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Friday, July 13, 2012

C H E M I C A L P E E L S - what you need to know.


C H E M I C A L   P E E L S  - what you need to know.

Chemical peels are a more aggressive form of exfoliation and are very effective for correcting irregular pigmentation, sun damage and scarring. Depending on the strength of the peel, they can also improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. All peels including light, medium and strong are best performed by a dermatologist or a cosmetic surgeon. This is for safety reasons, as strong chemicals and often anaesthetics/sedatives are involved. Day spas and beauty salons only remove a little more skin than can be achieved using AHA or BHA creams at home - don't be sucked in by clever marketing! 

WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEEL: The application of a solution onto the skin to remove layers of the epidermis and dermis. Peels partially burn and remove layers of skin which then stimulates new collagen formation. The result is improved texture, tone and overall appearance. Results and recovery time will vary depending on the strength of the peel and how far it penetrates the skin. Chemical peels can be applied to the face, neck, upper part of the chest and arms. 

RECOVERY / DOWNTIME INVOLVED: Superficial peels which include glycolic acid and salicylic acid have little or no downtime at all. You may experience mild redness and peeling, both of which can be easily disguised with make-up. Medium to high strength peels can cause swelling, severe redness, peeling and scabbing and therefore have greater downtime (approx. 2 - 10 days). The trade-off is that you get much better results with the high strength peels. Unfortunately this often means taking time off work to recover, when you would much rather be sipping cocktails on a beach! 


BENEFITS OF A CHEMICAL PEEL: The benefits of a peel are mostly cosmetic and to enhance your appearance. The tone and texture of your skin will improve and also help erase any fine lines or wrinkles. Peels can also remove some pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne and improve facial scarring. 


ALTERNATIVES TO CHEMICAL PEELS: Other procedures include dermabrasion, laser and skin resurfacing, fat injections, skin medication (the pill, antibiotics, roactine), filler and botox. 





SJM RECOMMENDATIONS: 
There is nothing wrong with enjoying a facial and some pampering at your favourite day spa. However, I am definitely of the belief system that only medically trained professionals should be allowed to perform chemical peels (doctors, nurses - under supervision of a doctor). It is also important to note, treatments available at salons/spas are the weakest strength and there are no long-term effects or benefits. For any real improvement the solution must penetrate the epidermis and dermis. 


MY TIPS:

1. The Victorian Cosmetic Institute, Melbourne - www.thevictoriancosmeticinstitute.com.au
The team at The Victorian Cosmetic Institute consists of specialised cosmetic doctors, cosmetic and plastic surgeons, nurses and beauty therapists. They use the latest research, products and technology to provide you with the most up-to-date techniques in non-surgical procedures. The Vic Cosmetic Institute specialise in non-surgical facial treatments.


2. See a Dermatologist - www.healthengine.com.au is a great search engine for specialists across Australia. Remember you will need a referral from your GP before making an appointment. I would also advise you ask which specialist they recommend and why before making any decisions. 


SJM. 

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