Chemical peels are an important part of skin health. As an effective treatment option for most skin types and concerns, they improve tone, texture, fine lines and wrinkles, breakouts and dark spots, but many people are intimidated to go in for their first peel treatment. The fear of leaving with a bright red face that hurts prevents some from experiencing the many benefits of a peel. The post-peel reality is a glowing, healthy complexion.

Peeling is exfoliation. When your skin peels or flakes after a treatment your skin is shedding dead or damaged surface cells and revealing new, healthy skin cells on the surface. This action is called cell turnover. Supporting the cell turnover process with chemical peels is what allows the skin to shed dead cells and bring new, fresh skin to the surface, free of signs of aging, sun damage, dirt and debris. The result is glowing skin.

You won’t necessarily experience visible peeling. That doesn’t mean your treatment was ineffective. Everyone experiences different levels of peeling, dependent upon skin type, resilience, type of peel and the number of layers applied. Some people experience ‘sheeting,’ when large portions of the skin peel off at once. Some experience ‘flaking,’ when small pieces of skin peel off, similar to dry, winter skin or mild peeling after a sunburn. Others experience exfoliation that is not visible. If you don’t peel, your skin is still exfoliating. In this case, the exfoliation is happening on a cellular level that can’t be seen by the naked eye. Typically, the deeper the peel you receive, the more extensive peeling you will experience.

Peels are easy to work into a busy lifestyle. There is no downtime with Superficial chemical peels — you’ll leave your appointment with a healthy glow and able to carry on with your regular activities. There are steps to ensure that your results are maximized. Following a post-procedure regimen recommended by Asthetik London after your treatment, will enhance your results and keep peeling and redness to a minimum. You should also avoid anything that causes sweating for 72 hours after treatment. Your clinician will give you more detailed instructions after your procedure, catered to your skin’s needs.

There may be some minor irritation / stinging sensation and blanching during certain Skin Peels, but this usual fades, after 20 minutes or so. Each individual will vary depending on skin sensitivity but this is generally a painfree treatment. Your Asthetik London Clinician will advise you of any risks and effects of the treatment.

Consult with your clinician if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication for your skin. Do not expose your skin to the sun for at least 2 weeks before treatment. Do not use tanning beds for at least 2 weeks before treatment. Do not undergo any other facial treatment for 2 weeks prior to a chemical peel treatment. This includes dermaplaning, microneedling, laser, facial fillers and facial waxing/threading. It is recommended that you temporarily discontinue the use of Retinoids (Retinol) and Tretinoin, Retin-A, Renova, Differin, EpiDuo for a week before treatment. Products that contain high percentages of AHA and BHA (Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid) and all retinoids should be avoided for approximately 5 days before treatment. Please consult with your clinician before discontinuing prescription medications

Post Peel Advice For up to 14 days following your treatment your skin may feel tight, sensitive, dry and you may experience mild flaking skin. This is normal. To avoid the risk of complications, please follow the below advice: Do not wash your face for at least 10 hours post treatment. Avoid direct sunlight and do not use a tanning bed for at least 2 weeks post treatment. Keep the skin cool - avoid heat, excessive exercise and swimming / steam room / sauna for up to 14 days post treatment. Use the post procedure products supplied by your clinician only. Do not use facial oils, aqueous / emollient creams and avoid high percentage AHA and BHA products for up to 14 days post treatment. Do not undergo any facial treatments for at least 2 weeks post treatment. This includes dermaplaning, microneedling, laser, facial fillers and facial waxing / threading. Do not pick or pull peeling skin. Protect your skin with a broad spectrum SPF!