skin. Because of this process, chemical peels should not be repeated more than once every 4-6 months, unless advised otherwise by your practitioner.

Chemical peels do lead to some pain and discomfort, but measures can be taken to alleviate patient discomfort both during and after treatment. During the application of the medium chemical peel fans and other cooling techniques will be used to reduce the burning sensation. Some chemical peels may even contain a numbing agent to reduce the discomfort during treatment.

Pain will also differ depending on the solution used, application technique, skin prep and your skin type. Always consult with the performing medical professional for an accurate assessment of procedure discomfort during a chemical peel and the measures that may be taken to manage it.

Chemical peels at all depths remove the top layers of skin, which means they will in fact remove dead skin cells in the process. The treatment can also minimise the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots as a result of ageing, sun exposure or blemishes. But for all cases of abnormal pigment in the skin, the dark spots will return if the causal triggers, such as UV damage or breakouts, are repeated. Sun safety, lifestyle choices and an effective skincare routine will help prolong the results of a chemical peel.

White petrolatum or Vaseline® after a chemical peel is the standard recommendation for helping to keep the skin moist as it recovers. Apply white petrolatum 3 times daily for the first 3 days after treatment. Other creams may be recommended following these initial 3 days. As always, it’s important to follow the post-care prescribed by the professional performing the chemical peel, as many factors influence both the depth of the peel and the healing process.

The hot steam produced by a typical shower is not recommended for at least 1-2 weeks after a chemical peel. If the water temperature is tepid, it may be safe to shower after 3 days if the area where the chemical peel was applied is not exposed to the stream of water, but this depends on the strength of the chemical peel, in addition to other factors. Deep chemical peels will be more sensitive for a longer period of time. Your skin professional should be consulted about all aspects of a patient’s post-care regimen.

The onset of peeling after chemical peels will differ according to the peel used, the application method, the reaction of the skin and the before-and-after care practiced by the patient. For many patients, peeling begins 48-72 hours after and generally completes within 10 to 14 days.

Peeling is a natural process that occurs as the damaged tissue is being replaced. It's important to not interfere with the process by picking the skin or removing peeling skin during recovery from chemical peels.

Directly after your chemical peel treatment there may be swelling and discomfort. You can alleviate discomfort using ice packs and gently soaking and cleansing the skin every day. White petrolatum, such as Vaseline® can also be applied several times a day to help with recovery. During the first 3 days, patients should avoid all sun exposure, and refrain from any picking or peeling of the skin.

*Always consult your physician before undergoing this procedure