CHEMICAL PEELS

Chemical peels are used to treat a range of skin ageing problems and imperfections. They can work on the surface of the skin all the way down to the deeper skin layers and we choose the right one for you. Chemical peels can be one-off procedures or incorporated into your skin-care regime.

Dr Glancey clinics offers a range chemical peel options to suit all skin concerns.

We use chemical peels to:

  • Improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles
  • Reduce pigmentation caused by sun damage
  • Treat melasma and chloasma
  • Improve the appearance of acne scarring
  • Treat age spots, also referred to as liver spots and solar lentigines
  • Stimulate collagen production for rejuvenated skin
  • Refine open pores and improve skin texture
  • Tighten and freshen tired skin
  • Improve stretch marks and scarring

Chemical peels cause controlled skin resurfacing. The base of the chemical peel will determine the depth at which the peel will go into the skin and the results.

During the recovery period following the peel the skin grows back more smoothly and many imperfections will be eliminated. With deeper peels, lines and wrinkles can be softened and significantly reduced.

Chemical peels are not just for the face. We can treat the all areas of the body, including the neck, décolleté, hands, back and even the feet!

Our peels

Only touch peel
This peel is based on a high percentage TCA (trichloroacetic acid) used to treat small patches of pigmentation and benign age spots or keratoses. This highly effective peel can be combined with other peels to achieve a smooth, even appearance and rejuvenation. It is particularly effective on the hands and décolleté.

Weekend peel
This is a light/medium-depth peel, which can rejuvenate the skin and help clear pigment with minimal recovery time. Single or courses of treatment can be given depending on the skin concerns. This peel is fabulous for a special occasion.

Obagi Blue Radiance peel
The is a light/medium depth-peel with the benefit of minimal recovery time. Salicylic acid forms the base and it is designed to be used in a course of six treatments for specific problems. It can also be used in a single treatments for a special occasions and to ‘freshen’ tired skin, improving its general texture and tone.

TCA peel
TCA, or trichloroacetic acid, is a medium-depth peel. It requires a longer recovery time than light peels and would normally require 7-10 days out of your normal social activities. TCA peels can work on deep pigment, sun damage and melasma. It is also used to treat textural problems with the skin and will soften fine lines. Mild acne scarring can also benefit from this peel and it can be used on the body for scarring and stretch marks.

Phenol peel
This is the deepest peel and, as such, requires the longest recovery time. It can be used to treat the whole face or it can be combined with TCA peels to treat smaller areas, such as the eyes and around the mouth. Results are comparable to surgery and laser resurfacing. Initial recovery will take 7-10 days and the full results will be seen after around 3 months.

Treatment Time

Light, superficial peels can be used alone or within our specialised anti-ageing facials and take between 15 minutes to 1 hour. Our deeper peels will take around 20 minutes.

Recovery Time

Light, superficial peels give a little redness, which can be easily covered with makeup. Our deeper peels can take 6-8 weeks for a full recovery and special camouflage make up can be used almost immediately.

FAQS

How do you know which peel is right for you?

Before we perform any chemical peel on a patient we complete an in-depth consultation.

We will listen to your concerns and what you expect to achieve from the chemical peel.

We will then consider other factors including your budget, lifestyle and skin type. Once this has been established we can then recommend the best chemical peel. With the deeper peels we may have to prepare the skin 4-6 weeks before the procedure with topical creams, so this needs to be considered and planned for.

What kind of results can you expect to get out of a chemical peel?

The results of a chemical peel vary depending on the peel that you have. Light peels work on the superficial layers of the skin and will freshen and brighten it. Medium-depth chemical peels can work on fine lines and wrinkles, as well as pigmentation, and improve the texture of the skin. Deep chemical peels work on deep lines, skin tightening, acne scarring and deep textural irregularities and can give a surgical face-lift result.

Do chemical peels hurt or are they painful when using?

The sensation of a peel will very much depend on the type of peel being used. Light chemical peels are virtually pain-free and just a mild tingling feeling is experienced. Medium and deep peels may cause more discomfort, but this would be discussed prior to the procedure along with pain management strategies.

What will I look like after my Chemical Peel?

Again, this very much depends on the peel used. Light Chemical peels will give slightly pink and lightly peeling skin and most patients do not have to change their social or work commitments. With medium and deep peels patients are advised to take some time out of their work and social commitments and this is discussed at the consultation.

Can I have my chemical peel on the day of my consultation?

There is normally quite a bit to think about and a little planning involved before having a chemical peel. We normally advise patients to have medium and deep peels in the winter months and there is also 4-6 weeks skin preparation required before the treatment. With light peels, it is possible to have these without preparation and with a minimal recovery period.