Unlocking Your Skin’s Potential

AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CHEMICAL PEELS.

A chemical peel is a professional skincare treatment designed to rejuvenate and refresh by applying a specialised chemical exfoliant solution to the surface of the skin. This process works to exfoliate and remove the outer layers of damaged or dull skin and promotes the growth of new, healthier skin cells, resulting in smoother, more even-toned skin.

Overall, the popularity of chemical peels stems from their ability to address a wide range of skin concerns, their convenience, and the availability of advanced techniques that offer significant results with reduced downtime.

Chemical peels are relatively quick procedures that can often be performed during a lunch break or within a short clinic visit. This makes them a convenient option for individuals with busy schedules who are seeking noticeable improvements in their skin without significant downtime.

Chemical peels can vary in intensity, from mild exfoliation to deeper penetration, depending on the specific concerns being addressed and the desired outcome. While traditional chemical peels caused gruesome scabby faces and required several weeks of recovery time due to significant peeling and redness, more advanced peels, offer similar benefits with minimal downtime. These advanced peels, like the ones performed at Oasis Wellbeing Clinic target specific areas of the skin with precision, resulting in controlled exfoliation and faster healing times compared to traditional deep peels.

Our lighter peels cause dryness and very subtle flaking, and even our most strong peels cause flaking easily solved with application of repair balm, ensuring you can return to your daily life immediately.  Please see the following examples of dryness experienced following one of our strongest peels.

How does it work?

Chemical peels are used to promote accelerated and controlled skin regeneration, through the application of chemical exfoliants.  The chemical applied acts on the outer layers of the skin, removing the dead and dull skin, with the aim of stimulating the production of collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans. This process reduces pigmented lesions, controls acne and improves the skin’s physiological and mechanical properties.

Improved Skin Texture and Tone: by removing dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new, healthier skin cells. This results in smoother, more even-toned skin with a youthful glow, making chemical peels a popular choice for addressing concerns such as rough texture, dullness, and uneven pigmentation.

Reduction of Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Chemical peels can help diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging by stimulating collagen production and promoting skin renewal. Superficial to medium-depth peels are often effective in smoothing out fine lines and improving overall skin texture, while deeper peels can target more significant wrinkles and sun damage.

Treatment of Acne and Acne Scars: Chemical peels can be beneficial for individuals with acne-prone skin or acne scars. Certain types of peels, such as salicylic acid peels, help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and promote the healing of acne lesions. Additionally, chemical peels can improve the appearance of acne scars by encouraging the growth of new, smoother skin.

Minimisation of Sun Damage and Hyperpigmentation: Chemical peels are effective in reducing the appearance of sunspots, age spots, and other forms of hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage, hormonal changes, or post-inflammatory pigmentation. By exfoliating the outer layer of the skin, chemical peels help fade dark spots and reveal a more even complexion.

What’s the process?

The chemical solution is applied to the skin and allowed to penetrate for a specific amount of time. During this time, the solution works to dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together on the surface of the skin.

Over the next few days following the treatment, the outer layers of the skin gradually peel away. This process will vary in intensity depending on the type of peel performed; Superficial peels result in light flaking, while deep peels cause more extensive peeling.

As the old, damaged skin is shed, the body’s natural healing process is activated. This stimulates the production of new skin cells, collagen, and elastin, which contribute to smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin.

Intensity of exfoliation

Chemical peels are categorised into four intensities, based on the depth of their penetration.

Image from MESOESTETIC

At Oasis Wellbeing Clinic we do not perform deep peels. Deep peels must be performed under anaesthetic and in a surgical environment.

The intensity of a peel is also influenced by various other, such as:

Your skin’s condition will influence how deep the peel penetrates:

• The history of your skin, such as medical history, previous retinol use, sun bed use, and previous treatments received etc.
• The type of skin you have; do you have thin and fragile or thick and leathery skin, is your skin light or dark?
• The density and activity of your sebaceous glands, such as skin that is acne prone, or that has dilated, open pores.
• The integrity of your epidermal barrier; is your skin dry or hypersensitive?
• The area of the treatment, the skin on the back is much less sensitive than the skin on the face.

