Facial
Peels

The Scientific Stuff

Ok lets get the scientific stuff out of the way first

Skin ageing can be due to genetic factors as well as environmental factors such as sun exposure and smoking. The result is an uneven or blotchy appearance to the skin due with age spots, uneven pigmentation, broken capillaries, fine lines and deep wrinkles.

The skin is a dynamic living organ. Every day cells divide in the deep layer of the skin and move to the superficial layer called the epidermis. As new cells grow, old cells die and are shed from the epidermis. Facial peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin which causes an accelerated form of exfoliation of these dead cells. Chemical peels work by removing different layers of the skin allowing damaged cells to be removed and replaced by fresher new skin during healing.

The Good Stuff

Ok lets skip now to the good stuff

There are several types of chemical peels available at Rejuven8 Cosmetix:

Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peels

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are naturally occurring organic carboxylic acids such as glycolic acid, a natural constituent of sugar cane juice and lactic acid, found in sour milk and tomato juice. This is the mildest of the peel formulas and produces light peels for treatment of fine wrinkles, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. They are carried out by beauticians, aestheticians and nurses.

AHA's are also available in the skin care ranges available at Rejuven8 Cosmetix to enhance the effects gained from other cosmetic treatments.

AHA peels are used to:

reduce fine wrinkling
treat areas of dryness
reduce uneven pigmentation
aid in the control of acne
smooth rough dry skin
improve the texture of sun-damaged skin

AHA peels may:

cause stinging
cause skin redness
cause mild skin irritation
cause dryness
take multiple treatments for desired results

Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) peels

It is becoming common for beta hydroxy acid (BHA) peels to be used instead of the stronger alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peels due to BHA's ability to get deeper into the pore than AHA. Studies show that BHA peels control oil, acne as well as remove dead skin cells to a certain extent better than AHAs due to AHAs only working on the surface of the skin. At Rejuven8 Cosmetix we commonly use a mixture of both AHA and BHA peels of varying strengths.

Jessner's peel

Jessner's peel solution was pioneered by Dr Max Jessner, a German-American dermatologist and it is a common peel to apply to the skin after a Microdermabrasion treatment. When it is applied to the skin there will be a slight stinging sensation and then after a few minutes the peel will settle and dry, leaving a white 'frosting' on the skin. It is important to avoid using any creams on the skin or wetting the skin for 24 hours after the peel has been applied. If the peel is moistened it will reactivate and can potentially over peel the skin. It works by breaking down the bridges between the dead skin cells so they can be more effectively shed off the skin later.

Phyto-Pumpkin Enzyme Peel

Among the newest developments in exfoliating facial peels is the Phyto-Pumpkin Enzyme Peel. This alternative to AHA's, BHA's and Jessner's peels, is a fruit acid/enzyme, an exfoliation accelerator, a powerful anti-oxidant, and a mild Vitamin A substitute. As a natural repair therapy, it contains beta carotene and ascorbic acid to combat oxidative, free-radical damage.

Sensitive skins and acne conditions will do better with Phyto-Pumpkin Enzyme Peel because it's not as sharp or intrusive as glycolic can be on some skins. This peel has the richest source of beta carotene and also contains a full complement of Vitamin A derivatives that decreases the oxidative and free-radical stress associated with other chemical peels.

Trichloroacetic acid peels (TCA)

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is used as a superficial to medium peeling agent in concentrations ranging from 10-40%. The stronger peels will be applied by your Cosmetic Doctor.

Trichloroacetic acid peels:

are preferred for darker-skinned patients over other deep peels
smooth out fine surface wrinkles
remove superficial blemishes
correct skin pigment problems

Trichloroacetic acid peels may:

require pre-treatment with Retin-A or AHA creams
require repeat treatment to maintain results
require the use of sunblock for several months (this is a must)
take several days to heal depending on the peel depth

What you need to know

Facial peels of all types are a fantastic way to refine the skin. Even mild peels that hardly peel at all can produce an amazing transformation to sun damaged skin when they are repeated regularly and/or combined with other treatments such as Microdermabrasions. They should form an integral part of any cosmetic rejuvenation treatment plan.

To ensure the best results and reduce any possible complications from this treatment it is important that you follow the aftercare instructions given to you by your cosmetic practitioner.