What’s the difference between a chemical / medical peel and a resurfacer?
A. Whilst both treatments can benefit a variety of concerns, including acne/problem skin, congested skin, visible signs of ageing, pigmentation issues and more – resurfacers and chemical peels work at different depths.
Resurfacing treatments are a milder version of a chemical peel, only working on the top, superficial layers of the skin. They use enzymes and acids to exfoliate the skin, leaving your skin looking and feeling soft, smooth and more refined. Resurfacing treatments usually require very little or no post-treatment downtime, enabling you to show off your improved complexion within a matter of days.
Chemical peels, however, delve deeper into the epidermis, accessing the mid to lower layers of the skin. Peels are ‘stronger’ than resurfacing treatments and can, therefore, result in up to 10 days post-treatment downtime while the skin ‘peels’ and heals. Often people try a resurfacing treatment before moving on to chemical peels.
Treatment time can vary depending on the specific skin peel used and the condition of the skin being treated. Usually a medical peel treatment lasts between 30 and 40 minutes.
Everyone’s skin type and condition is unique and therefore the number of treatments required to reach your desired results could vary. For acne / problem / scarred skin, the number of treatments may vary, spaced 4 – 6 weeks apart. Up to 6 treatments can be performed within the year, taking a break after the third treatment.
Contraindications
Your therapist will discuss the contraindications that could affect your suitability for a chemical peel treatment at SkinSpirit. Contraindications may include:
- Aspirin Allergy
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Pregnancy or Lactating clients
- Kidney Disease
- Skin Cancer
- History of Radiation treatments to the treated area(s)
- Keloid Scarring
- Roaccutane, Accutane within the past year (no advanced treatments)
- Hypopigmentation
- Infections / Disease
- Autoimmune Disease
- Ingredient Allergy (Identified with patch test)
- High blood pressure medications and diabetic medications can cause photosensitivity
- The unusual tendency to scar
- Unusual hyperpigmentation disorders
- HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis (Refer to MD)
- Open or suspicious lesions
- Eczema, Psoriasis or extremely irritated skin
- Obsessive picker
- Current use of antibiotics (Antibiotics may cause photosensitivity)
Additional medical advice from your GP or specialist may be required before a treatment can be conducted.
If due to health reasons you are not able to have a Chemical Peel at SkinSpirit, we will be able to suggest alternative treatments to help you achieve your desired results.
Chemical Peels delve deep into the epidermis, accessing the mid to lower layers of the skin. Peels are ‘stronger’ than resurfacing treatments and can, therefore, result in up to 10 days post-treatment downtime while the skin ‘peels’ and heals. Often people try a resurfacing treatment before moving on to Chemical Peels.
Your Medical Peel may include combinations of the following ingredients:
Glycolic Acids, Salicylic Acids, Mandelic Acid, Phytic Acid, Madonna Lily Plant Stem Cell (Lilium Candidum Leaf Cell Extract) THIS SUMS UP THE MAIN INGREDIENTS.
Pre & Post Treatment Care
Chemical Peel treatments may require up to 10 days post-treatment downtime and home care. Skin will look worse before it looks better.
To support, enhance and protect your skin prior to and during your treatments, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your therapist as this routine is designed to achieve the best results.
For 2 weeks prior to your treatment, please avoid the following:
o Sun exposure or the use of sunbeds
o Waxing on the treatment area
o Other active treatments on the same area such as Laser/IPL, Peels, Fillers, Injectables
For 1 week prior to your treatment please avoid the following:
o The use of Retinol or Vitamin A on the treatment area
Immediately after a Chemical Peel treatment your skin may feel warm, red and tight. Chemical Peels induce a significant peeling of the skin usually on days 2-7 after treatment, which usually resolves itself by days 8-10.
Following each peel treatment, aftercare products are applied to promote healing. Aftercare advice will be provided along with recommended home care products to ensure the best possible results are obtained and skin heals as quickly and effectively as possible.