Skin Peels can be used to successfully treat a number of skin concerns. They are great as part of an ongoing maintenance program or can be used as a one off treatment to help improve your skin or give it a glow for an up coming event. They can be used over the entire face or used as spot treatments just on areas of concern eg on a scar.

Prior to a skin peel the skin is usually prepared with active ingredients for 2 weeks before the treatment. This is to ensure the peel is taken up evenly by the skin, leading to better outcomes and recovery. This will be discussed with you at your initial consultation and will depend on your current home maintenance regime and the skin condition being treated.
The following is a rough guide to skin changes with a peel but it will vary depending on the peel depth used and your own skin type. Very superficial or superficial peels often produce no skin changes or flaking.

Day 1-3: Tight dry skin with moderate redness, swelling and tenderness
Day 2-5: Areas of dark dry skin will appear
Day 3-7: Peeling or flaking of the dark dry skin ( lasts 2-5 days)

Very Superficial or Superficial Peels: 
These peels are your lunchtime peels or perfect for a quick skin glow for an event. They can be done quickly, with minimal discomfort and with no or minimal visible flaking or peeling. They are great if you do not have the lifestyle for any down time, or wish to look good for an event or want to maintain your current skin condition. They can also help treat and maintain conditions such as acne, photo-ageing and enlarged pores. These are best performed in a series of 3-6 sessions 2-4 weeks apart.

Mid-Depth Peels: 
These peels may produce mild visible flaking or peeling that occurs 3-7 days after the procedure. The procedure can be a little more uncomfortable, with some stinging or burning, but is easily tolerated. They have very little down time and most of the peeling can be covered with a mineral make up, being similar to sunburn peeling. Again the peel chosen is dependent on your individual skin concern, so they can be tailored to your needs. These peels are usually recommended to be done monthly until the desired result is achieved. A maintenance program is then advised with either the same peel or another skin rejuvenation modality every 3-4 months.

Deep Peels: 
Deep peels require some scheduling as they do have some down time. Deep peels should only be done by a professional such as those as Medical Skin Clinic Australia. The procedure can cause a strong burning sensation which is minimised by the clinics cooling techniques. On the day of the procedure your skin may be very red and as the next 24-48 hours progress you may get increased redness and swelling. With a deep peel the skin undergoes considerable peeling some 3-4 days post procedure as the skin darkens and peels in large segments as opposed to flaking. This usually lasts 7-10 days. Deep peels do provide fantastic results especially for aged photo damaged skin with deeper lines and an uneven skin texture.

This is totally individualised to you, and depends on the peel chosen and the problem being treated. Before a peel is undertaken you will have a thorough consultation with a clinician to provide a comprehensive treatment plan.

Complications are very rare with skin peels if done by a professional such as the clinicians at Medical Skin Clinic Australia. Before undertaking a skin peel its risks, benefits, side effects and outcomes will be discussed with you. Each individual has their own risks.

Any insult to the skin may cause a temporary or permanent colour change in the skin. This is increased if you or taking birth control pills, pregnancy, or a family history of brownish discolouration on the face.

There is a low risk of scarring in certain areas of the face. Some people may be more likely to scar. If scarring does happen, it can usually be treated with good results.

For people with a history of herpes outbreaks, there is a small risk of reactivating cold sores. Please inform us of any concerns you may have.

After the peel, avoid the use of any skin products with active ingredients in them for about 1 weeks (eg: retinol, glycolyic acid, perfumes and colours). After one week and if redness and sensitivity has resolved active products can then be recommenced.

Use the moisturiser provided to you for the first 3-7 days. You may apply a mineral make up from day 2 and sunscreen daily.

Try and avoid sun exposure for the first 1-2 weeks as the skin will be extra sensitive to burning. Then follow normal sun protection advice. Sun exposure can cause your initial problems to return.

If any scabs or crusting appears please do not pick it as it will increase your risk of scarring.