Q. What’s the difference between a chemical / medical peel and an advanced 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. Downtime may be increased for more sensitive skin types.
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 resurfacing treatment used and the condition of the skin being treated. Usually an advanced resurfacing 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, number of treatments may vary, spaced 2 - 3 weeks apart followed by regular maintenance treatments.
Contraindications
Your therapist will discuss the contraindications that could affect your suitability for a skin resurfacing treatment at SkinSpirit. Contraindications may include:
- Aspirin Allergy
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Pregnancy or Lactating clients
- Kidney Disease
- Skin Cancer
- History of Radiation treatments
- High blood pressure medications and diabetic medications can cause photosensitivity
- Keloid Scarring
- Roaccutane, Accutane within the past year (Absolutely no advanced treatments)
- Hypopigmentation
- Infections / Disease
- Autoimmune Disease
- Ingredient Allergy (Identified with patch test)
- History of Radiation to the treated area(s)
- High blood pressure medications and diabetic conditions cause photo
- 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 resurfacing treatment at SkinSpirit, we will be able to suggest alternative treatments to help you achieve your desired results.
Advanced Resurfacers use cleverly formulated acids and enzymes to exfoliate the outer layers of the skin. These treatments are non-invasive, safe and effective.
Your resurfacer may include combinations of the following ingredients:
Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acids, Mandelic Acid, Phytic Acid, Madonna Lily Plant Stem Cell (Lilium Candidum Leaf Cell Extract)
Pre & Post Treatment Care
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 improve your skin to its fullest potential.
o 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
o For 1 week prior to your treatment please avoid the following:
o The use of Retinol or Vitamin A on the treatment area