Peel appeal

Glycolic skin peels are a popular and effective way of improving the texture and appearance of your skin. Glycolic peels help to reduce fine lines and minor wrinkles by improving skin tone and elasticity and tone so your skin will look and feel smoother. A course of glycolic peels can also significantly improve minor skin blemishes such as age spots revealing a younger you. Glycolic peels also turn back the ageing process by increasing skin thickness and causing dead surface skin to be shed more rapidly. As a final bonus, glycolic acid is an excellent moisturising agent, causing the skin to hold onto water, making it supple and giving your skin a healthy glow.

A natural choice

Glycolic peels are derived from naturally-occurring sugar cane and are very safe in trained and experienced hands. Unlike a face lift, a glycolic skin peel can be carried out in a few minutes and there are no immediate visible tell tale signs of treatment. Because of this it has earned the nickname of the 'lunchtime' peel.

Am I suitable for a glycolic peel?

Whether a facial peel is the right choice for you can only be decided after a free consultation with one of our Consultants. If you have any of the following you may be unsuitable for a glycolic peel: active cold sores or warts, a history of keloid scarring or skin cancer.

How do I prepare my skin for a glycolic peel?

Six weeks before a peel you should discontinue any retinoid-containing product.

One week before a peel you should avoid:

• Electrolysis
• Waxing
• Depilatory creams
• Laser hair removal

Twenty four hours before a glycolic peel you should avoid using any alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) or beta hydroxyl acid (BHA).

The morning of your peel you should cleanse your skin and do not apply makeup other than on your eyes and lips.

What actually happens during a glycolic skin peel?

During the treatment most people experience a mild stinging sensation whilst the glycolic acid is on the face. Any discomfort can be minimized by fanning the area and application of ice packs. Your face may be pink after the solution is removed or have a blotchy appearance that usually fades within an hour. Some people do not experience any visible peeling of the skin after a superficial chemical peel, but the treatment still has a beneficial effect, like a very thorough exfoliation.

What happens after a glycolic peel?

It is very important that you carefully follow this advice following a peel treatment to help to improve the benefit of the procedure and reduce the risk of complications or side effects.

• Use a high factor 30 physical sun block every day for six weeks even on overcast days
• Do not pick off any dead or peeling skin as this may cause bleeding & discoloration (or even mild scarring)
• Do not use any Alpha- or Beta-hydroxy acids on your skin for 24 hours
• Cleanse your face gently with a soap-free cleanser, pat dry with a towel, and moisturise as necessary to relieve dryness and tightness
• Antihistamines may be advised if itching is troublesome during the healing phase
• We can supply specially chosen medical cosmetics to help enhance your new, more youthful appearance

What are the possible side effects of a glycolic acid peels?

Glycolic peels (also referred to as superficial peels) are normally well tolerated and produce good results. At least four treatments are needed before beneficial results become apparent - rather like painting a fence with several coats of dilute paint. You should not become discouraged by lack of visible results after a single peel, although your skin will usually feel much smoother immediately.

Chemical skin peels are a commonly used form of skin rejuvenation and the vast majority are carried out with no complications. Potential side effects or risks of superficial skin peels include hyper pigmentation (brown patches on the skin) and redness. In rare cases, people may experience an infection in the skin or a recurrence of cold sores. This normally only occurs in people who have a history of such complaints, in which case prophylactic anti-viral medication will be supplied.

How much does a course of glycolic peels cost?

A series of four glycolic peels costs £275