What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is a skin treatment whereas an acid solution is applied to the skin to visibly improve texture, tone. It essentially accelerates the natural process of skin exfoliation. This treatment also kick-starts the skin would healing process, which consists of inflammatory, proliferative phase and maturational phase.

Chemical peels are one of the oldest skin rejuvenation tools and have been around for millennia, with the first recorded use being accredited to ancient Egyptians, with Cleopatra being known for her bathing in sour milk(lactic acid).

Chemical peels may address the following skin-related concerns:

• Dark spots
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Dull skin
• Uneven skin tone (treatment can be combined with glutathione injections, once a week for 5 weeks, to achieve even better results)
• Acne
• De-hydration
• Photodamage
• Blackheads and whiteheads

Chemical peels can also destroy the outermost layer of the skin(epidermis) and more or less of the dermis, directly or indirectly, to varying depths, where the process of regeneration is induced depending on the peeling agent used and depth of the peel. They can be classified in three subtypes: superficial, medium and deep. With the latter being the deepest, which is currently not being offered in the clinic, but will be in the future.

Superficial peels or lunchtime peels exfoliate the stratum corneum and require almost no downtime, they are extremely helpful in the treatment of pigmentation related concerns, such as melasma and hyperpigmentation and acne scarring . On the other hand medium peels completely destroy the stratum corneum and the acid used gets partially into the superficial layers of the papillary dermis, removing abnormal keratinocytes.

The choice of peeling agent and depth is tailored to the client and will be selected by the aesthetician to achieve the best outcome.

How many treatments are required?

A course of 4-6 treatments is recommended, and results such as smoother and glowy skin can be visible following 1-2 sessions, although to see substantial improvement of texture, pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and acne it may require 4-6 sessions at 3 weeks intervals. Although this can extend on an individual basis.

How does the treatment feel?

There might be a mild stinging sensation upon the peel’s contact with skin, which is normal.

Who is suitable for treatment?

Chemical peels can treat almost all skin types effectively and safely, which include dark skin types. During your consultation, we will ask you to complete a full health questionnaire to identify any contraindications, if you suffer from cold sores(Herpes simplex virus) you are advised to start antiviral therapy before treatment as chemical peels could trigger an outbreak.

Your treatment plan

The first step is to book a consultation, so we can access treatment suitability and identify skin concerns. You will then receive a tailored treatment plan, which may include home care.

At Vanité Clinic we offer a personalised treatment for each client.

Our specialist throughout the consultation will undertake an in-depth analysis of the skin, fully explain the treatment and offer post-treatment advice.

1) Pre-treatment (Cleansing)

Skin is firstly cleansed, to rid the skin of dirt, oil, and makeup. This is followed by the application of a pre-treatment solution, which alters the pH of the skin and further cleansing of the skin, this step is for even and effective penetration of the peel.

2) Chemical peels

Once the skin is clean, the peel is then applied to the skin using a fan brush, in a thin even layer. The peeling agent stays on the skin of the face for up to 3 minutes.

3) After treatment

A calming moisturizer is then applied to the skin for, this is to hydrate and soothe the skin. This is followed by application of sunscreen.What client can expect usually following treatment is be hydrated and glowing skin.