Please note – this blog was posted in 2012. Face Clinic London no longer offers Chemical Peels. Please use this post as a guide to help you understand the treatment. To find a safe clinic that you can trust to offer this treatment, head to www.saveface.co.uk
A chemical peel is a skin treatment which is used to improve and smooth out the surface of the facial skin. A chemical solution is used to remove top layers of skin which allows the dead surface skin to peel off. The peeling process leads to new skin growth which is usually smoother, healthier and less wrinkled compared to the old skin.
Superficial chemical peels are a good option for many people as they have a gentler effect, require no pain relief, and can be used in more skin types, including darker skin tones, with little or no “down time” or recovery time.
Chemical peels are used to treat a variety of skin conditions such as acne by exfoliating the skin. This allows dead skin cells to be removed more effectively and excess oils on the skin are also removed. This action unblocks hair follicles and pores and reduces the appearance of acne pimples and improves the texture of damaged skin.
Chemical peels can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles especially under the eyes and around the mouth in sun damaged or ageing skin. They can also smooth out rough skin texture and reduce the appearance of large freckles, liver spots and age spots. They are also commonly used in people with excess pigmentation and uneven skin tone as peels can lighten and even out the tone of the skin.
Whilst you may see minor benefits after a single superficial peel, best results are seen after a course of six peels, performed two weeks apart. Superficial peels are gentler and so the full benefits build up over a course of six treatments. It is also advised to prepare the skin with creams for two weeks before the peel and to continue these, during and after the peel course. These products will improve the results of the peel.
The procedure itself takes ten minutes and is pain free. After your peel you may notice that the skin is more red than usual for two hours, and you may experience some very mild flaking of the skin for a few days. You will be advised to avoid physical activity for 24 hours after and facials for one week after your peel. It is very important to use a sunscreen during the course of your treatment and for four weeks after to prevent uneven skin tone and excess pigmentation.