Chemical
Skin Peels Cape Town, South Africa,
Skin Peel done discreetly in Cape Town
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These superficial chemical skin
peel treatments are quick, in-office procedures, performed in Cape Town
under the supervision of Dr. Lovric. They are used in combination with
homecare products to stimulate skin rejuvenation. Glycolic acid is one
of the AHA’s, a group of naturally occurring substances (fruit acids)
found naturally in fruit, & milk .
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In its natural state, glycolic acid is found
in sugar cane juice. AHA’s improve skin texture and appearance. A glycolic
acid peel treatment is a specific technique for skin renewal. With this
process, a high concentration of glycolic acid is applied to the skin for a
short period of time, after which is chemically neutralised to end the
treatment. This chemical peel procedure rapidly removes the damaged layer of
dead, surface skin cells, revealing the fresh skin, and stimulating cell
rebuilding & restructuring of the deeper skin layers, helping the skin to
appear healthier, plumper and tighter with enhanced with skin smoothness and
clarity.
WHAT IS CHEMICAL PEELING?
Chemical Peeling is exactly what it says -
peeling of the skin using a chemical. A
chemical peel removes the outer layers of
the skin. This freshens the skin, removes
some sunspots and rough scaly patches, and
reduces freckles and irregular pigmentation.
It also reduces fine wrinkles. There is some
evidence that it may reduce the risk of skin
cancer. It is safest and most effective on
the face. Hands can be peeled but the risk
of scarring is higher and the results less
predictable |
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 THE
HISTORY OF CHEMICAL PEELING
Cleopatra and the ancient Romans used
various food acids to peel their skin. In the early 1900s, European and
Americal women underwent 'non-medical' peels in salons with secret
formulae, which were probably mild acids. In the early 1950s, the phenol
peel was developed.
This was a fierce deep peel that could
remove years of wrinkles, but also gave peeling a reputation for
complications - pigmentation, depigmentation, scarring and even abnormal
heart rhythms due to absorption of the chemicals. However, when done
under controlled conditions by an experienced physician phenol peeling
is safe and effective.
Trichloroacetic acid, being a more gentle
acid, has made a comeback in popularity because although it will not
make a 50 year old look 25 again, it rejuvenates the skin without the
risk of serious side effects. Other agents used include combination
peels and pyruvic acid.
WHO IS SUITABLE?
Fine wrinkling can be reduced, though deeper
lines will remain, (some of which can be improved by other methods) with
chemical peeling. Most brown marks, freckles and pigmentation can be
removed or lessened, especially age and liver spots (lentigines).
However, pigment changes can be caused by a
peel in people prone to this complication due to their skin type. Those
known to develop brown discolouration after injury such as a mild burn
should have a test area peeled first before undergoing a full face
chemical peel. Scaly patches and rough skin (keratoses) can be removed.
Very thick keratoses may need additional treatment for complete removal.
Skin that is thin and fragile eg sun-damaged
skin, bald scalpskin, can be significantly rejuvenated.
Chemical peeling is not a substitute for a
facelift. It does not tighten sagging skin, stimulate collagen
production or remove broken capillaries.
Chemical peeling is not appropriate for
people who will continue to have excessive sun exposure.
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ARE THERE
ANY COMPLICATIONS?
Scarring can occur with strong acids, but is
unusual with weaker ones. The most common
causes of scarring are infection, and
pulling off the skin before it is ready to
peel. Both of these are avoidable.
Cold sores can be activated in those prone
to this kind of condition. Anti viral
medication can prevent this. Increased
pigmentation may occur, and resolves with
time. It can be largely prevented by
religious use of sunscreen for three months
after the peel.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE?
The skin may have had preparation with
Vitamin A, Alpha Hydroxy Acid or other
preparations. Firstly the skin is thoroughly
cleansed with acetone or other cleanser.
The acid is then painted onto the face and
monitored. If burning or stinging is a
problem, a cold pack may be helpful. Usually
the treatment is carried out in sections.
Patients who find it particularly
uncomfortable may choose intravenous
anaesthetic, but then would not be able to
drive a car for several hours |
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WHAT HAPPENS AFTERWARDS?
The skin will
go red and swollen over the next 24 hours. Once the initial burning has worn
off it is not painful, but feels tight. Over the next few days the skin
dries and looks like a brownish leather. Vaseline should be applied several
times a day to prevent cracking. Water will do no harm but soap should be
avoided.
The skin will begin to peel between 5 and 7
days later, and must be left to come off at its own pace. As soon as the
skin has healed, make up may be applied over the new, pink skin. Sometimes a
secondary peel occurs during the second week in the form of dry scaling
skin.
Sunscreen is mandatory for at least three
months, and moisturisers are helpful. Chemical peeling can be repeated after
three months, but this is not usually necessary. It can be repeated at any
time in the future and will not harm the skin.
The habitual use of sunscreen will prevent
further sun damage and therfore maintain the improved skin quality.
Additionally, the use of vitamin creams, AHA creams or enzyme creams can
continue to improve the skin texture and reverse some of the effects caused
by years of sun exposure
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