A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON CHEMICAL PEELS
AND ENERPEEL
The history
of chemical peels dates back to the time of Ancient Egyptians and Romans; where
women used sour milk and fermented grape
juice to rejuvenate the skin. Thankfully, chemical peels have evolved to become
more palatable and safer to patients today. Although
eclipsed in popularity by the wide variety of skin resurfacing lasers, chemical
peels still remain a safe and efficacious way of lightening pigmentation
such as melasma, erase fine wrinkles and
control acne outbreaks.
What is
chemical peel
Chemical
peel, or chemoexfoliation, is a non invasive clinic based treatment that is
suitable for for individuals with pigmentation, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and
acne. By removing damaged skin and promoting collagen rejuvenation, skin looks
younger and smoother. this
"younger" skin also tends to be more radiant and receptive to
skincare because there are no more damaged and dead skin cells to impede
penetration.
There is a wide array of chemical peels
available and the selection of the agent will depend on your skin condition and
your expectations. Hence, treatment can be personalised for each patient.
The
treatment involves the doctor applying the selected solution to your skin and
monitoring your progress. When the
endpoint is reached, the solution is neutralised. The objective of the treatment is to achieve
removal of damaged skin to allow skin rejunvation.
How does
a chem peel work
Essentially,
chemical peels remove the top layer of damaged skin gradually, thereby
promoting collagen production and skin regeneration. This layer of new skin is usually smoother
and less wrinkled. Chemical peels have been used to treat conditions such as
acne scars, melasma, uneven skin tone and fine wrinkles.
The mechanism of chemical peels can be classified
according to the depth of their action-superficial depth, medium depth and deep
peels.
Superficial
chemical peels extend to the level of the epidermis and are most well tolerated
by patients. A superficial chemical peel can be used to lighten certain types
of pigmentation, achieve more even skin tone, lighten scars and improve acne
scars.
Medium depth
peels extend to the upper reticular dermis and can be used to treat the same
conditions as superficial chemical peel. Understandably, the downtime and
discomfort may be longer than superficial chemical peels.
Deep peels
extend to the mid reticular dermis and
usually require analgesia prior to performing the procedure. Deep peels are
useful in treating severe wrinkles and intense pigmentations. These peels are
also associated with a higher risk of complications.
What
conditions can be treated by chem peel
·
uneven skin colour/ skin discolouration
·
pigmentation (e.g. freckles, melasma,
lentigenes, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
·
fine lines and wrinkles
·
exfoliation and acne control
·
soften acne scars
·
control oil and sebum secretion
Am I a
candidate
Patients with
skin discolouration, pigmentation, aged skin and acne are ideal candidates for
chemical peels. By lightening
pigmentation, removing dead skin and promoting collagen rejuvenation, skin
appearance and texture can be improved.
What can
i expect/experience during the peel
After a thorough
evaluation and discussion with our doctor; the choice of chemical peel is
selected. your face is thoroughly cleansed to remove dirt, sweat and oil. Using
an applicator, our doctor then applies the chemical peel to your skin. You may
experience a temporary tingly sensation,
itchiness or warmth which will resolve when the peel is complete. Please
inform your doctor if you find the sensation to be unbearable.
When the
chemical peel has reached its endpoint the chemical peel is neutralised. this
is followed by cleaning of the skin. Cooling measures may be employed if
necessary. An antibiotic cream is
usually prescribed to prevent skin infections
There is no
immediate downtime for chemical peels and the procedure can even be performed
during lunch time! Depending on the chemical peel used, you may experience
facial redness for 1-2 days followed by flaking or exfoliation for up to 1
week.
The skin
flakiness may be fine or slightly larger depending on the type of peel used. It
is safe to wear makeup to conceal the flakiness if you choose to do so. you may
experience skin dryness and this is easily correctable with a moisturiser.
During this phase, it is also important to have adequate sun protection and to
be gentle when cleansing your face.
How to
care for the skin after
·
Be gentle with your skin- please do not peel off
any flaking skin
·
moisturise well
·
strict sun protection and sun avoidance for 2
weeks.
Protocol-
how often, combination treatment, how many peels/duration
The number
of sessions and treatment programme is depend on your skin condition and our
doctors' assessment. Generally, deeper and more stubborn lesions will require
more sessions.
Chemical
peels can be combined together with other medical treatments such as lasers to
accelerate result. A recommended programme would comprise of a chemical peel
every 4-6 weeks.
Complications
Complications
are rare when chemical peels are performed by trained doctors, patients are
closely monitored and evaluated and when the appropriate chemical peel is
selected. Some of the complications that
have been quoted with chemical peels include hyperpigmentation, skin infection,
milia seeds, acneiform dermatitis, persistant wrinkles and scarring
Why
enerpeel
As one of
the leading aesthetic clinics in Singapore, The Clifford Clinic is committed to
performing safe and efficacious treatments. traditional chemical peels have
been dependent on skin redness and frosting on the surface of the skin as
indicators of skin reactivity to the chemical peel. A more ideal peel would
allow less visible skin redness and frosting while achieving deeper skin
remodelling and rejuvenation.
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