Chemical Peels in Reading

Superficial Peels

Superficial chemical peels are safe and effective for all skin types and tones. If you have uneven skin, blemishes, fine lines, sun-damaged and blemished skin, a superficial chemical peel may help.

They can be used anywhere on the face, neck and body, and while they are most commonly used on the face, they are also a good option for those prone to acne on their chest and back.

They are used to:

• Smooth skin
• Reduce blemishes
• Reduce pigmentation
• Reduce the appearance of fine lines
• Improve the appearance of age spots

Reduce the appearance of acne scarring.

Medium-depth chemical peels are effective on all skin types and tones. A more aggressive treatment than superficial chemical peels, they are used to improve the appearance of uneven skin, fine lines, acne scarring and sun-damaged skin.

Medium-depth chemical peels can be used the face, neck and most places of the body, but are most commonly used on the face and backs of hands.

It’s important to note that the skin on different areas of the body will react differently to the same peel, so a practitioner may advise different peels for different areas.

In general, they are used to:

• Smooth skin
• Reduce blemishes
• Reduce pigmentation
• Reduce fine lines
• Improve the appearance of age spots
• Reduce acne scarring

Obviously, the deeper the peel, the more impressive and dramatic the results. But this should be balanced by the risks and side effects of the harsher, deeper peels.

Superficial Peel

It is very important that you carefully follow the advice of your practitioner following a peel treatment to help improve the benefit of the procedure and reduce the risk of complications or side effects.

Following your treatment, you should cleanse your face very gently with a soap-free cleanser, patting the skin dry with a towel. Ensure you moisturise your skin well.

2-4 days after your treatment you may experience peeling – though not everyone does. DO NOT pick or peel your skin. If you do, you risk bleeding, discolouration and even scarring.

Wear a high SPF sunscreen for at least 6 weeks post-treatment. This will reduce the risk of brown blotches (hyperpigmentation) forming on your skin.

Medium-depth Peel

It is very important that you carefully follow the advice of your practitioner, following a peel treatment, to help improve the benefit of the procedure and reduce the risk of complications or side effects.

As the chemical peel penetrates deeper layers of skin, you may experience more discomfort and peeling afterwards, compared to a superficial peel.
Do not scratch or pick at your skin as doing this may result in permanent scarring. The peeling skin is a barrier. Your aim is to take care of it, not remove it!

To help avoid infection, follow your practitioner’s advice regarding hygiene, including washing your face gently with a mild cleanser and not wearing make-up.

Ensure you wear a high SPF sunscreen during the course of your treatment and for 4 weeks after. Avoid any direct sun exposure for 6 weeks.

Only use the skincare products advised by your practitioner.

Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours after your treatment, and avoid saunas, steam rooms and hot showers until your skin is healed.

Do not have any other facial treatments for at least 1 week after the peel.

If, at any point, you experience any unexpected pain or swelling, discolouration, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation or infection, consult your practitioner immediately. Please note that prior to the skin peeling away, it may become uniformly darker.

Superficial Peels

Prices start from £120 for a superficial peel, such as a glycolic or lactic acid peel using a medical-grade peel from OBAGI.

Medium-depth Peel

Medium-depth peels at Dr Wafaa Clinic generally start from £450 upwards for a single peel.

1-2 weeks prior to your treatment, avoid adding anything new to your skincare routine. Specifically, avoid exfoliating facials, facial electrolysis and sunbathing/sunbed use.

3 days prior to your treatment, stop using active skincare products containing retinoic acid derivatives.

Your consultation in detail:
Step One – Consultation and Consent

On arrival at the clinic, your practitioner will complete detailed personal details and medical history form with you.

They will discuss your medical history and clearly highlight the realistic, expected result of the treatment.

They will also describe any potential side effects and ask whether you understand the summary of the treatment you are about to receive. This process should take as long as you need and allow you to weigh up the benefits against the risks.

You will sign and date your completed forms and a consent form.

Often it is important to prepare the skin, usually for around 2 weeks, with specific creams before you have the peel. These creams are designed to minimize risks and/or increase effectiveness. It is important to use these products as directed by your practitioner, and not use any of your own creams.

Step Two – Your Superficial Peel Treatment

Your face is first cleaned thoroughly. Sometimes, it is also degreased with alcohol, to allow the acid to penetrate the skin fully.

