Targeted results with chemical peels
The epidermis is constantly renewing
What is the epidermis?
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin comprised of several distinct layers. The epidermis is mostly made up of keratinized protein in a layered formation. The epidermis is a dynamic layer of cells that originate from stem cells in the basale layer ( bottom layer of epidermis) and these stem cells undergo cell division which results in 2 cells, one cell will continue as a stem cell, continuously dividing, while the other cell goes through differentiation and keratinization, moving up through the layers of the epidermis.
The time it takes for this cell turnover relates pretty much to your age, in your youth the process takes around 28 days, but as we age this process slows down, so in your 40’s and 50’s its taking around 40/50 days!
So you can imagine that those cells that have been hanging around on the surface for a long period of time will not have enough moisture, this moisture loss effects enzymes naturally found in the skin that are needed for cells to slough (fall) off. The result is a dull, dry, lackluster skin appearance, it also impacts the skins main function which is protection…
Chemical peels have multiple benefits
One of the best ways to speed up the renewal process is exfoliation and this is critical when wanting to achieve skin health and results. Chemical peels have multiple benefits and effects on the skin, the main benefit is cell renewal and removal of the build up of dry cells on the surface of the skin.
The acid used during a peel will have specific benefits, and we call these acids because they derived from various sources, there are Alpha Hydroxy acids and Beta Hydroxy acids, which are the most common acids used in chemical peels, however there are many other variations and TCA peels that all have their benefits.
If we look at Alpha hydroxy acids, an example would be glycolic acid and lactic acid, to just name a few, they stimulate cell renewal, increase hydration by effecting proteins within the skin, they stimulate collagen production and inhibit melanin formation ( pigmentation )
Beta hydroxy acids BHA’s - salicylic acid is lipophilic, therefore attracted to oil, which is why its a great acid when treating acne, its anti inflammatory and exfoliates.
There are many combinations of peels, ultimately chemical peels will address these concerns:
ageing concerns
fine lines and wrinkles
skin tone and improve skin texture
breakouts and acne
hyperpigmentation and scarring
increase skin hydration
improve overall skin health
When should you have a chemical peel and what to expect?
You can have chemical peels all year round, however you do need to be carful when exposing your skin to UV rays, as the peels do make the skin a bit more photo sensitive. If you treating hyper pigmentation issues you might want to focus on an intensive course of treatments when its slightly cooler or when you know you don’t have any summer holidays booked. Every Professional skin therapist will recommend a good quality SPF which you would need to wear everyday.
Prepping the skin prior to a course of treatment will ensure better results, a hydrated skin is a healthy skin and recovers quickly, equally between treatments you would normally be prescribed a regimen that keeps skin calm and hydrated.
Depending on the severity of your skin condition will determine how many peels you have in a course, usually between 4-6 treatments. During a peel the therapist will talk you through what to expect and observe your skin constantly, heat, itching and tingling are common sensations to feel. After a peel you skin may or may not peel, its different for everyone and it also depends on the depth of the peel and ingredients used, your skin doesn’t have to peel for you to get the results you are after.
Peels have been around for many, many years and are constantly evolving and improving, what we know is that they work and are extremely effective in achieving a healthy, youthful skin.
At SHED we offer a 30min and 60min peel, combining a combination of customizable peels that target multiple skin concerns.
Take a look at the Pro Peel 60 advanced and Pro peel 30.