Facial Peels
It has long been believed that Cleopatra maintained her beauty by bathing in milk. It is probable that there is some truth in this because milk contains lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid, which is an active component of modern skin treatments and peels.
The recent resurgence of interest in peels results from their ability to return a healthy glow to dull looking skin, revitalise skin in people with sun damage and improve fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, acne and scarring.
Traditionally, peels have used harsh solutions that produce significant exfoliation in a single treatment but often would result in significant side-effects such as redness, irritation and unsightly scabbing. These side effects were impossible to conceal and often took many days to settle. However, the latest peel techniques aim to resurface the skin without excessive irritation, crusting or scabbing. The treatment takes less than half an hour and most people will return to work or normal activities immediately afterwards.
The Procedure Precision Peeling SystemTM embraces the latest medical research and utilises combinations of Lactic, Trichloroacetic, Ascorbic and Salicylic acids. These are self-neutralising, anti-inflammatory chemical exfoliants. They combine to gently resurface the dead layer of skin cells and speed cell turnover. A peel plan will use these four solutions either singly or combined in layers, individually tailored to suit your skin's needs:
Lactic Acid (AHA) is a light superficial peel which results in a reduction of fine lines and uneven pigmentation, giving an overall improvement in skin tone and texture. Over a course, there will be increased skin hydration, reduced visibility of pores and lightening of hyper-pigmentation. There is some scientific evidence that AHA's may reduce the tendency of photo-damaged skin to develop some forms of skin cancer.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is a medium peeling agent. It can cause gentle shedding of the top layer of dead skin cells without traumatising sensitive sun-damaged skin. It helps restore healthy skin tone and texture. There will be a reduction of fine lines and superficial pigmentation and softening of acne scarring.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) is a mild peel ideally suited to use on pigmented skin. Performed regularly, Ascorbic Acid Peels can help resolve uneven pigmentation and provide exfoliation benefits for more reactive skin types.
Salicylic Acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). These peels are used to target skin prone to pore blockages and breakouts. BHA is attracted to the lipid content of skin, particularly sebum, found predominantly in follicles. This helps to unclog pores, reducing blackheads and spots. BHA peels help in the treatment of acne and excess surface oil.
Application of the peel solutions may result in some tingling or stinging but this subsides very quickly. Side effects are minimal; some people experience some redness but this is mild and of short duration. Some peel treatments may not cause visible peeling; instead they induce a gentle exfoliation. With most treatments, some mild peeling, flaking and dryness may occur, usually sometime between days 2-5 afterwards. This usually responds well to the application of moisturiser and/or sun screen. A course of 3-6 peels may be recommended for optimum results.
