Chemical peels are still a thing – in fact, they’ve been performed since ancient Greek times for skin enhancement. Fast-forward a few centuries, dermatologists pioneered skin peeling for therapeutic purposes in the 1800s and today they remain a firm staple in the top 10 of non-surgical procedures. So, what’s in a peel and why do you need one?
Chemical solutions are gentle in approach but purposeful in vision. Specific solutions such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), glycolic and lactic acid, beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) like salicylic acid, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA), work to exfoliate and remove the damaged outer layer of the skin. At Da Vinci Plastic Surgery Clinic, we engage trichloroacetic acid.
Essentially the mechanisms of a chemical peel are simple: remove the dead cells and create injury at a specific skin depth to stimulate new cell growth and collagen production and evenly distribute melanin. Because ageing, skin condition and types are all variable, the chemical peel you undergo will be based on your individual needs. For example,
- A superficial chemical peel will penetrate the epidermis. Treating acne, post-inflammatory inflammation, and boosting skin luminosity, and rejuvenating the upper dermal layers of skin
- A medium-depth peel targets the epidermis and the upper middle layers of the skin. It can be engaged to remedy pigmentation, textural issues and even superficial scarring.
- A deep peel goes deep – and can often require pre-treatment across several weeks prior to its application to prepare the skin and aid healing. It penetrates the reticular dermis, to maximise collagen renewal and treat deep wrinkles, photoaging, accumulated sun damage and blotchy, uneven skin.
Whilst superficial and mid-strength peels can often be performed in a lunchbreak, with a recommended four-to-six weeks between peels, and results shine through once peeling finishes – approximately 48-72 hours after treatment for two-to-five days. A deep peel recovery timeline extends further and can cause discomfort, redness, peeling and crusted skin for up to several weeks. One deep peel treatment can often last up to 10 years.
Undergoing a gentle TCA peel during the cooler months of the year, means there are fewer harmful UV rays touching down on skin which can quickly damage healthy and regenerated new skin. And, because of reduced daylight hours during winter and spring, skin is not accumulating sun damage – brown spots, tan lines, heat rashes– like we do in summer, so the skin is much more settled pre- and post-treatment.
Swing into summer fresh faced and renewed, reach out to our team of appearance medicine experts to learn more about this gentle cosmetic procedure.
