Skin Resurfacing Treatments
Chemical peels are an attractive and popular skin treatment with an array of benefits from brightening the skin to boosting collagen and improving acne. However, choosing the right peel can be confusing. We explain the difference between ‘superficial’, ‘medium’ and ‘deep’ peels.
Peels work to strip the outer layer of skin cells, revealing fresher, newer skin cells for a brighter appearance. They can improve a range of conditions and issues including
- Signs of skin ageing – fine lines and wrinkles
- Texture/complexion – dull, rough skin
- Pigmentation – including melasma, chloasma, uneven skin tone
- Acne – including excessive oiliness, acne scarring, enlarged pores
The terms ‘superficial’, ‘medium’ and ‘deep’ peels’ describe how deeply the peels penetrate into the skin. In summary, the deeper the peel, the more intensive the benefits – BUT this comes at a short-term cost of longer downtime and recovery.
Superficial Peels (‘Light’ Peels)
- These peels are the gentlest option
- Usually based on AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid e.g. glycolic acid) or BHA (beta-hydroxy acid e.g. salicylic acid)
- These require no downtime
- Mulberry House Clinic offer Agera Rx ProC Peel and SLC Peel 24 / 40
- Price £70
- Recommended for skin brightening and a more radiant complexion. Can also improve acne/hyperpigmentation
Medium Peels
- These penetrate to a deeper level of the skin
- A more intensive treatment meaning a couple of days downtime but more visible results in the long run
- Triggers the production of collagen for firmer/tighter skin
- Mulberry House Clinic offer ZO® 3 – Step Peel™
- Ideal for melasma, acne, fine lines, rough texture, large pores and dullness
- Price £300
- Recommended for fine lines and wrinkles, acne, hyperpigmentation
Deep Peels
- The more aggressive peels can offer intensive results and can give good improvement to some of the more challenging skin conditions and concerns
- Due to the strength of the peel, clients should expect more downtime with redness and peeling after the treatment with these effects lasting around a week
- Mulberry House Clinic offer ZO Controlled Depth Peel™ – successor to the original Blue Peel from Dr. Zein Obagi.
- With 30% TCA (trichloracetic acid) this can improve acne scarring, wrinkles, pigmentation, skin laxity, poor texture
- Price £600-£900
- With deeper peels, always choose an experienced practitioner for safety and ensure you plan the timing well in advance of any major events or appearances
More Information: Facial/Chemical Peels.
Expert Advice on Skin Peels and Alternatives
Dr John Tanqueray, MB BCh MRCGP DCH DRCOG DipOccMed BCAM says:
“Peels can be an excellent option, but they should not necessarily perceived as being the best or only way of improving skin texture and colour.
“It is always worth considering the other available options.
For example ZO skincare can often achieve more than a superficial or even medium depth peel, and other treatments such as Tixel and Laser can also assist without causing any significant downtime.”
Mulberry House Clinic
Established 2003
Mulberry House Clinic has an excellent reputation in the Northampton area as an independent, doctor-led practice with over 10 years experience. Dr John Tanqueray is a former GP who can assess and diagnose skin conditions from a medical perspective before suggesting the most appropriate treatments.
A private consultation is the starting point for all patients in order to facilitate a full discussion about the desired results as well as detailed facial and skin assessment. Find out more about first consultation.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please complete our contact form, call 01604 702630 or email: info@mulberryhouseclinic.co.uk.
