Chemical Peels are Keryolitic agents, they are able to breakdown proteins within the skin causing them to die off. The result is removal of damaged or abnormal cells and the replacement of healthier ones. On a deeper level, stimulation of collagen and elastin takes place. (This is the plumping and tightening of the skin).

Visually you will notice better light reflection, enhanced hydration, improved product absorption, reduction in acne/congestion/oil, reduction in pigmentation/sunspots and your skin will be noticeably smoother and softer.

The variety of peels work in different ways and are suitable to particular skin types and conditions. You will receive a thorough consultation to properly determine the best peel for you.

Jessner’s Peel

Jessner’s solution is a preparation containing 14% Salicylic Acid (a BHA derived from the bark of a willow tree), 14% Resorcinol (a chemical compound obtained by fusing resins or hydrocarbon secretions of plants with potassium hydroxide) and 14% Lactic Acid (an AHA derived from milk, fruits, vegetables and other plants).

Jessner's solution induces a superficial peeling of the skin and is particularly effective for oily/acne skin conditions. One of the main ingredients of Jessner's is salicylic acid that deeply penetrates the skin and removes congested sebum (oil) and dead skin cells. This solution may be applied in layers to provide a variety of results. It can also be used in conjunction with Microdermabrasion for a stronger reaction.

What can Jessner's treat?

• Visually retexturise thickened or oily congested skin
• Will improve the appearance of enlarged pores
• Exfoliation of the skin's upper layers allows improved absorption of products
• Excellent for treatment of comedones (blackheads) and acne prone skin
• Affective on acne prone areas of the body such as back, arms & chest
• Improvement in fine lines and wrinkles
• Improvement in Dyschromia including PIHP, Melasma, Solar Lentigines (sun spots), freckles, actinic keratoses and seborrheic keratoses (moles)
• Improvement in skin tone

Contra-indications (Reasons why Jessner's peels may not be suitable for you)

• Allergies to aspirin based products (salicylates), resorcinol or lactic acid
• Roaccutane use in the last 6 months
• Dermatitis, eczema or infection in the areas to be treated
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Abnormal wound healing – hypertrophic or keloid scarring
• Active Herpes simplex
• Recent photosensitizing treatments or medications (which can increase the risk of sunburn)

Note:    Please advise if you are prone to cold sores.  The use of an anti-viral medication/cream would be advised pre and post treatment.

How many sessions do I need?

We recommend a course of 2 to 6 peels performed every 2-4 weeks, depending on skin type, skin condition, peels strength, desired outcomes, skins reactions and healing time.

What does it feel like?

Jessner's solution is at a low pH, so it will sting a little. Throughout the application (10-20 minutes) the patient holds a fan which gently blows out air, allowing a reduction in the sting.

After the treatment?

• Mild to moderate redness and sensitivity (similar to a sunburn) lasting 12 to 48 hours
• Skin will feel tight and dry
• Some darkened areas of skin may occur (this is the skin preparing to shed)
• Varying amount of mild to moderate flaking/peeling can occur for approximately 3-7 days after your treatment
• Do not pick or peel the skin prematurely
• After skin has shed it has a healthy glow, feels softer, smoother, clearer and has a more even tone.
• It is important to protect new skin from sun by using a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) SPF 30+ sunscreen daily

Potential complications

• If the peeling skin is removed prematurely, prolonged healing and or infection is possible and may lead to a scar
• Possible herpes simplex outbreak may occur if you are prone to cold sores
• Hyperpigmentation (darker areas of pigment on the skin) lasting 1 to 12 months
• Allergic Reactions

Skin Preparation

Prior to having a Jessner's peel, we recommend that the skin is primed with active ingredients for at least two weeks prior to the peel. This is to maximise peel outcomes and assist in speeding the healing time post peel.  This is not essential, however a skin care regime prior to and after your peel will give enhanced results.

Skin Preparation should consist of the use of cosmeceuticals containing effective levels of retinoic acid, alpha hydroxyl acids or a combination of both.

TCA Peels (12%)

TCA stands for tri-chloroacetic acid and is one of the original skin rejuvenation peels. This peel will effectively treat mature skin that has moderate to severe sun damage with pigmentation and fine lines.  TCA is an analogue of acetic acid in which the three hydrogen atoms of the methyl group have all been replaced by chlorine atoms, hence the name Tri-Chloro-Acetic acid.

TCA peels have become the Gold Standard of chemical peeling agents. TCA’s are recommended for men and women of all ages with skin types I-III who want to improve moderate to severe sun damage and/or signs of ageing.

Superficial TCA Peels are designed as mild to moderate peels. Their strength, and therefore peeling effects can be increased, by layering the applications. The peel depth is dependent on the patient's skin type, skin condition and desired outcome, though you will see a noticeable improvement after each peel.

What can TCA treat?

• Improves photo ageing (premature ageing caused from the sun)
• Speeds up cell turn over 
• Helps stimulate collagen and elastin production
• Improvement in Dyschromia including  Melasma, Solar Lentigines (sun spots), freckles, actinic keratoses and seborrheic keratoses (moles)
• Improvement in fine lines and wrinkles
• Improvement in skin tone
• Some types of acne scarring are reduced

Contra-indications (Reasons why TCA peels may not be suitable for you)

• Roaccutane use in the last 6 months
• Dermatitis, eczema or infection in the areas to be treated
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Abnormal wound healing – hypertrophic or keloid scarring
• Active Herpes simplex
• Recent photosensitizing treatments or medications (which can increase the risk of sunburn)
• Skin types IV and above

Note:    Please advise if you are prone to cold sores.  The use of an anti-viral medication/cream would be advised pre and post treatment.

How many sessions do I need?

We recommend a course of 2 to 6 peels performed every 2-4 weeks depending on skin type, skin condition, peel strength, desired outcomes, skins reactions and healing time.

What does it feel like?

TCA 12% peels have a burning sensation when initially applied, which subsides in a couple of minutes as it neutralises. During this time the patient holds a fan over their face to keep the face cool and significantly help to reduce the sting. Cold compresses may be applied after completion to help cool the skin, if required.

After the treatment?

• Mild to moderate redness and sensitivity (similar to a sunburn) lasting 12 to 48 hours
• Skin will feel tight and dry
• Some darkened areas of skin may occur (this is the skin preparing to shed)
• Varying amount of mild to moderate flaking/peeling can occur for approximately 3-7 days after your treatment
• Do not pick or peel the skin prematurely
• After skin has shed it has a healthy glow, feels softer, smoother, clearer and has a more even tone.
• It is important to protect new skin from sun by using a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) SPF 30+ sunscreen daily

Potential complications

• If the peeling skin is removed prematurely, prolonged healing and or infection is possible and may lead to a scar
• Possible herpes simplex outbreak may occur if you are prone to cold sores
• Hyperpigmentation (darker areas of pigment on the skin) lasting 1 to 12 months
• Hypopigmentation (lighter areas of pigment on the skin) lasting 1 to 12 months, but can sometimes be permanent
• Allergic Reactions
• PIHP (Post inflammatory Hyperpigmentation)
• Persistent Erythema (Redness/Pinkness to the skin)
• Acne eruptions
• Mild swelling of the treatment area.

Skin Preparation

Prior to having a TCA peel, we recommend that the skin is primed with active ingredients for at least two weeks prior to the peel. This is to maximise peel outcomes and assist in speeding the healing time post peel.  This is not essential, however a skin care regime prior to and after your peel will give enhanced results.

Skin Preparation should consist of the use of cosmeceuticals containing effective levels of retinoic acid, alpha hydroxyl acids or a combination of both.