The Naked Thruth
Find out all you need to know about peels!
Q: What is a chemical peel?
A: It is a controlled injury caused by a chemical agent of various strengths (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, retinol, etc.). Superficial skin cells shed to a pre-determined depth of the skin, resulting in a change in the epidermis of the skin.
Q: What skin conditions can be treated with chemical peels?
A: Photo ageing, textural changes, hyperpigmentation, oily skin with enlarged pores, mild acne, acne scarring, acne rosacea, fine lines, wrinkles and Seborrheic keratosis.
Q: What skin conditions will not improve with chemical peels?
A: Broken capillaries, facial redness, cystic acne, post-surgical scars, dermal pigmentation and facial folds (Nasolabial folds, jowls, etc.)
Q: Who should not have a chemical peel?
A: People on the following medication: Isotretinoin and Tetracycline medications for acne, photosensitising medications (certain antibiotics, malaria medication or retinoids)
People with immunosuppression
Pregnant women
Any open wounds on the face
Q: Will peels thin my skin?
A: No, in fact, the opposite is true. Peels remove the damaged layer of surface skin cells and stimulate cell rebuilding and restructuring of deeper skin layers that actually cause the metabolically active (living) layers of the skin to thicken.
Q: Can a peel burn my skin or penetrate too deeply, causing scarring?
A: In experienced hands, the peeling solutions available at MASC Laser Clinic are very safe to use. The chemicals self-neutralise or are neutralised after the recommended active time period, preventing damage to the deeper layers of the skin. There is no risk of hypo-pigmentation (loss of pigmentation) or scarring.
Q: Will my skin visibly peel, flake or scab?
A: There is no scabbing with the peels we use, but discuss your expectations with one of our expert therapists. Some clients prefer to see visible peeling and flaking, while others don’t. Your therapist will select the appropriate peeling agent and the appropriate strength to manage your post-procedure expectations, as well as the results you expect to achieve with your peel.
Q: At what age should I start peeling my skin?
A: Peels are very effective for mild acne scarring and can be performed on young adults. A VISIA skin analysis and consultation with one of our skincare therapists will determine if peeling is the route you should choose for the rejuvenation of your skin.
Q: What is better: peeling or microdermabrasion?
A: In research published – testing patient preference for microdermabrasion versus glycolic acid peels – the results showed that patients rated the peels preferable to microdermabrasion based on the following criteria: improved skin texture, improved skin colour, reduction of fine wrinkles and overall skin improvement.