 |
 |
 |
Spa treatments explained by the experts: Facial peels
Baffled by skin peel science? So were we… So we asked skin expert, Louisa Sullivan, Director of Only Yourx Skincare UK to give us the low-down.
What is a skin peel?
How do they work?
So, what peels are out there and which will suit me?
What do I need to do after a peel?
Top Tips?
Who can have a skin peel?
"If your concern is to keep your skin looking young, or to address skin conditions such as ageing or sun damaged skin, hyper-pigmentation, acne, scarring, or rosacea, you can rest assured that a professional strength skin peel could provide you with the desired result."
What is a skin peel?
"Skin peels have been around for many years. Most people who consult with me have seen the peels on 10 Years Younger and believe that all peels will cause your skin to go very red so you'll have to stay at home and take time off work. Certainly, the results which can be achieved with this type of peel are good, but these peels won't suit everyone and certainly do not suit all skin types either. This type of peel must always be performed by a medical professional."
How do they work?
"A peel removes the outer layer of dead skin cells to reveal fresher, more youthful skin beneath. In the process, a skin peel will also clear congested pores and stimulate the collagen and elastin in the deeper layers of the skin. This is particularly beneficial for skin which is losing its elasticity. By removing the layer of dead skin cells, you effectively remove a 'barrier' which can potentially hinder the penetration of any topically applied products. So any products applied after a peel will have a much better chance of penetration and will be more effective."
So, what peels are out there and which will suit me?
"Different peels work at different depths in the skin. A superficial peel is most commonly performed by a beauty therapist. However, some medical professionals will also use this type of peel as these peels are safe to use but still provide outstanding results. This type of peel affects the outer layers of skin (the upper epidermal). The skin will not 'peel' and there is no 'down time'. These skin peels are mostly performed as a six-week programme with the client having one peel each week. The ingredients commonly used for this type of peel are Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Salicylic Acid. Unless there are any contra-indications, this type of peel suits all skin types, and will address most skin conditions and concerns.
A medium-depth peel needs to be performed by a medical professional. There will be 'down time' and you may need to stay home and take time off work. The skin will go through the peeling process. These types of peel are most commonly performed as either a one-off treatment, or a short course. The ingredients commonly used for this type of peel are TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid ) or Glycolic Acid.
The deep peels such as a Phenol peel go very deep into the skin and are really only used in extreme cases of sun damage. The 'down time' with this type of peel can be extensive and range from a few weeks to two months. These types of peels are hardly used any more as the skin is left extremely sensitive to UV rays."
What do I need to do after a peel?
"After you have had a peel, whether it is superficial, medium or deep, you must follow the aftercare advice provided by your skin care professional. Most skin care professionals will recommend the correct home-care products for you to use and this must include the use of a good sunscreen; usually, SPF30 is sufficient."
Top Tips?
"Whatever professional treatment you decide to have, the results will only be as good as your home-care programme. It is pointless investing time and money in professional treatments if you go home and do not use a good quality effective skin-care programme such as a cosmeceutical brand. Good quality home care with high levels of active ingredients will provide you with outstanding results when combined with skin peels."
In a nutshell, skin peels are a safe, effective method of resurfacing the skin and helping your skin to look and behave much younger. The superficial peels are safe to use long term. Once you have completed your course, you can have a peel once a month as a maintenance facial. So whether your concern is to keep your skin looking young or to address a skin condition, you can rest assured that a professional strength skin peel will provide you with the desired result.
See also:
* Facials: How to choose the right one for you
* Only Yourx Skin Care website
|
|
|