Chemical Peels (Glycolic, Lactic and Salicylic)

What are chemical peels?

Dermatologists have been using peeling agents for over 50 years. Light peels to correct mild defects, medium-depth peels to correct moderate defects, and deep peels to correct severe defects can be used over the entire face and neck area uniformly or in combining, light, medium-depth, and deep peels on the same face to correct different skin problems.

Today with rejuvenation of the skin and reversal of ageing process paramount in the minds of many, chemical peeling has emerged as an exciting supplement to a total skin care programme.

The mild and moderate peels are called freshening peels because they improve the quality of the skin without altering its normal architecture.

Treating Your Skin Concerns

• Improve acne breakouts
• Improve sun damage
• Improve mild scarring
• Improve fine wrinkles
• Improve irregular hyperpigmentation
• Improve tired looking and dull skin
• Improve keratosis pilaris

How does it work?

Chemical peels work by producing a separation and shedding of the upper layers of the skin, which is then replaced by new skin. This process of new skin formation is thought to stimulate the production of your own collagen.

Types of Peels

We offer three types of chemical peels, all of which work by dissolving the proteins, or “glue”, that binds the dead cells together on the surface of your skin. By dissolving this glue, the acid lifts these dead cells from the surface to reveal the fresh cells underneath. The result is an immediate improvement in the appearance and smoothness and radiance of your skin. Lifting the dead cells stimulates the living cells and collagen underneath.

After just a few weeks, your skin looks brighter, clearer and dry skin becomes hydrated and smooth. It promotes a healthy, youthful glow by reducing the visible signs of ageing, smoothing complexions, balancing irregular skin tones and softening the skin.

Glycolic acid (AHA)

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane. It’s non-toxic and isn’t absorbed into the body, so it won’t cause any systemic side effects unlike the chemicals associated with some other peels.

Lactic acid (AHA)

Lactic acid (AHA) originates from milk which has been used to soften the skin for centuries. Cleopatra famously bathed in it. As well as the benefits outlined above, lactic acid is also thought to have an antioxidant effect reducing the harmful effects of sun, smoke and pollution on the skin.

Lactic acid peels can be used on very sensitive skin which cannot initially tolerate glycolic acid peel.  You may need two to four lactic acid peels, one to two weeks apart, before you advance to the higher strength peels.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a microcrystal peel which occurs naturally in the bark of the willow tree. It is an advanced peel suitable for patients of all skin types. It is particularly beneficial for acne prone and oily skin types but can be helpful to any patient - no matter how severe their photo damage.  Improvement can be achieved in the appearance of lines and uneven pigmentation such as melasma. Salicylic is also reported to be beneficial in improving dermatological conditions such as acne and rosacea. 

Unlike some other peels Salicylic does not damage the deeper, healthy skin cells. You can continue to have regularly scheduled treatments for as long as you want. Over time your skin will build and maintain a healthy barrier against the pollution.