There Are Three Basic Categories Of Chemical Peels

All chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to remove the outer layers of skin so that a smoother, more evenly pigmented, glowing layer of skin can appear. There are three basic categories of chemical peels, but at Wimpole Aesthetics we favor AHA and TCA peels as they are less invasive than Phenol peels.

All chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to remove the outer layers of skin so that a smoother, more evenly pigmented, glowing layer of skin can appear. There are three basic categories of chemical peels. Each type works differently, and produces different results. The Wimpole Aesthetic Centre only uses AHA peels and TCA peels since Phenol peels are very invasive and require at least two to three weeks of down time.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids(AHA) are found in plants and food such as citrus fruits, apples, grapes, sugar cane and sour milk. The acid breaks the intracellular bonds of the epidermis and accelerates the sloughing of the superficial dead skin cells of the epidermis. Lactic acid and glycolic acids are the two most common AHA acids found in skin care products. This peel is considered a light peel and patients will require multiple treatments to see results.

Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA. The result of TCA peels produces more dramatic results than AHA peels. Clients may require more than one peel to achieve the desired results.

Except for the Phenol Peels, Microdermabrasion, AHA and TCA peels are painless. You will experience a slight stinging to the skin when the chemical is applied to your skin. Your skin is exposed to the chemical for approximately 2-3 minutes. With Microdermabrasion, there is a slight abrasive sensation during the procedure.

Do I need to take time off work to have a treatment?

It is not necessary to take time off work but your skin may look a little rosy right after the treatment.

Who can benefit from this treatment?

Most people who have sun damage such as multiple solar keratosis, pigmentation abnormalities, certain types of acne, and fine wrinkling might benefit from a chemical peel. Peels are often used to treat fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth. Wrinkles caused by sun damage, aging, and hereditary factors can often be reduced with this procedure. Microdermabrasion is usually used to refine the outer appearance of the skin.

What is the procedure like?

After cleansing the skin to remove oils, the peeling agent is carefully applied. Within minutes, there is a very warm sensation that feels like sunburn. This lasts for a few minutes and is rapidly relieved by the application of cool compresses. Very rarely, there may be some swelling, especially around the eyes for the first two days, but discomfort is minimal. By the third or fourth day, the skin has a tight feeling and sheds. This is replaced by skin with a pink colour and smooth texture, usually on days 5 to 7.

How much improvement will I have?

The amount of improvement is individual and depends on the initial condition of the patients skin. Maximum improvement of damaged skin and wrinkling ranges from 50%-85% and, although 100% percent improvement is not possible, most patients view the results as dramatic.

How Much Does the Treatment Cost?

The price of chemical peels range from £75-£600 The price of the treatment will depend on the type of chemical peel that is recommended.

Other treatments:

If you are interested in other rejuvenation procedures and skin tightening treatments, why not find out about our Botulinium Toxin, Thermage and Sculptra services. Or, should you be interested in improving your overall body shape, visit our Vaser Lipo, Smart Lipo treatment pages.