Treatments & Conditions
- Acne
- Allergies
- Children’s Dermatology
- Cryosurgery
- Dermatitis
- Eczema
- Folliculitis & Ingrown Hair
- Genital Issues
- Hair Loss - Female
- Hair Loss - Male
- Hyperhidrosis
- IPL
- Laser Skin Treatment
- Leg Ulcers
- Leg Veins
- Moles
- Mole Mapping
- Nail Disorders
- PDL
- PDT - Photodynamic Therapy
- Oral Disease
- Pigmentation
- Psoriasis
- Rash Diagnosis
- Rosacea
- Sexual Health
- Skin Lesions & Angiomas
- Sun Damage
- Toe Nail Fungus
- VariLite™
- Vitiligo
- Warts & Skin Tags
Chemical Peels
Chemical Peel
Our skin changes with the effects of ageing, exposure to sun and diseases such as acne and actinic keratoses (spots from sun damage). A chemical peel is one of the oldest method to improve your skin’s appearance. Various agents have been used to peel off the skin since the ancient Egyptians and this method has now been perfected by dermatologists with greater scientific understanding. At Skin Care Network our Dermatologists commonly use peels for both medical and cosmetic indications. We are recognised as world authorities on the subject and lecture around the globe.
Chemical peels can:
- Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduce acne or acne scars
- Reduce age and liver spots
- Remove freckles
- Correct irregular skin pigmentation
- Smooth rough skin and scaly patches
- Improve sun-damaged skin
Mild chemical peels work on the superficial skin and quickly and easily remove the dead outer layer, resulting in improved skin tone and reduction in the appearance of solar lentigos (age spots). It also reduces very fine lines and freshens the skin.
Deeper and medium depth chemical peels are more effective in reducing the appearance of deeper lines and wrinkles and pre-cancerous lesions. They are particularly effective in reducing acne scarring and improving the quality and texture of the skin.
At Skin Care Network we will firstly assess your skin type and condition in order to select the right peeling solution for you. We will discuss your medical history and expectations so that we understand your goals and how much you want to turn back the clock. We use both commercially sold peelings as well as peels specifically designed to your skin type. As one peeling solution cannot be suitable for all skins, we use our expertise as Dermatologists to tailor the peel to your particular needs.
What are the risks?
Chemical peels are very safe treatments when carried out by a qualified consultant Dermatologist as only dermatologists are trained in how to heal the skin. All peels carry some risks and uncertainties and there is a very small risk of developing an infection or scarring. That is why it is so important to see a qualified and regulated Dermatologist such as those that practise at Skin Care Network.
There is also a risk for people with certain skin types to develop a temporary or permanent skin colour change. By carrying out a medical assessment with you we will advise whether a chemical peel is the right treatment option for you.
Our Dermatologists at Skin Care Network are trained to perform the full range of peels from very light to deeper peels to treat the more advanced signs of ageing in the skin.
Treatment details
Light - A light peel is relatively painless but patients can sometimes experience a slight burning sensation once the chemical is applied. It is normal for the face to turn slightly red. The treatment can be done within 15 minutes to an hour and should be repeated once a week for a month. You can return to normal activity straight away, so treatment could be performed in a lunch time. Results are normally seen after a week but effects build with each of the 4-6 treatments. We recommend the use of sun protection cream on your face.
Medium - After a medium peel your skin will swell and become red. There is a recovery time of 5-7 days and a slight sun burnt appearance lasting another week. This can be repeated every few years depending on the extent of sun damage or acne scarring that you may have in order to achieve the desired results.
Deep - Deep chemical peels produce swelling, peeling, redness and discomfort. We use appropriate analgesia during the procedure to make peeling procedures as comfortable as possible and we will provide pain relief if it is required. The redness can last for up to two to three months and two weeks’ recovery time (off work) is advised. However, a deep peel produces the longest lasting results, for up to ten years, so is usually a once in a lifetime treatment.
Useful websites
www.plasticsurgery.org/Cosmetic-Procedures/Chemical-Peel.html