WHAT IS CHEMICAL PEELING?

Chemical peeling can be dated back to ancient times, where Cleopatra was fabled to partake in beauty regimes that included applying the juices of fruits to her skin and bathing in milk rather than water. Today chemical peeling is more a science but still relies upon the same basic principles used thousands of years ago. Essentially, it works like this. The skin comprises of two main layers: the epidermis and dermis. The epidermis consists of 4 to 5 layers of cells that are sloughed off and replaced every 7 to 10days. If these cells are not removed the skin appears dull, unevenly toned and may become congested with black heads and pimples. The epidermis is also where most of the cells responsible for making the sun protective pigment known as melanin are found. The dermis provides the skin with its properties of strength and elasticity from its fibres collagen and elastin. Peeling involves the use of various chemicals to speed the sloughing process by dissolving the glue that holds these old skin cells onto the epidermis and in same cases may dissolve them also. This stimulates the body to produce new cells resulting in skin that is clear, translucent, smooth and often blemish free.

Before	After

IS IT SAFE? AND ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

The safety of peeling depends upon the depth to which the skin is peeled and the type of skin being peeled. The depth of peel relates to how many skin layers we are attempting to remove. They are classified into superficial, medium and deep. The most dramatic results are seen with the deep peels but are also the riskiest as they act close to the dermis layer where we make our scar tissue. These peels are usually a once off treatment but can take up to 10days for healing. They are very popular with movie stars, in those with severe sun damage and those wanting obvious improvements. If subtle results with virtually no down time are needed, then we opt for superficial peels. These peels are great as a single treatment a week before an important event to refresh the skin or as a serious of treatments to slowly breakdown sun damage and/or acne. The have minimal risks. Skin type is the other major factor in risking adverse effects. Generally, the darker the skin type the higher the risks in any skin treatment. However all skins can be peeled safely when the correct regime is chosen for that patient. Fortunately, our doctor has a large amount of experience in skins and always attempts to provide the safest treatment with maximal results possible.

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

Chemical peels act to “reset” the skin. Consequently, they will last as long as the skin is looked after by attempting to avoid the things that damage skin such as sun exposure, smoking, poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Skin requires water, vitamins and sun protection to be at its best. We are serious about skin at Argera and stock the most advanced, proven medical skin care products to help you maintain good skin at an affordable price.

WHAT’S THE COST?

Generally, as the depth of a peel increases so does the price. Superficial peels are relatively inexpensive and quick to perform. Deep peels take more time in their planning, skin preparation and in treating, and hence their cost reflects this. Nevertheless, they remain a very popular and affordable treatment.