Facial peels are a popular option for improving the skin. Acting as a highly effective exfoliator, they work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal newer, brighter skin beneath while also improving texture and tone.
This process can improve the skin in a number of ways, including:
- Blending out fine lines and wrinkles
By stimulating collagen and elastin production, chemical peels can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This can provide a more youthful and smoother appearance to the skin. - Reducing skin pores
Regular use of chemical peels can help to reduce the size of enlarged pores by removing debris and dead skin cells that contribute to pore enlargement. - Reduction of hyperpigmentation
Chemical peels can effectively target issues like sun damage, melasma, and age spots by promoting the shedding of pigmented layers of skin. This can result in a more even skin tone and improved overall complexion. - Skin texture improvement
Chemical peels can enhance skin texture by reducing roughness and improving overall quality, promoting a softer and smoother external surface - Acne treatment
Certain chemical peels, especially those containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid, can help unclog pores, reduce acne breakouts, and minimise the appearance of acne scars. They can also prevent future breakouts by keeping the pores clear.
Which chemical peel is right for me?
It’s important to note that not all peels are the same – some are significantly stronger than others and it helps to understand the difference before you choose.
Choosing the right chemical peel depends on several factors, including your skin type, the specific skin concerns you want to address, and your skin’s sensitivity.
Light Peels
A light peel will only remove the topmost layer of skin and give instant brightening to the complexion. There is the added benefit of minimal (if any) recovery time. Good examples are the fruit acid peels that exfoliate and stimulate the skin from within, rather than burning through the outer skin layer.
- Depth: Epidermis (outer layer of skin).
- Ingredients: Typically contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid.
- Ideal For: Mild skin texture issues, minor pigmentation, sun damage, and overall skin refreshment.
- Recovery: Minimal downtime; you may experience some redness and peeling, but it generally resolves quickly.
Medium Peels
A medium peel works harder and can help tackle problems such as lines and wrinkles, acne scars or dark spots.
These may include followup at home with special products that are applied over the next month. Patients should expect skin redness for up to a week after having the peel, although there shouldn’t be any , but there is no weeping or breakdown of the skin.
- Depth: Reaches the epidermis and part of the dermis.
- Ingredients: Often includes trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or higher concentrations of glycolic acid.
- Ideal For: Moderate skin issues such as acne scars, deeper wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and more significant sun damage.
- Recovery: Some downtime (3-7 days) with redness, peeling, and potential for swelling.
Strong Peels
The ultimate in peel technology is generally thought to be an Obagi Blue Peel. This peel can be adjusted in strength depending on the patient’s needs and can help with sun damage, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and acne scars.
An intensive peel penetrates deeply into the skin’s layers to remove the damaged and aged skin cells to be replaced by healthier looking skin. Afterwards the skin may appear reddened, and after 2-3 days some peeling will start. After a deeper peel this can last up to 10 days. Therefore it is important to plan this peel well in advance of any big events so that it has had time to work and the peeling to have finished.
- Depth: Penetrates deeper into the dermis.
- Ingredients: Often uses phenol or high concentrations of TCA.
- Ideal For: Severe skin concerns such as deep wrinkles, significant sun damage, and extensive scarring.
- Recovery: Longer downtime (up to 2 weeks or more) with more intense peeling, redness, and possible swelling.
Chemical Peels Northampton
Mulberry House Clinic in Hardingstone, Northants, offers a range of peels to suit all skin types and requirements. Their competitive peels prices mean that peels start at just £85 for Epionce or ZO Stimulator peels, while an impressive range of intensive peels are also available. All treatments are carried out at their comfortable and private clinic, which has won awards for high standards of customer service.
Mulberry House Clinic
Established 2003
Mulberry House Clinic has an excellent reputation in the Northampton area as an independent, doctor-led practice with over 17 years experience. Cosmetic skin treatments are carried out by Dr John Tanqueray, who works closely with leading manufacturers to remain at the forefront of the medical aesthetics.
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.
