The Benefits of Skin Resurfacing
There’s no shortage of benefits when it comes to skin resurfacing and how it can improve both the health and appearance of our epidermis. A chemical peel is a powerful skin exfoliating solution applied to the face or neck to reveal the smooth and clear skin underneath. What makes this technique so popular is that it’s useful for a variety of skin concerns.
What’s the Science Behind It?
Chemical peels cause protein coagulation and cell necrosis (cell death) in the epidermis and dermis. This induces inflammation and the wound-healing process, which leads to dermal regeneration including collagen stimulation!
Medium and deep chemical peels require more downtime and are usually performed on the face, but may also be used on the neck, décolleté, back and hands to help reduce signs of ageing, texture and increase cell-turnover.
Common Peeling Agents:
Some common peeling ingredients include alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and retinol. Alpha hydroxy acids include glycolic acid (originally from sugar cane), lactic acid (originally from milk), malic acid (originally from apples and pears), tartaric acid (originally from grapes) and mandelic acid (originally from bitter almonds). Salicylic acid (related to aspirin) is the only beta hydroxy acid.
Read more about acids and their benefits in my “Skincare Ingredients” blogs.
Not all peels are created equal, and one peel type doesn’t suit all. Certain ingredients may be more effective for treating acne, while others may be more successful in treating hyperpigmentation or the signs of ageing.
What is the difference between AHA and BHA?
AHA peels work by reducing sulphates and phosphates from the surface of the epidermis leading to exfoliation of epidermal cells. Salicylic acid peels are lipid soluble allowing deeper penetration into the follicle. As well as exfoliating, salicylic acid works by causing cells of the epidermis and in the follicle to shed, clearing the pores and allowing room for new cell growth. In addition, salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties and is able to neutralise bacteria at low percentages, making it ideal for treating acne and chronic redness.
When peels are performed regularly, the skin gets used to this process and begins to rejuvenate itself like younger skin. To be sure that the body doesn’t react to this deep exfoliation as it would to trauma, which can lead to pigment changes, exfoliation must be introduced gradually giving the skin time to adjust.
There are many benefits to receiving a chemical peel. Not only do chemical peels reveal a brighter, smoother and more refined complexion, they also improve the overall look and feel of the skin in just one treatment. Other benefits of receiving a chemical peel include:
1. Treats Acne
Helping to clear up breakouts. Topical acne treatments can only go so far, and a peel exfoliates deeper. Getting a peel cleanses your skin more thoroughly and reveals a fresh new layer of skin, without the acne. Peels for acne work best when received in a series and can customise a peel schedule to help keep your skin blemish-free.
2. Minimises Pores
Large pores are a common concern for many, and all who have them wish they’d go away. Removing the outer, often damaged layer of skin with a peel has the benefit of making pores look smaller.
3. Erases Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Nothing leaves us stuck in the past as much as lines on the skin. These reminders prevent us from living in—and fully enjoying—the present moment. When fine lines or wrinkles have got you down, peels come to the rescue. These chemical solutions can permanently remove fine lines and ease even the toughest wrinkles.
4. Fades Discolouration
Improving the skin’s colour, clarity and tone. If sunspots, discolouration, and hyperpigmentation are causing you concern, a chemical resurfacing can help. Many clients find that a peel lifts discolouration from the skin permanently after a series of treatments.
5. Lifts Skin
Stimulating new collagen and healthy skin cell growth, resulting in a radiant, fuller complexion. Skin lifting is one of the incredible benefits a peel offers through increasing hydration of the skin.
6. Soothes Scarring
There is an implied permanence with scarring that isn’t accurate. Many scars from acne or anything else recede when exposed to the chemicals found in a peel.
7. Balances Texture
Uneven skin tone and blemishes add a dimension to the skin that many people don’t want. Peels are best known for unparalleled skin-smoothing benefits. The peel works by separating old cells from layers of skin, the result is gorgeously smooth and touchable skin.
8. Non-Invasive Treatment
This treatment is one of the most effective options that doesn’t require needles or surgery. Some clients pair this treatment with other treatments because of this. For many, it’s comforting to know that they can achieve their desired look without surgery.
9. Improves Product Efficacy
Enabling skincare products used at home to be more effective because a peel can remove several layers of skin build-up and congestion, allowing products to penetrate deeper into the skin
10. DermaGuru Customises your peel:
Here in the DermaGuru clinic, your peel is customised to ensure you get the best benefits from your treatment. Whether you have a combination of concerns or simply want to glow, there is a peel option for you.
Is There Anything to Avoid After a Chemical Peel?
After receiving any peel, it’s essential to avoid the sun while your skin heals.
Please Note:
All new clients must have a consultation with me before having any advanced treatments.
Why should the most beneficial ingredients be applied post-peel?
Most beneficial ingredients for the skin tend to degrade or denature when placed in the low pH of chemical peel formulas. With that scientific information in mind, pHformula’s peels use only the pure acids; anti-aging, antioxidant and brightening booster ingredients are applied post-peel keeping all components effective. Peels remove the outer dead layers of the stratum corneum (the outer most layer of our skin), so the active ingredients are better absorbed when applied post-peel.
Treatment expectations:
Beautiful skin doesn’t happen overnight. A single chemical peel can provide the immediate effect of bright and radiant skin. However, more significant results in treating textural issues, fine lines and inflamed acne take time.
Do I Need Resurfacing?
From treating conditions like acne and rosacea, to increasing radiance and reducing texture – almost everyone could benefit (in some form or another) from a chemical resurfacing treatment.
Book a consultation with me and we can go through any queries you may have and create a treatment plan going forward.
