What is a Chemical Peel?

Incredibly, Queen Cleopatra was one of the first advocates of chemical peels and used goat’s milk (lactic acid) to achieve softer skin. Since then, chemical peels have become one of the top 10 most commonly performed aesthetic procedures in the world, thanks to their versatility and ability to enhance the results of skincare regimes, as well as tackling more significant skincare concerns such as pigmentation, treating photodamage, post-blemish scarring, wrinkles, and dullness.

Chemical peels are a passion topic for Dr Uliana Gout – a cosmetic doctor and one of the UK’s leading experts on this area of aesthetic medicine. Here she gives an in-depth summary of two key professional peel treatments from the SkinCeuticals portfolio.

Considerations before peeling

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As with any professional aesthetic treatment, the first step should always be a full consultation with a qualified practitioner to ensure that the chemical peel is appropriate for your skin needs and that are no contra-indications, which could result in a negative treatment experience.

Common contra-indications for chemical peels include (but are not limited to) pregnancy, breast feeding, sunburnt, irritated or broken skin, herpes virus, laser hair removal photosensitising medications and oral isotretinoin to name a few.

What to expect before and after a peel

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Before your skincare professional applies the peel, they will first degrease the skin – this ensures the peel will work effectively. Sensitive areas such as lips, nostrils and around the eyes are protected with a barrier cream, before the peel is applied to the face.

Post-treatment care after a peel is pivotal, and Dr Gout recommends using an antioxidant serum such as C E Ferulic to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and to stimulate collagen production. Sun protection is also essential for homecare and peels to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Skin is more sensitive to sun exposure following a peel treatment and unless it is protected with a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen, it can result in more pigmentation, particularly in darker skin types.

Finally, Dr Gout recommends following a tailored homecare regime with an effective cleanser and antioxidant product.