Chemical peels improve skin texture, tone, and color by exfoliating the upper most damaged, dull layers to reveal the more beautiful, fresher and younger looking skin below. Chemical peels vary in strength and in type, with each suited to different skin conditions and skin types. Chemical peels are classified as light, medium or deep according to their depth of penetration. All chemical peels at Heber Davis are performed by qualified doctors or specialized cosmetic nurses.

Light Chemical Peels

Light chemical peels, also known as AHA or fruit acid peels, glycolic acid peels or salicylic acid peels, are non-invasive superficial treatments that use gentle acids to freshen your skin. They restore moisture and lustre to dry skin, reduce pigmentation and freckling, improve acne, and stimulate collagen growth to help fine lines and wrinkles.   See video of this treatment >>>

A variety of solutions are used for light peeling. The specific formula we will use for you will be determined by the characteristics of your skin and its condition.

Before After

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Light chemical peels are safe and effective and are ideal for those with superficial blemishes who want to improve their skin quality gently and gradually  without the downtime associated with stronger treatments. Because these peels exfoliate the skin and unclog pores they are  highly effective for  treatmenting acne.

• Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) peels - also called fruit acid peels, or glycolic or lactic acid peels. These acids occur naturally in the body. but for cosmetic uses are extracted from sugar cane and sour milk respectively.  These acids refresh your skin by removing dull damaged and abnormally pigmented cells in its uppermost layers and by encouraging growth of new collagen and elastin. Pores are refined and deeply cleansed, which also helps reduce breakouts.
• Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) peels - Salicylic acid is main ingredient  in these peels. Salicylic acid is oil soluble and therefore penetrates more deeply  than the AHA's in oilier skins, without irritation. They are the  treatment of choice for oily or acne prone complexions.
• Retinoic acid peels - retinoic acid is a vitamin A derivative that has proven anti-aging and anti-acne properties.  It rejuvenates aging skin by restoring a youthful rate of cell turnover and by reversing dehydration and signs of sun damage.
• Jessner's peel - this is a combination peel that includes BHAs (salicylic acid) AHAs (lactic acid) and resorcinol. Resorcinol is a derivative of phenol (a very deep peeling agent) that boosts exfoliation. Jessner’s peels are highly recommended for those with problem pigmentation.
• Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel 10-20% - This is a peel that has been performed for many years.  Performed at lower concentrations, TCA light peels provide superficial resurfacing of the skin to improve skin texture, wrinkles, and pigmentation.  Higher concentrations can be used to spot treat troublesome blemishes.
• High strength antioxidant vitamins - though not peeling agents themselves, high strength solutions of vitamins A and C are often applied to the skin in combination with your peel in order to augment your results.

Your practitioner will consult with you, discuss your goals, take a thorough medical history and photograph your skin  using our computerized photographic system. We will used photography throughout the  your course of treatments to monitor your progress.

 In order to maximize results and minimize risk, your practitioner may also recommend that you condition your skin in preparation for your course of light peels. She will prepare a home skin care programme for you that incorporates products targetted to your needs.

The peel itself - After thorough cleansing, the appropriate solution  will be applied for a specific period of time. Though you will feel a warm tingling or stinging sensation, no pain relief, other than a cool fan, is needed.    After the chemical solution has been on the skin for the prescribed amount of time, your practitioner will wash it away with water and apply a soothing lotion.

The entire process of a light chemical peel usually takes less than an hour. You may or may not experience light flaking or slight irritation for a few days. You can expect to return to daily activities immediately. 

After your peel, your practitioner will give you guidelines to follow to help ensure the success of your treatment. Generally, you will be instructed to use a gentle cleanser and a bland moisturizing lotion for a few days.  You should avoid exposing the treated skin to the sun.

A home skin care programme containing additional AHAs, BHAs and high strength antioxidant vitamins will be recommended for you to augment your results.

Following your light chemical peel, you will notice that the treated skin has improved tone, texture, and pigmentation. Results increase throughout your course of treatments. 
 

After assessing your skin your practitioner will recommend a skin care programme that may contain one or more of the following: a skin lightening agent such as hydroquinone, Vitamins A and C, and alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs). If recommended, this programme should be followed for at least 2 weeks prior to your treatment to help with uniform penetration of the peel, to accelerate healing and to reduce post-peel complications such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation(uneven pigmentation).

 Before After

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Light chemical peels are intended to be gentle and safe.  Side effects following light peels are few and temporary. In most cases light chemical peels require no major recovery time, though you should expect some degree of mild irritation, redness and peeling for a few days after each treatment.   You will generally  be able to return to work or everyday activities almost immediately after treatment.

As a rule, the deeper the peel, the higher the rate of complications and the longer the recovery. Potential risks of chemical peels include  scarring,  pigment changes and infections.

As with any medical procedure, patients who decide to undergo a chemical peel should carefully follow their practitioner’s pre- and post-procedure care so that they minimize the potential for adverse side effects.

Unlike deeper chemical peels, which often require only one session, you should expect to undergo a course of light chemical peels to achieve optimal results. Just as the formulation of the light chemical peel solution is customized for each patient, so too the number and spacing of the treatments varies according to individual needs. As a rough guide, 4-6 light peels spaced at 2-4 weekly intervals usually deliver impressive results.