Skin Peels (Chemical Peels)

Skin peels work in three main ways:

• exfoliating the skin, which removes excess dead skin cells
• stimulating growth of healthy young cells
• promoting collagen regeneration, encouraging it to come to the surface of the skin

Dr Edwards Aesthetics uses a range of skin peels. Each is designed to achieve a particular result depending upon the needs of the patient.

Currently, our most popular peels are the Obagi treatments, which include:

• Obagi Blue Peel Radiance
• Obagi Blue Peel

The Obagi Blue Peel Radiance is salicylic acid based. It gives tighter, fresher, younger looking skin after only one treatment. Apart from its use to improve skin tone and brightness, the Radiance Peel is used in a range of skin conditions. It effectively removes the damaged upper layers of skin and leaves a healthier more radiant complexion.

This treatment can be used to improve:

• sun damage
• acne scarring
• hyperpigmentation
• melasma
• texture and tone

It is suitable for almost all skin types, is well tolerated, and has a rapid recovery time after treatment.

This procedure can be used as a stand-alone treatment but is also used in conjunction with other skin rejuvenation products. Peels may be done as one or two layer procedures (depending upon the depth required) and as a single event or part of a series of peels to maximise the effect. This is our most popular peel and has a very high level of patient satisfaction.

The process involves a consultation with Dr Edwards where a full assessment of the skin will take place. Dr Edwards will administer the procedure which will take about 30 minutes, as well as provide full aftercare advice.

Aftercare

Post-procedure, the skin will look and feel much fresher and brighter. For 2-3 days afterwards, it is quite common to experience some sloughing of the skin. This will vary depending on the individual skin type and the strength of the peel used. It is recommended to regularly apply an aftercare cream to the skin to keep it hydrated and use a SPF 50 sun-protection cream as the skin will be more sensitive. Full aftercare advice will be given by the practitioner following the peel.

The Obagi Blue Peel penetrates deeper than the Radiance Peel and is an excellent treatment for:

• reducing fine lines
• sun damage
• acne scars

In addition, it is one of the best ways of dealing with:

• blemishes
• uneven pigmentation problems
• skin laxity

This treament gives you fresh, younger and firmer looking skin and will significantly improve your complexion.

The peel is often used as part of a treatment package alongside the Obagi Nu-Derm system which ensures that the skin is in the best condition possible to benefit from the peel, and that the effects are maintained for the maximum length of time after treatment.

The active ingredient in Obagi Blue Peel is trichloroacetic acid which is combined with a blue base in an appropriate concentration for the patient. The procedure is performed by fully trained aesthetic doctors who will assess each patient individually prior to any treatment as different patients may need peels of different strengths and depths.

Although this peel is usually used on the face it can also be used on other areas of the body such as the hands, chest, arms and legs. One big advantage is that it can be used around the eyes to deal with fine wrinkles there, unlike many other treatments which have to be avoided in this area.

The process starts with a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors where a full assessment of the skin is done and an individual treatment plan designed for each patient. This may involve using other products before and after the peel to maximise the effects of the treatment. The peel itself is performed at a second appointment in our clinic which will last about an hour.

Over the next few days there will be some redness and peeling of the skin as the old skin cells are shed and the fresh skin is revealed. A post-peel assessment usually takes place two weeks after your visit.

Aftercare

Based on the strength of Obagi Blue Skin Peel used, slight swelling may appear for around two to three days, after which the skin begins to peel. Mild peeling may happen for several days. You may also experience mild redness. It is recommended that you use SPF 50 or higher sun-protection cream after treatment.

Our patients often combine peels with other aesthetic treatments, such as dermal fillers.

In this way, they can improve the condition of the skin itself whilst removing the wrinkles and improving the shape and contour of the face.