SKIN REJUVENATION - FAQs
What is a cosmeceutical peel?
A cosmeceutical peel is another term for chemical or AHA peels which are a method of creating accelerated exfoliation of the build up of dead skin cells and skin renewal, including stimulation of collagen production in order to resurface the skin to reveal healthier, younger looking skin.
What will cosmeceutical peels do for my skin?
Cosmeceutical peels help to smooth and freshen the complexion; they are beneficial in treating aging skin, dry skin, acne, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and much, much more, they work by exfoliating the build up of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin while stimulating collagen production, thereby promoting a younger, healthier looking skin.
Most people will experience:
- Improved skin hydration
- Improved barrier function of the skin
- Reduced appearance of fine lines wrinkles
- Lightened pigmentation
- Increased collagen production
- Improved skin tone
- Improved skin texture
- Reduced appearance of pore size
How do I know which treatment is right for me?
At Faces Advanced Beauty Solutions your skin care professional is fully trained and experienced in all of our peel treatments, this allows them to not only choose the most suitable treatment for your skin type and condition, but also to customize a treatment, addressing your personal skin care needs.
How much discomfort should be expected when having a peel?
The level of discomfort experienced depends on the treatment. At Faces Advanced Beauty Solutions our peels are gentle and create little or no burning or stinging sensation in the skin, however some stronger peels used to treat deeper wrinkling, sun damage or acne scars may create more sensitivity. Our philosophy is to use a regular, low-dose approach meaning that our superficial cosmeceutical peels create minimal discomfort and downtime while produce beautiful and long lasting results.
How long does it take to have a peel?
A basic peel can be completed in 30 minutes, however if you require additional facial treatments such as masks etc you may need to allow an hour for your treatment. This will be discussed further when booking an appointment.
What will my skin be like after the treatment?
Your skin may be slightly pink immediately following the treatment however this will settle quickly and you should also notice an immediate improvement in skin colour and texture.
Can people who are frequently in the sun undergo peels?
Yes, however to achieve optimum results and to avoid further sun damage, clients must be committed to wearing SPF25+ sunscreen on a daily basis – this should become part of your daily skin care regime whether having peels or not. Sunbathing should be avoided directly following a treatment and while the skin is peeling. Sunscreen and a hat should be worn when in the sun for extended periods.
Will a peel make thin skin even thinner?
Dry, thin skin is partially the result of dead cell build up, which actually hinders natural exfoliation as well as the absorption and penetration of vitamins and nutrients. Having a cosmeceutical peel will help remove surface cell build up, hydrate the skin and give it a plumper, “thicker” appearance. Following all skin peels the use of topical vitamin C, vitamin A and peptide products are recommended as part of your daily skin care regime in order to nourish and hydrate skin while encouraging collagen production in order to create the healthiest skin possible.
Can I have other treatments whilst having a series of peels?
You cannot mix IPL treatments and cosmeceutical peels (these treatments should be kept one month apart), however many other facial treatments (such as Collagen Induction Therapy and peptide treatments) are recommended to be combined with your peel as they have proven to be an extremely effective combination working to improve problem skins.
How do alpha and beta hydroxy acids differ?
There are a number of different AHAs such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid and tartaric acid which come from various fruit, sugar cane and sour milk. The are water-soluble and stimulate skin renewal by speeding up exfoliation of the top layer of the skin (epidermis) as well as stimulating collagen production in the dermis.
AHA’s, of which Glycolic Acid is the most commonly known, work by loosening the bond that holds together the top layers of dead skin cells, this assists the body to more efficiently remove the excess build-up of these dead cells on the surface of the skin, allowing a fresher, healthier looking skin to emerge.
BHAs (Salicylic Acid) work in the same manner as AHAs; however they are lipid soluble and have therefore shown themselves to be effective in the treatment of acne, as they can penetrate through the oily barrier with greater ease.
How do cosmeceutical peels help with oily/acne prone skin?
As dead skin cells build up around hair follicles, they interfere with the natural drainage of oil, causing the hair follicle to clog and fill. The resulting blockage can lead to several problems, including comedones, etc. Peels help to solve this problem by loosening the bond holding together the excessive build-up of dead cells and assisting with removal of the blockage and cleansing the pores, allowing the skin to rid itself of these oils naturally.
Can I have peels if I am pregnant?
Yes, low strength peels are suitable for use during pregnancy; however you should confirm this with your doctor or obstetrician.
Who should not have glycolic acid or other AHA treatments?
Glycolic acid, AHAs and other cosmetics intended to exfoliate the skin should not be administered to skin exhibiting apparent irritation, extreme sensitivity, open sores, cuts, abrasions, sunburn or chemical-thermal burns or used concurrently with prescribed topical or oral medications without a physicians approval and guidance.
How many peels should I have and how often?
In order to achieve optimum results initially a course of six peels is recommended at two weekly intervals, and then a maintenance programme of a peel once every two to three months and cosmeceutical facial treatments at monthly intervals. A programme can be developed to suit the specific requirements of your skin and lifestyle.
What are the risks?
Adverse reactions to cosmeceutical peels are rare but can include redness, peeling, scabbing, infection, recurrence of cold sores, prolonged sensitivity to wind and sun, and areas of persistent darkening and lightening of the skin. We do not perform peels on patients that have used the acne medication, Accutane, during the prior six months.
What are the long term effects of continual use of AHA products?
Since AHAs are non-toxic substances found in natural sources such as fruit, sugar cane and sour milk, as well as in the body, researchers do not expect any problems as a result of long term use of AHA products.
Client Pre and Post Peel Instructions
Pre-Peel
- Avoid using self-tanners, masks, scrubs or exfoliating agents for at least 48 hours prior to the peel.
- Stop glycolic acid and Retin A products 48 hours before peel.
- Do not wax facial hair for 48 hours before peel.
- Notify your skin professional if you have a history of cold sores, fever blisters or herpes outbreak anywhere on the face prior to the application.
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning for at lease a week prior to your peel.
Post-Peel
- Avoid exercise and sweating (sauna) for a few hours after the procedure.
- Avoid the use of abrasive or exfoliating sponges until face returns to normal condition.
- Apply a fragrance free moisturizer twice a day.
- Avoid products containing alpha hydroxy acids until the skin returns to normal condition.
- Do not peel the skin, pick the skin, scrape or scratch the skin, expose the skin to sun or sun lamps, or use a mask on the skin until the skin returns to normal condition.
- If possible delay the use of make-up for 24 hours, if you must use very lightly.
- Ensure that sunscreen is applied regularly each day.