Chemical Peels Cape Town Northern Suburbs

A chemical peel is a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck or hands. A chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to exfoliate and eventually peel off. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. The new skin is also temporarily more sensitive to the sun. There are three basic types of chemical peels: Superficial, medium and deep. Dr Kannenberg performs the first two. The most appropriate peel will be decided after consultation. A superficial chemical peel is always a safe option to start with.

Superficial or lunchtime peel: Alpha-hydroxy acid or another mild acid is used to penetrate only the outer layer of skin to gently exfoliate it. The treatment is used to improve the appearance of mild skin discoloration and rough skin as well as to refresh the face, neck, chest or hands.

Medium peel: Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid is applied to penetrate the out and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment is used to improve age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles, moderate skin discoloration/pigmentation and scars (acne or other). It also can be used to smooth rough skin from sun damage. Patients will see a dramatic improvement in skin appearance. This is great treatment to do once a year, in winter preferably, for antiaging. For specific medical indications more frequent treatments may be indicated. These are usually combined with specific active creams (before and after treatment) for maximum benefit.

Chemical peels are sometimes combined with a new procedure called Dermaplaning and sometimes following a Dermapen procedure for enhanced efficacy. Dermaplaning is unique in that the chemical peel’s effect is much more intense, but with LESS downtime. The skin is particularly vibrant even the next day after the procedure.

Prior to coming for the chemical peel please read the ‘Pre- and Post Peel instructions’. Download and bring the printed and signed consent form with on the day of the procedure.

When is a chemical peel appropriate?

Chemical peels are used to treat a number of conditions including:

– Acne
– Acne scars and other scars
– ageing and sun damaged skin
– Fine lines and wrinkles
– Hyperpigmentation (post inflammatory)
– Melasma

There is no absolute age limit, but chemical peels is very rarely performed on children younger than 12 years. The procedure is not recommended for individuals with infections, active skin disease (although it is very useful in active acne), cut or broken skin, sunburns or active Herpes simplex 1 sores (aka cold sores). If you are known with recurrent episodes of cold sores Dr Kannenberg will prescribe preventative medication. Vitamin A containing creams (retinoids) should be discontinued prior to the chemical peel (2 days prior to superficial peel and 7days prior to a trichloroacetic acid peel). Usually Roaccutane/generics usage is a contraindication to chemical peels, but this is decided on an individual basis.

Chemicals peels sting but do not cause a great deal of pain. The gentlest peels use alpha-hydroxy, glycolic, lactic or fruit acids are also gentle. They may cause stinging and itching during the procedure which resolves shortly after the procedure. The skin is initially slightly red but in the majority of cases the skin is just left refreshed after the peel. Most cases do not peel after the procedure which makes it a perfect treatment for beginners and maintenance of skin health – and more so in our busy schedules.
Trichloroacetic acids are used for stronger peelings. They remove wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems. This treatment stings more than the gentler acids. After the treatment there may be redness, swelling and irritation but the use of creams and gels will reduce these effects.

What are the complications or potential side effects of a chemical peel?

– Temporary or permanent darkening of the skin rarely follow the chemical peel. Sun exposure and a predisposition to hyperpigmentation are the main risk factors for this. Sun protection is always important but particularly so after the chemical peel.
– Scarring very rarely
– Reactivation of cold sores

What can I expect after having a chemical peel?

All peels require some follow-up care:

– Superficial peels require one to seven days to heal. Treated skin will initially be red and may scale. Lotion or cream should be applied until the skin heals, followed by daily use of sunscreen. Makeup can usually be worn the next day – in very superficial peels even the same day.
– Medium peels require seven to 10 days to heal. Treated skin will initially be red and sometimes swollen. Swelling may worsen for the first 48 hours. The first 3 days after the procedure the skin feels tight and the following 4-5 days the skin peels in flakes. Antiviral medication is taken for 5 days. Mild lotion or cream may be applied. Avoid all sun exposure until healing is complete. Camouflage makeup may be worn after five to seven days.

Sun exposure and smoking after a chemical peel must be avoided because they can cause unwanted side effects, including infection and scarring. Cigarette smoking also delays skin healing.