Advice

PEELS, SO WHAT DO THEY DO?

Our skin naturally exfoliates dead cells every day, but over time primarily as a result of age and unprotected sun exposure, this shedding process slows. This results in dull, dry, or flaky skin; clogged, enlarged pores; bumps, and uneven skin tone

Peels can effectively remove the build-up of dead skin and revealing the healthier complexion hiding beneath.  Active solutions typically used here at Cronulla Cosmetic Medicine include glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid and retinol acid.

The different types of active ingrediants cause a controlled injury, each penetrating through to a different skin depth, then peeling away to reveal a new layer of skin.

CAN EVERYONE DO CHEMICAL PEELS?

Superficial peels (AHA/BHA/Vitamin A) can be used on all skin types.  Salicylic acid peels are safe and also generally well tolerated in patients of all skin types.

TCA Peels are effective for many, but you may have a greater risk of experiencing a darkening of your skin after stronger peel treatments. This condition is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

Talk to one of our Beauty Therapists about which peel would best benefit your skin.

EXPLAINING OUR VARIETY OF PEELS:  AHA, BHA, RETINOL and TCA PEELS

Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peels – AHAs are water-soluble acids made from sugary fruits.  AHAs are often used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve uneven texture, and tone the skin. AHA’s are water soluble, which means they exfoliate on the surface level of skin.  They are generally preferred for normal to dry, sun damaged skin due to their ability to enhance natural moisturising factors within skin.  After treatment, you’ll likely notice that your skin is smoother to the touch.  

Beta Hydroxy Acid Peels – BHAs are oil soluble. Unlike AHAs, BHAs can get deeper into the pores to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum making it the preferred option for normal to oily skin prone to bumps, blemishes and enlarged pores.  BHA also has natural skin-calming properties, allowing it to be gentle enough for skin that’s sensitive or prone to redness or rosacea.

AHA and BHA are good for skin thanks to the way they exfoliate in a non-abrasive manner.  The most effective AHA / BHA Peels are:

Glycolic Peel

Glycolic acid is the most common type of AHA. It’s made from sugar cane and is ideal for exfoliation. This is due to glycolic acid’s small molecular structure, which allows it to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin. Glycolic acid is used to dissolve and allow dead skin cells to slough off. The result is a smoother skin surface with clear pores. It’s also good for bringing a healthy glow back to aging skin.

Glycolic peels come in different intensities and can affect your skin differently depending on how strong it is.

Lactic Peel 

Lactic acid is another common AHA.  Lactic acid is made from lactose in milk. It’s also known for its significant exfoliation and anti-aging effects. It’s not only gentle on easily irritated skin, but also is deeply moisturising. It is ideal for skin that’s dry or sensitive to active ingredients like retinol. 

Salicylic Peel

Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, is among the most widely used chemical peels.  Salicylic acid is great for exfoliation and oil control, ideal for reducing acne. Salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Salicylic acid penetrates into your skin and works to dissolve the dead skin cells clogging your pores and takes care of the bacteria that cause acne breakouts.

It also works well for uneven skin tones, salicylic acid peels in strengths between 20% to 30% to are used to treat epidermal pigment, and in the treatment of melasma. 

Salicylic acid peels can be done on the face, neck, back, shoulders, hands, knees, and elbows. Men and woman alike benefit from having this type of peel done.  It can take several weeks of use for you to see its full effect.   

Vitamin A/Retinoic Acid

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that promotes cell turnover and boosts collagen in the skin. Vitamin A helps to speed up healing, prevent breakouts and support the skin’s immune system and it promotes natural moisturising – which means it helps to hydrate the skin effectively, giving it a radiant glow. It assists in promoting and maintaining a healthy dermis and epidermis; the top two layers of your skin. It is available in the forms of oils, creams, and serum.  It is readily absorbed from the surface of the skin when applied topically.

Trichloroacetic Acid – TCA Peel

Trichloroacetic Acid is also known as TCA and is one of the original skin rejuvenation peels. A TCA 12-20% Peel is recommended for men and women of all ages wanting to improve moderate to severe sun damage and or signs of ageing.

TCA 35% peels can help with skin texture, wrinkles and pigmentation and used as an alternative to laser resurfacing.

WHAT TO EXPECT POST PEEL

Depending on the strength of the peel, you will experience different “peeling” post treatment.   AHA peels will not display any noticeable peeling; however they have provided an intense exfoliation during treatment. 

BHA’s, Retinols and TCA’s do generally provide a peeling or flaky result, however you don’t always have to actually peel after a peel to see the benefits.  Visible peeling is just a side effect.  Actual ‘peeling’ is happening at the cellular level. This is why most people will stop experiencing visible flaking after a few peels. 

When skin does noticeably peel or flake you need to take precautions.  Do not pick or attempt to further exfoliation as this may cause irritation, infection, and possible scarring.  Keep your skin hydrated. The more your skin is moisturized, the faster it’s going to heal. Not only will it help to speed up your recovery, but it will also soothe your skin.

After three to four days, most of the peeling should be complete, but it may take anywhere from five to seven days before your fresh, new skin has developed. Within seven to fourteen days, your skin should be healed and continue to rejuvenate over the next weeks.

ANY QUESTIONS?  WANT TO BOOK A CONSULTATION?

Whether you’re ready to get started or simply have some questions at this point, your first step is scheduling an initial consultation with us.

We are ready to help at any time, so contact us today to schedule your consultation.