Chemical peels
Chemical peels can be utilised as a one-off treatment for a freshened complexion, or as a course of treatments to address specific skin concerns. At The Cotswold Skin Clinic, I use over 20 different peels, ranging from BHAs/AHAs, retinol peels, and TCA. The right chemical peel will depend on what your goals are for your skin and this decision is one for us to make together. Often a course of peels would be recommended, and the acid, strength and brand of peel will be selected under my guidance to enable the best possible results.
In order to get the best results skin prep is highly recommended. Mesoestetic offer a great range of skin prep kits which I highly recommend. Please follow the link HERE and use code 3717TH to receive a free gift.
-
Acne & Oily Skin
Salicylic acid is a BHA that effectively targets the oil glands. This type of peel is excellent for someone with congested, acne-prone skin, as salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so it penetrates deep into your pores to clear congestion. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can offer relief to inflamed breakouts. For added benefits, Mandelic and citric acid may also be used alongside a salicylic acid to encourage cell renewal.
-
Large Pores
Glycolic acid is the gold standard in chemical peel formulations and is the go-to for many professional skin therapists for its proven ability to transform the health and appearance of a multitude of skin types. Not always suitable for beginners, but all peel treatments are bespoke
-
Ageing
This could include AHAs such as lactic, citric, mandelic, tartaric, and glycolic acid or milder TCA. But for aging concerns a course of treatments is always recommended and therefore a bespoke treatment plan will be designed which will build up tolerance.
-
Pigmentation
Mandelic Acid alongside Phytic and Azelaic acid is effective at treating pigmentation from sun damage. It has also been shown to reduce melasma by as much as 50% in four weeks. Citric acid is sometimes used to help reveal brighter and more radiant skin. For more severe signs of pigmentation or melasma, or for those experienced with peels a stronger advanced peel might be recommended.
-
Dark circles
Azelaic, lactic, citric and phytic acids especially formulated to rejuvenate and brighten the delicate eye area. Can be used alongside mesotherapy for added benefits (see combined treatments)
-
Advanced
Medical grade medium-strength retinol and TCA peels are an excellent option for treating more advanced hyperpigmentation, acne, scarring, and texture concerns and preventing and treating lines and sagging.
They have a deep biostimulating and revitalising effect on the skin at the extracellular matrix level. This stimulates the fibroblasts in the correct way in order for them to synthesise collagen and elastin.
-
Hands
A TCA peel will often be used for ageing hands. TCA peels are typically medium-depth and often only require 2-3 treatments a year. Slightly longer downtime, and SPF following the procedure is a must.
PAIN POINT: mild-moderate
SOCIAL DOWNTIME: 24 hours- 1 week
LOOKING GOOD: results are seen within one week
LASTING RESULTS: 1-6 months
COURSE: Three mild peels (2-4 weeks apart) with quarterly maintenance.
COURSE: Advanced one peel every 6 months
(depending on the chemicals used)