Ageing and sun damaged skin
As we get older, and especially following extensive sun exposure, our skin may begin to show signs of ageing including brown pigmented sun spots, coarsening, scaling, laxity, dryness, diffuse redness, visible capillaries, thinner less elastic skin and more noticeable lines.
What causes these changes?
These changes occur largely due to long-term exposure to the sun. Other factors may include our genetic predisposition, chemicals that sensitise the skin such as those found in some perfumes and hormonal changes.
How can a Prescribed Clinic Peel help?
Following a skin examination and analysis, your Registered Nurse will prescribe a course of chemical peels to boost the results you are achieving at home with your Rationale skincare products. The peel is performed by your nurse in the clinic. The strength and active ingredients in the peel are customised to precisely target your skin’s unique needs.
Who is it for?
People with:
- Fine lines, wrinkles, lax skin texture
- Sallow complexion
- Dry, rough texture
- Uneven blotchy pigmentation
- Blackheads and pimples
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel involves applying a solution to the skin to remove an even layer of skin cells and so “freshens” the skin.
The “lunch time” peel performed at our clinic does not involve any “down time”, and you can return to work immediately after the peel. A course of Clinical Peels over a period of six months can achieve similar results to one deep-peel with less procedure risk and a much shorter recovery time.
Why not use a face scrub?
Topical scrubs are a simple way to mechanically exfoliate the skin, but these can be abrasive and harsh on the skin, and they also exfoliate unevenly.
A good deal of research has established that chemical exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and salicylic acid (BHA) are not only effective for removing excess surface cells, but they also increase collagen production, promote cell regeneration, reduce the appearance of skin discolourations, and improve the overall health of the skin. These additional benefits make an AHA and BHA product preferable to exfoliating skin with a topical scrub.
How long does it take to see results?
Within a week after using the peel, we expect your skin to look a feel brighter, softer and smoother. Performed on a monthly basis, patients often report:
- Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles – taut, firmer skin
- Alleviation of rough, dry skin – improvement in softness, moisture and smoothness
- Restoration of normal healthy skin colour – reduction of blotchy, brown pigmentation and sallowness
- Fortification of skin barrier function – reduction in sensitivity to topical irritants
- Reduction of blackheads and pimples.
Is the treatment painful?
On application, the peel causes a temporary stinging sensation. This quickly passes.
How frequently should I have them?
This depends on the condition of your skin. Your doctor or nurse will customise a skincare programme for you which will enhance the results of the Peels performed in the clinic. Once per month is usually sufficient for optimal results but your doctor or nurse may prescribe more frequent peels depending on your skin’s needs.
This treatment can soften fine lines. Other treatments such as dermal fillers or muscle relaxants may be more appropriate for deeper lines.
Are there any side effects?
Some people may experience mild discomfort, light peeling, dryness and mild redness that may last for up to 24-48 hours. Rarely, this reaction may be more severe and prolonged and include redness, discomfort, swelling, scabbing and blistering.
Complications are extremely rare and, although unlikely, may include a change in pigmentation (usually temporary), infection, ulceration and scarring.
What should I do before treatment?
If patients haven’t used clinical-strength AHA/BHA products, they should use Rationale Rejuvenating Serum and Skin Refining Serum for four weeks (minimum of one week) prior to the clinical peel to minimise adverse reactions. Patients are also advised to have at least two Micropeels, one week apart, either at home or in the Clinic.
The best results are obtained by using a Prescribed Skincare Kit customised to your skin type at least one month prior to treatment.
What should I do after treatment?
Do not use Skin Refining Serum or any other AHA or BHA product the night following the Peel.
We recommend that you use a minimum SPF 20 broad spectrum sun protection product everyday to maintain results. Rationale’s Neutraliser Concealer SPF 25 and Face 30+Daycream both contain nanonised zinc oxide which provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Zinc oxide is reported to have the lowest irritancy, allergenicity and free-radical potential of all the sunscreens agents.
Are there any alternative treatments?
Alternatives include: choosing not to have treatment, concealment with make up, IPL and laser treatments or referral to a specialist dermatologist.
Is this treatment suitable for everyone?
The Prescribed Clinic Peel is well tolerated by most patients. Care should be taken to prime the skin with Rationale Rejuvenating Serum and Skin Refining Serum prior to undergoing a peel.
The Prescribed Clinic Peel is also suitable for those receiving IPL Photo-Rejuvenation treatments. Combining treatments has shown to have a synergistic effect on the outcome by promoting the shedding of surface cells, improving skin surface tone and texture.
Insufficient clinical data exists about the safety of chemical peels during pregnancy. Although there is no evidence that such peels are harmful, we advise patients to postpone their treatment until after their pregnancy.
Is it expensive?
This depends on the level of peel that you are having done and whether you have opted for dual layers. Most peels range between $80 to $150. Book in for your free consultation and we will provide you with a program of peels that will most suit your needs.