If you’re looking for a way to perk up your skin, then a chemical peel could be the answer.
Light or ‘superficial’ peels are a great way to freshen up tired skin, by sloughing away the outer layer of buildup, grime and dead skin cells to reveal new skin beneath. They clear pores and remove excess oil too. The result is clearer, brighter and healthier-looking skin.
A superficial peel is ideal in advance of a big event as there is minimal downtime involved. Skin will feel softer and smoother, makeup will sit well on the skin and you’ll look more radiant too.
However, for more intensive results, deeper peels are also available. These may require some downtime as most clients experience redness and visible peeling. However, a stronger peel does reach further. It will remove more of the outer layers of skin and this means that it works harder on pigmentation issues and blemishes. It also has a greater impact on stimulating cell renewal processes – including collagen and elastin – which means that the peel can lead to smoother, tighter and younger-looking skin.
The deeper the peel, the more you need to plan. Remember, the deeper peels are likely to have greater short term effects, but also greater long term benefits!
Timing Your Peel
Firstly, if you’re planning an intensive peel, it’s important to allow plenty of time for the ‘shedding’ phase to be complete prior to any major events.
2 weeks is a good rule of thumb, but our team at Mulberry House Clinic can advise on this. If you don’t have enough time don’t worry. There are options that involve little to no downtime, such as medium and superficial peels. Microdermabrasion is also a good option.
If you have had IPL, laser or microdermabrasion, it’s best to wait until your skin has completely healed before having a chemical peel.
Before Your Chemical Peel
If you’re having a more intensive peel, then ideally, we’d recommend preparing for it. A few things
- 4-6 weeks before chemical peel treatment
To enhance the results of your peel, we recommend a tailor-made ZO Skin Health regime of cosmeceutical products based on your skin type. - 5-7 days before chemical peel treatment
Avoid any form of IPL, laser hair removal, electrolysis, waxing or depilatory creams in the week before treatment. - 3-4 days before chemical peel treatment
Stop using any products that contain retinol, AHA alpha hydroxy acids, BHA beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and other potentially irritating products.
After Your Chemical Peel
- Side effects
It is normal to experience redness, stinging, itching, tightness, mild swelling, flaking, and peeling with the medium/deeper peels. The severity of these responses varies for each individual and also depends on the peel used. - When does skin peeling start and finish?
Again, this depends on the peel. Usually the shedding phase starts at 2-3 days and finishes by day 5 – 7. We can give more precise advice based on the peel chosen. - Can I help the peeling process?
Tempting as it is, it’s best to avoid picking, rubbing or scratching the skin while it’s peeling and healing. - Can I go in the sun?
Avoid direct sun exposure for 7-10 days to best allow your skin to fully heal. Always use a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin and avoid future sun damage. - What products should I use?
Avoid any potentially irritating products while your skin is healing (e.g. AHA, BHA, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids).
Once your skin has healed, a daily cosmeceutical skincare regime is recommended for best results. - Can I shower/bathe?
Avoid running water directly on your face while showering and avoid hot showers/baths. - What about exercise?
It’s best to avoid strenuous exercise until the skin has completely healed, as sweat can irritate the skin. - When can I have other treatments again?
Avoid having any other facials, laser, IPL, hair removal or microdermabrasion until the skin has healed.
Expert advice on chemical peels
If you’re booking a peel, our friendly team has plenty of experience and is happy to provide individual advice based on your skin, your objectives and the chosen peel.
For patients who don’t like the idea of chemicals, microdermabrasion is an alternative exfoliation treatment which uses mechanical action to strip the outer layer of skin and reveal fresher cells. Other treatment options use of heat or light energy e.g., Tixel, IPL or ResurFX laser skin resurfacing. These can offer another way of exfoliating and stimulating cell renewal.
Chemical Peels at Mulberry House Clinic, Northampton
The range now incorporates a selection of top branded, medical-grade facial peel products and regimes, including:
- ZO Medical Peels
- ZO Stimulator – superficial/mild peel
- ZO 3-Step – a medium peel that may require some downtime
- ZO Controlled Depth- a stronger peel that may require some downtime
- Epionce – superficial/mild peel
- Enerpeel – a range with plenty of choices and options
- Easy TCA – a superficial/mild peel
- Phenol – a deep peel
Mulberry House Clinic
Established 2003
Mulberry House Clinic has an excellent reputation in the Northampton area as an independent, doctor-led practice with over 19 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.
