Chemical Peel

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is a facial treatment which is designed to remove a layer of dead skin and promote the growth of new skin cells. The treatment works by applying a specially formulated liquid to the skin, which makes it blister and peel, resulting in a new fresh layer of skin coming through. It is designed to improve your skin, can even out skin tone, reduce scars and even reduce the effects of aging; wrinkles and age spots. A chemical peel is most commonly conducted on the face, but can also be done on the neck or hands. 

Chemical peels make a fantastic choice for people who wish to see improved texture and appearance of their skin, as it’s relatively low-risk and can be used for purely cosmetic purposes, or can be used to treat skin conditions.

The main effects of a chemical peel are: 

  • A reduction in fine lines under the eyes,

  • A reduction in fine lines around the mouth, 

  • Reduction in skin damage caused by the sun, 

  • The improvement in the appearance of mild scars, 

  • Improvement in the symptoms of certain types of acne, 

  • Reduction in age spots, freckles, and dark patches.

Generally there are 3 different levels of intensity available when choosing a chemical peel. Your doctor or highly qualified practitioner will recommend which level of intensity is best for your skin and your personal situation. This will likely be discussed with you during an initial consultation. 

Light treatments: Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) Peel

Light treatments are classed as mostly superficial, they remove the top layer of skin, and can be used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, acne and dryness. With light chemical peels you may choose to have several treatments a year, or even every couple of months. Light treatments usually take about 5 days to fully heal, but you can carry on with you every-day life immediately after the treatment. 

Medium treatments: Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Peel

More powerful than the light treatment; this type of chemical peel removes skin cells from the top layer of skin and from portions of your middle layer of skin. As you’d expect, a medium chemical peel can treat deeper wrinkles, scars and uneven skin conditions. To maintain results, it may be recommended that you repeat the treatment once every 6-9 months. The downtime for this treatment can be anywhere between 5-10 days, as you wait for any redness, swelling, peeling and/or scabbing to heal. 

Deep treatments: Carbolic Acid or Phenol Peel

A deep chemical peel treatment, not only removes skin cells from the top and middle layers, but also removes skin cells from the lower portions of your skin. Your doctor might recommend a deep chemical peel if you have major scars or dangerous cancerous growths. A deep chemical peel can only be performed once, and is not something you would have repeated. 

After this treatment the patient is likely to experience heavier swelling and redness, and many patients do need to wear bandages for the first few days. It’s highly important that patients who have this treatment also avoid the sun for 3 weeks after treatment. 

For more information on the chemical peel services we provide here at Harley St MD and to book your appointment, please get in touch.

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