Along with generating fresh skin cells on a daily basis, younger skin is also supported by fibrous tissue that keeps it supple and firm. As you age, the rate at which new cells are produced starts to decline, which is when the skin becomes more fragile and prone to the effects of ageing.
Chemical peels rejuvenate damaged skin from the inside out, with each type of peel working on different layers of the skin. Once the old cells have been shed, you will be left with glowing skin that looks and feels healthy and cared for.
Chemical and skin peels at MUSE Clinic Sydney consist of a safe solution that causes dead skin cells to shrivel and shed, making this an ideal treatment for acne-prone skin as well as skin that has been damaged by age.
During your consultation, an appropriate chemical peel will be chosen based on your unique skin concerns.
What to Expect During the Chemical Peel Procedure
After reviewing your medical history and analysing your skin, we will determine whether a chemical peel is the ideal treatment for you.
At the beginning of your treatment, your skin will be cleansed, and the peel will be applied using a specialised applicator. Patients can expect to feel a tingling sensation as the peel starts to work on the skin, but this sensation will not last long and a cool air can be applied to minimise discomfort.
A chemical peel treatment will not take longer than 30 minutes, however, multiple treatments may be necessary for the desired effects to be achieved.
Following your treatment, flaking, scaling and redness can be expected, however, little to no downtime will be required. While the effects of the peel will not prevent you from working or engaging in your usual activities, some patients prefer to go home directly after their treatment due to the slight redness.
It is also not unusual to experience flaking and scaling lasting a few days. The longevity of these side effects will depend on the strength of the peel that is used.
Our experienced clinicians will also provide you with very clear aftercare instructions that you will need to follow to protect your new skin and maintain your results.
What Are Chemical Peels Used For?
Chemical and skin peels can treat a variety of skin concerns, and there are multiple types and strengths of peels available. The right peel for your skin and to achieve your desired results will be determined during your consultation. Here are a few of the skin concerns that can be addressed using peels:
- Lines and Wrinkles: As the skin is resurfaced, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is reduced
- Hyperpigmentation: Even out your skin tone by encouraging healthy cellular activity
- Uneven Texture and Dryness: Hydrate your skin and create a smoother texture by removing dead skin cells
- Impurities: Get rid of any impurities that cause blemishes such as blackheads
- Acne Scarring: Minimise the appearance of acne scars by removing dead and damaged skin cells
- Enlarged Pores: Reduce the size of pores to protect your skin from oil and impurities
Ideal Candidates
A chemical peel treatment is better suited to patients with fair skin, particularly if a medium or deep peel will be used. Peels that work on a deeper level place patients with darker skin at higher risk of developing pigmentation after their treatment. If pigmentation is a concern, we will be able to recommend a similar treatment that is better suited to darker skin tones such as light chemical peels. Your medical history and any underlying medical conditions will also need to be taken into consideration. We will assess your suitability for a chemical peel treatment during your consultation at MUSE Clinic in Sydney. Generally, ideal candidates:
- Are in good physical health
- Are willing to follow a good skincare routine to protect and support the skin after treatment
- Do not have any active skin infections or herpes on the face
- Do not have any sunburn on the face
- Do not have a history of abnormal scarring
- Do not use strong acne treatments
- Do not have extremely sensitive skin
- Will hold realistic expectations for what can be achieved with chemical peels
Costs of Chemical Peels at MUSE Clinic in Sydney
The costs of a chemical peel treatment will depend on various factors, therefore, it will be best to determine the costs during a consultation.
Costs of skin peels depend on the type of peel used, the condition of the skin, the patient’s treatment goals, and treatment time.
The type of peel that will be best to use can be decided upon during the initial consultation, and a personalised treatment plan can be put in place.
Patients may also need more than one chemical peel treatment to achieve the desired results, which will influence the total costs of the treatment.
Results and Recovery
The results of your chemical peel will depend on the type and depth of the peel that was used. How often you expose your skin to the sun will also affect the results of your treatment. If your skin is cared for correctly and protected from the sun, the results of a medium peel can last several months. After treatment, the results should be clear, soft, and glowing skin.
Straight after treatment, your skin may be reddened, feel slightly sensitive and appear swollen. Your skin may also flake from the effects of the treatment. This is normal and should subside within the next week after treatment. While your skin is recovering from a chemical peel treatment, it will be very important to follow the aftercare instructions that will be provided to you by your clinician. These instructions can include:
- Avoid sun exposure and protect the skin with SPF 50+
- Avoiding picking at, itching or rubbing the skin
- Avoid the use of tanning beds
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- Do not use any hair removal methods on the treated area
- Do not undergo cosmetic treatments in the area, such as laser or IPL
- Do not use strong chemicals in your hair, such as hair dye
- Gently apply cold compress to manage discomfort, swelling and redness
- Keep the skin moisturised with a recommended non-irritating moisturiser
- Gently cleanse the skin with a recommended cleanser
Risks and Side Effects
All of the types of chemical peel can be associated with some side effects, just like with any other cosmetic treatment. The side effects and complications of chemical peels can be minimised by choosing an experienced clinician and closely following your aftercare steps.
The risks and side effects of chemical peels include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Peeling
- Infection
- Skin discolouration
- Burning or a sensation of sunburn
- Reactivation of herpes/cold sores
- Scarring
Additional information about Skin Peels
Read more about chemical and skin peels here on our blog which discusses different types of chemical peels we offer here at MUSE Clinic
