Chemical Peels

Sunlight plays a major role in the accelerated appearance of changes that we normally associate with skin aging. These include wrinkles, lines and creases, uneven or blotchy skin color changes such as sunburn, freckles, and 'liver spots', 'broken or burst capillaries', and other irregularities of the skin surface. Gravity, repeated movement of facial muscles, smoking and genetic characteristics also influence the appearance and severity of these changes.

Medical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the face. There are many different peels available. Facial peels are divided into superficial, medium and deep. Very superficial peels, such as the ones performed by beauticians, only remove the top layer of dead skin cells and thus usually only have a short period of minor cosmetic benefit. Stronger superficial peels performed by dermatologists, usually need to be repeated on several occasions for a noticeable improvement in many of the signs of skin aging.

A variety of medium depth and deep peels may also used by doctors to treat greater textural irregularities, uneven pigment such as 'age spots' and freckling, deeper wrinkles, some types of acne scaring and precancerous skin lesions.

Chemical peels work by removing different layers of the skin. Deeper peels allow damaged cells to be removed and replaced by fresher new skin during healing.

Generally, deeper peels have longer lasting cosmetic benefits, are better for deeper wrinkles, and require a longer recovery time. During this recovery time it is crucial to avoid excessive sun exposure so to protect the newly formed collagen and skin. Our doctors can help you to determine what peel is best for you.