Customised Chemical Skin Peels

What are Chemical Peels / Medical Grade Enzyme Facial Peels?

Chemical peels involve the application of solutions to the surface of the skin to remove layers of skin cells and to stimulate the growth of new skin. Removal of the external layer of the skin also allows enhanced penetration of agents applied to the skin topically following the peel. For this reason a chemical peel may enhance the results of other cosmetic procedures.

Types of Chemical Peels

There are essentially three types of chemical peels: superficial, medium and deep. Multiple factors affect the depth of the peel. These factors include the chemical agent itself, the concentration of the agent, pre-treatment of the skin prior to the peel, the region of the face (some regions more responsive than others), sebaceous gland number and activity and procedural techniques such as defatting the skin before the peel and mode of application of the peel. The deeper the peel, the more dramatic the immediate results, however, the risk of significant side effects and length of recovery time increases proportionally.

1. Superficial Chemical Peels

  • Indicated for skin rejuvenation

  • Exfoliates most of the epidermis

  • Often referred to as “lunchtime” peels

  • Relatively Low Risk and Rapid Recovery

  • Razor bumps, acne consisting of multiple comedones. Skin rejuvenation, collagen regeneration and improvement in skin texture with multiple treatments

2. Medium Peels (PHYSICIAN ONLY)

  • Exfoliates to level of the upper dermis

  • HIGH RISK and SLOWER RECOVERY

  • Pre cancerous skin damage, facial wrinkles, irregular pigmentation.

  • Performed in a monitored environment by a physician only

3. Deep Peels (PHYSICIAN ONLY)

  • Exfoliates to level of the deep dermis

  • HIGH RISK and SLOW RECOVERY

  • Pre cancerous skin damage, facial wrinkles, irregular pigmentation.

  • Performed in a monitored environment by a physician only

What are the benefits of regular chemical peels?

  1. Improve the freshness, smoothness and colour of the complexion

  2. Improve acne and blackheads (comedones)

  3. Reduce fine lines and wrinkles (rhytides)

  4. Increase skin hydration.

  5. Flatten mild scarring.

  6. Improve irregular hyperpigmentation (age spots)

  7. Improve skin texture of the skin by increasing epidermal thickness and collagen thickness

What results can’t chemical peels achieve?

  1. Improvement of deep wrinkles: Soft tissue treatments are required to improve these. Laser resurfacing may also improve or diminish some forms of wrinkles.

  2. Pore size reduction: there is currently NO technology available that can reliably reduce pore size permanently.

  3. Removal of deep atrophic acne scars: A type of surgery called punch grafting or subscision is usually required to remove acne scarring.

  4. Removal of blood vessels: lasers are the only way to remove dilated blood vessels effectively.

What are the side effects of superficial chemical peels?

A recent study of 286 patients who underwent eight weekly superficial peels demonstrated that almost all patients tolerated superficial peels well. Minor side effects included mild discomfort, burning, irritation and mild short lived redness. There was an extremely low incidence of major side effects in this study. Despite having a good safety profile, superficial peels do have potential side effects. Peeling following a superficial peel is generally mild and usually is not visible. This peeling can be controlled with the use of light moisturising agents. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (increased pigmentation) or hypopigmentation (decreased pigmentation) is an unlikely side effect following a superficial peel. It is more common in those with darker complexions. Scarring is an extremely unlikely event if a superficial peel is carried out by a trained practitioner. Chemical peels increase the sensitivity of the skin to UV damage. Full sun protection and sun avoidance is necessary following the peel. Some studies have shown that AHA’s can increase UV damage potential by up to 30% in the first 48 hours following a peel.

Potential side effects of superficial peels

  • Immediate Side Effects: Burning and stinging. Redness (lasts <24hrs)

  • Short Term Side Effects: Mild peeling of the skin. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.

  • Long Term Side Effects: Scarring may result from infection or picking the scabs, and can be permanent. This should not happen if carried out by a trained professional.

Book in for a Cosmetics Consult with one of our Dermatologists below.

All patients considering a Chemical Peel need to have a Consultation before their peel so that they can discuss and consider the suitability of this treatment for their skin type and condition.

If you’ve already had an Initial Consultation to assess & plan your treatment, you can book in with one of our Dermatologists or Practitioners below for a Cosmetic Treatment.

All medical and cosmetic procedures involve some risks. The information provided here is for general educational purposes only. The results achieved for patients in before and after pictures are individual and may not be achievable for you specifically. For specific advice regarding your situation, please book an appointment at NSDL.