What is a Chemical Peel?
And how do chemical peels work?
- A chemical peel is a dermo-cosmetic procedure that provokes accelerated skin regeneration in a controlled manner.
- This is achieved by applying chemoexfoliation agents that act on different layers of the skin.
- Promotion of natural exfoliation.
- The peeling action eliminates external layers of the skin.
- This stimulates collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan production.
Why use a Chemical Peel?
Purify and oxygenate the skin
Leaving it moisturised and free of impurities
Improve the texture of the skin
By closing open pores and increasing the thickness of the dermis
Address the effects of skin ageing
By softening the appearance of wrinkles and adding turgidity
Add luminosity
Through unification of skin tone and smoothing cutaneous imperfections
Depigmenting effect
Lighten and attenuate pigmented lesions
Acne & Scars
Reduce the incidence of acnes and improve the appearance of scars
Classification of Chemical Peels
Classified into 4 levels depending on the depth of action, which in turn correlates with the nature and intensity of action
Highly superficial
Superficial
Medium
Deep
Superficial statum corneum:
- Increases the uniformity of the skin tone for a more luminous appearance
Epidermal to basal layer:
- Stimulates epidermal growth by removing the straum corneum. The skin flakes in a similar way to that occurring after excessive exposure to the sun
Papillary dermis:
- Causing significant peeling by inducing superficial dermal inflammation
- It completely removes the dermis, which then renews until fully regenerated
Reticular dermis;
- Inflammatory reaction in this layer
- Induces collagen and elastin fibre reconstruction
- Marked flaking and peeling
Factors influencing the depth of exfoliation
Skin typology and condition
history, thickeness, treatment area, activity and density of sebaceous gland, integrity of epidermal barrier, etc
Chemical substance
AHA, BHA, alpha-keto acids, TCA. etc
Concentration and pH
of the chemical substance affect peel depth, intensity and effectiveness
Application technique
Quantity of product, number of layers, exposure time
Texture
- Aqueous, alcoholic, hydroalcoholic:
Penetrate and act quickly. Action related to quantity of product and number of layers
- Gels
Penetrate slowly. Action related to exposure time
Skin preparation
Previous treatments and pre treatment preparation
Selection of the peel
- Doctor
Must be conversant with the indication, properties and mechanisms of action of each chemical agent
- Patient
Individualised selections taking into account objective and skin classification
Protocol for Chemical Peel Treatments
1. Pre peeling home preparation
2. Skin preparation
3. Peel application
Use of a daily application of home treatments 1x/day commencing 15 days prior to treatment may optimise skin response to peeling:
- Vitamin C in the morning.
- Tyrosinase inhibitor during the day.
- Vitamin A at night.
The skin will be;
- Cleansed twice and then wiped off.
- Toner applied and then a
- Degreasing agent is applied.
- Vaseline is applied under the eyes, around the lips and adjacent to the nostrils
The peel will be applied and spread quickly and evenly with gauze. You might notice some tingling or stinging.between 2-10 minutes depending on the area
4. Immediately post peel
- A neutralising spray will be applied to help calm the area treated.
- A facial wipe will then be used until you cannot feel any trace of the peel on your skin
5. Regenerate and repair
6. Finish and protect
7. Post peel home care
A post peel fiber mask will be applied to sooth and decongest the skin.
A skin repair cream will be massaged in until fully absorbed.
During the flaking process apply a skin repair product. After the flaking process consider using a peel booster.
Protect your skin several times a day with a suitable SPF 30 or 50+ product
For 48 hours after the treatment session, you should avoid direct exposure to sunlight or artificial light, heat, saunas or swimming pools
Chemical Peel Treatment Cycles
Advanced Dermapeels at Xquisite Solutions
At Xquisite Solutions, only the *superficial Hydroxyacid peels are offered
Number of recommended sessions
Maintenance sessions
Suitable mainly for Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV
4-6 sessions with a minimum interval of 2 weeks between sessions
1 session, 4-24 times a year
Peels offered at Xquisite Solutions
Mesopeel Glycolic - 20% and 30%
Mesopeel Lactic - 30% and 40%
Mesopeel Salicylic - 10% and 20%
*Mesopeel Modified Jessner
- Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA)
- Great transdermal penetration
- Encourages cellular regeneration
- Stimulates production of collagen
- Promotes glycosaminoglycan synthesis
- Best for ageing skins
- Alpha-hydroxy acid AHA)
- Stimulates production of collagen
- Stimulates production of glycosaminoglycans
- Recommended for delicate areas such as neck and neckline
- Blocks melanogenesis
- Best for pigmentation
- Longer treatment cycle; 3-4 weeks between treatments
- Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA)
- Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects
- Controls sebaceous secretion
- Suitable for all skin types
- Best for acne prone, comedogenic &/or seborrhoeic skins
- Recommended for areas such as upper limbs, back, knees and elbows
- The strongest peel offered at Xquisite Solutons
- Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) and Apha-hydroxy acid (AHA)
- Salicylic acid 14% + lactic acid 14% + citric acid 8%
- Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects
- Astringent and antiageing properties
- Suitable for those who have had peels previously
- Broad spectrum peel
- Recommended for dark spots, irregular skin tone, ageing
Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Higher risk in skin types V-VI
Hypersensitivity to the chemical agent
Irritation of sensitive areas
Such as the peri-ocular area
Marked flaking
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the treatment take?
How many treatments will I need?
How long is the downtime?
The approximate treatment time is 45 minutes.
See above
24 hours or less in most cases. Always discuss before treatment.
Is this done in the office or hospital?
How effective is the treatment?
Is there a Medicare rebate for the treatment?
This is an office treatment that does not require admission to hospital.
Depends on skin condition prior to treatment, prior skin preparation, ancillary treatments and the type of chemical peel. Some people need more treatments than others.
There is no Medicare rebate for the treatment.
Is there any pain associated with the treatment?
Can treatment take place at any time of the menstrual cycle?
How do chemical peels work?
The treatment is painless. Sometimes a mild tingling might be noticed.
The treatment can take place at any time of the menstrual cycle.
See information above
What if I've had my eyebrows tatooed?
You will need to defer your peel for 6 weeks