The peel is quickly painted onto the skin and left on for 2-10 minutes (usually 5 mins), depending on the acid used and how well you tolerate the stinging sensation.

Once the required time has elapsed, the peel is washed off and neutralised.

A moisturiser with a mineral sunscreen should then be applied to your face.

Step Three – The Check-Up

It is good practice for your practitioner to offer a free check-up a few days after your treatment. This allows them to check your progress and recovery. You may be advised to have regular peels every 4-6 weeks.

6 weeks prior to your treatment, stop using skin products containing vitamin A derivatives, unless directed by your practitioner.

1-2 weeks prior to your treatment, avoid exfoliating facials, waxing, hair removal creams, laser hair removal, electrolysis and sunbathing/sunbed use.

24 hours prior to your treatment, stop using exfoliating products including those containing alpha and beta hydroxy acids.

Your consultation and treatment in details:

Step One – Consultation and Consent

On arrival at the clinic, Dr Wafaa will complete detailed personal details and medical history form with you.

She will discuss your medical history and clearly highlight the realistic, expected result of the treatment.

She will also describe any potential side effects and ask whether you understand the summary of the treatment you are about to receive. This process should take as long as you need and allow you to weigh up the benefits against the risks.

You will sign and date your completed forms and a consent form.

Often it is important to prepare the skin, usually for around 2 weeks, with specific creams containing active skincare products before you have the peel. These creams are designed to minimize risks and/or increase effectiveness. It is important to use these products as directed by your practitioner, and not use any of your own creams.

Step Two – Your Medium Depth Chemical Peel Treatment

Your face is first cleaned thoroughly. It may be degreased with alcohol to maximise the absorption of acid into your skin.

The peel is applied to the skin with a soft brush or cotton pads.

The peel solution reacts with the skin causing it to become ‘frosted’, where it slowly turns pinkish-white over several minutes.

You will experience stinging and discomfort. The skin may be cooled with fans during this time.

The peel is then neutralised (TCA peels are considered self-neutralising).

Your skin will then be moisturised and protected with a high SPF sunscreen.

Step Three – The Check-Up

It is good practice for your practitioner to offer a free check-up, a few days after your treatment.

Superficial Peels

As superficial chemical peels are the gentlest of the peels, you are less likely to experience an adverse reaction than with a medium-depth or deep peel.

• You may experience slight white discolouration in some areas or blotchy skin, though this should subside within a few hours.

• You may experience peeling 2-4 days after your treatment.

• Hyperpigmentation (brown spots on the skin) may occur with all peels, especially if your skin is darker. To reduce the chance of this, it is important to use creams as directed by your practitioner. This should include a high factor sunscreen daily.

• It is important to avoid direct sun exposure for 6 weeks post-peel.

• Cold sores – if you are susceptible to cold sores, you may find you have an outbreak after a chemical peel. To help prevent this, taking a course of antiviral medicine as advised by your practitioner beforehand may be advised.

• Redness – sometimes skin redness persists for more than 2-3 months, but this usually disappears in time.

Medium-depth Peels

Your face may swell slightly following a medium-depth peel and your skin may turn dark brown with white streaks. Following this, the skin will peel over 5-7 days, during which time it may be itchy, tight and easily irritated.

Once the skin has peeled, fresh, bright red skin will appear. This will fade to your normal skin tone over 3-6 weeks. Sometimes, skin redness persists for more than 2-3 months, but this also usually disappears in time.

Hyperpigmentation (brown spots on skin) may occur with all peels. To reduce the chance of this, apply high factor sunscreen daily and avoid direct sun exposure for 6 weeks post peel.

Bleaching creams can be used to help minimise the appearance of any hyperpigmentation – these should only be used if prescribed by your practitioner. You should not undertake at-home bleaching without the advice of a medically qualified prescriber.

If you are susceptible to cold sores, you may find you have an outbreak after a chemical peel. To help prevent this, taking a course of antiviral medicine beforehand may be advised by your practitioner.

There is a small chance of developing a localised skin infection following a chemical peel.

Scarring is extremely unlikely with a medium-depth peel if it is done properly, by a medically qualified practitioner, who will advise appropriate before and aftercare ensuring the risk of infection is minimised.