Peel Away The Signs of Ageing - with Sophie Shotter

Chemical Peels can improve many telltale signs of aging skin. A chemical peel involves applying a solution to the skin in order to cause the outer damaged layers of skin to slough away.

Skin peels are used to treat acne, age spots, freckles, melasma, discoloration of skin, uneven colour and texture of the skin, fine lines and enlarged skin pores. Chemical peels are also used to improve skin texture, blotchy complexion, to smooth out fine lines under the eyes, to minimize fine lines and wrinkles and to achieve brighter and smoother skin.

What sort of chemical peels are there?
We classify chemical peels according to the depth at which they work.
â–  Light peels most commonly use Alpha- and Beta-Hydroxy Acids (such as Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, L-Ascorbic Acid or Salicylic Acid). Different brands of peel use different combinations of these acids. These peels involve minimal discomfort and minimal downtime — a typical ‘lunchtime’ treatment. We recommend a course of 6 peels spaced 2 weeks apart for maximum results.
â–  Medium peels usually use TCA (trichloroacetic acid). These peels have the same benefits as light peels, but remove cells from slightly deeper layers of the skin, having more dramatic effects on sun-damaged skin and pigmentation problems. They can feel slightly more uncomfortable than a light peel, and may involve some downtime.
â–  Deep peels usually involve phenol. These peels should be performed under anaesthesia in a surgical environment. We do not offer these peels at Illuminate Skin Clinics as we feel the risks of damage to the skin structure are too great, given the excellent results we can achieve with light and medium peels.

What brands of peel do we use?
At Illuminate Skin Clinics we will determine the best peel for you following an in depth consultation. We use Obagi, IS Clinical Skin Tech and Agera peels.

Who should avoid chemical peels?
There are very few contra-indications to chemical peels, but the following people should avoid treatment:

â–  Pregnant women
â–  Breastfeeding mothers
â–  People who have been prescribed Roaccutane in the last 6 months

With thanks to Dr Sophie Shotter