Overview
Alphahydroxy acids (AHA’s) and Betahydroxy acids (BHA’s) are natural acids, such as Lactic (sour milk), Glycolic (sugar cane) and Salicylic acid (Winter Green, Sweet Birch) penetrate the superficial epidermal layer of skin to promote exfoliation and speed up cell turnover, leaving a brighter, smoother and fresher appearance to the skin. The term Chemical Peel can sometimes cause confusion. 

At nu-age medical spa there are a variety of peels to suit each individual skin condition. The peels range from lighter ones where the skin will not physically peel to a TCA (Trichloroacetic acid) which is a medical peel. This is carried out by a nurse and the skin will peel 4-7 days after the treatment.

Primary and Power Alpha Peptide Resurfacers.
This treatment will stimulate the development of new collagen, refine the appearance of wrinkles, even the skin tone, lighten pigmentation and improve hydration of the skin.

Lactic Acid 30%
This treatment will improve skin hydration, stimulate collagen production, refine the appearance of wrinkles, even the skin tone and lighten pigmentation.

Primary and Power Pumpkin Resurfacers
This treatment decreases existing acne and aids in preventing new acne lesions, evens the skin tone and lightens pigmentation, refines the appearance of wrinkles and stimulates collagen production.

Salicylic Acid Peel [20%] [30%]
This peel is an exfoliation treatment designed especially for acne care. It dissolves the top layer of the skin, providing a smoother softer appearance, reducing sebaceous follicle blockage, treating current acne and preventing future breakouts.

TCA [7%] salicylic [2%] Peel
This peel is designed to improve overall skin texture and tone; also excellent for photo-damaged skin and comedonal acne. It dissolves the top layer providing a smoother, softer appearance, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. 

Is this right for me?
There are many reasons why people choose to have a Chemical Peel.  The first is to improve the overall general appearance of the skin and to make the it appear smoother, brighter and fresher.  A Chemical Peel will improve the appearance of fine lines and help treat uneven pigmentation and acne. There should be no discomfort following a lighter peel although with a TCA you will have some downtime where your skin will peel 4-7 days.

What results can I expect? 
Results are quite dramatic and you will see increased skin vitality with a reduction of fine wrinkles, although after a TCA peel patients take up to 14 days to see the full effect.

What is involved?
Treatments take place once every two weeks for a recommended six treatments, to achieve maximum effect.  Your skin will be prepared prior to your treatment.  During application of the chosen AHA or BHA to your skin, you may feel a tingling or itching sensation.  After your peel, a post-peel treatment is applied.

If you choose to have a TCA peel you may only need 1-3 treatments per year. During application of the TCA to your skin you will feel a hot burning sensation over the face which will pass.  There are normally 3 applications of the TCA to complete the treatment.

What are the benefits?
Chemical Peels will not only improve the colour, freshness and texture of your face, but will also help to improve skin tone and reduce visibility of fine wrinkles and superficial discoloration, such as age spots.

What are the risks?
The risks of a Chemical Peel are minimal but some people can be allergic and therefore a patch test is carried out before any peel.  There is a risk of hyper pigmentation, hypo pigmentation, and reddening if you pick or try to peel the flaky skin before it is ready to shed, so patient compliance is essential.

Aftercare
Initially after a lighter peel your skin will feel fresh and tingly with no downtime.

After a TCA your face will feel swollen, tight and look pink and your skin will start to peel within 4-7 days. You must not pick at the skin as this could cause pigmentation and redness.  The desired results will be apparent after 14 days. 

You will be advised to use a tailored management kit between and after treatments.  It is important that during and after treatments you avoid active sun tanning and sunbeds. Apply a moisturiser with an SPF to the skin every day to keep your skin moist and to promote healing.

How long will the results last?
The skin is constantly renewing itself and therefore after a course of  peels you will require 6 weekly maintenance treatments. You could have two courses of treatments per year if required.

The results generally last for up to 6 months and can vary from person to person depending if you have a course of peels or have one-off treatment.