Other factors that influence depth, intensity and the effectiveness of the peel:

• The concentration and pH of the chemical peel solution
• The molecule size of the chemicals; small molecular size target deeper and quicker into the skin, for a more intense exfoliation, whereas large molecules act on the skin surface and generally have a greater tolerance.
• The texture of the peel; Peels found in aqueous or alcoholic solutions penetrate and act fast, conversely, gel peels progressively and uniformly penetrate the tissue at a slower rate.
• The application technique, product amount, number of layers applied, and time of exposure.

Finally, the type of chemical substance used change the exfoliation achieved and effect on the skin:

alpha hydroxy acids (AHA): GLYCOLIC, MANDELIC, LACTI, AND CITRIC ACID stimulate cell regeneration by promoting the synthesis of structural elements.

polyhydroxy acids (PHA): GLUCONOLACTONE, ACTOBIUM, AND MALTOBIUM ACID have benefits similar to alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), but provide a balance between efficacy and tolerance for dry and sensitive skin.

beta hydroxy acids (BHA): SALICYLIC ACID is oil soluble so is best for oily and acneic skins, salicylic acid has pore unblocking, acne prevention, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

trichloroacetic acid (TCA): acts on epidermal proteins and produces powerful fibroblast activity, and reduces melanin production for pigmentation reduction.

What peel will you have?

At Oasis Wellbeing Clinic we personalise every step of the chemical peel process. You will have a customised protocol created according to your treatment objective and skin goals, your skin type, and downtime needs in reference to your work and life schedule.

Some of the most common skin problems we encounter and treat are outlined below:

Eye Contour

Indication: Wrinkles and/or dark circles in the sensitive eye area.

What the peel will do: Reduces wrinkles, expression lines and under-eye circles, providing a brightening and tightening action.

Skin Hyperpigmentation

Indication: Lentigines, ephelides, dull or uneven skin tone and skin pigmentation

What the peel will do: Accelerate epidermal renewal for the elimination of the melanin present in the epidermal cells to provide visible improvement of pigmentation. Acts to regulate the melanogenesis process responsible for visible pigmentation.

Blemishes

Indication: Acne Prone, Active Acne, Open Pores, Blackheads.

What the peel will do: Purifies the skin with anti-bacterial effects, controls sebaceous secretion, reduces the signs of acne and improves the appearance of scars. Improves texture, minimises enlarged pores and reduces basal erythema and evens skin tone.

Mild Ageing

Indication: Superficial wrinkles, enlarged pores, dull skin, opaque and irregular skin tone.

What the peel will do: Retexturises, attenuates wrinkles and expression lines, improves firmness, revitalises and provides luminosity.

Dull Skin

Indication: Dull tone, photoaging, signs of fatigue.

What the peel will do: Provides an immediate glow effect. Revitalises the tone and provides luminosity, attenuating imperfections.

Texture

Indication: Uneven tone and texture, enlarged pores.

What the peel will do: Retexturising peel that attenuates skin imperfections on the surface. Evens out tone and relief, minimises pores, oxygenates and purifies the skin.

Rosacea

Indication: Sensitive skin, diffuse redness, couperosé and rosacea. 

What the peel will do: Peeling with keratolytic and antibacterial action. Reduces capillary fragility and redness, soothing and relieving the skin.

How should I prepare my skin before undergoing a peel?

To obtain the best results adequate skin preparation is essential.

We have a wide range of products for home use designed to prepare, improve and extend the results obtained in clinic.

For 2 weeks prior to your first peel, and continued throughout your peel journey, it is essential you use a prescribed skin care regime. This will ensure your results are optimised and the risk of adverse effects minimised.

Each client’s goals and skin type are unique, meaning your personalised skincare regimen will be created accordingly. It will be designed exclusively to prepare your skin for the advanced chemical peel treatments, support your results throughout your treatment program, and repair your skin following treatment.

Cleanser: Purifying Mousse – Balancing, anti-pollution cleansing facial foam for oily and acne-prone skin.

Active Product: Blemiderm – Night cream-gel for oily skin with blemishes caused by acne. Unclogs the pore and reduces excess sebum.

Skin Soother: Skin Balance – Intensive concentrate with calming effect for sensitive and sensitised skin. It boosts the skin defence systems, microbiota and barrier function.

SPF: Light Water Veil – Light facial sunscreen with very high photoprotection, SPF50+, for oily mixed skin. Its fast-absorbing texture provides skin hydration and a fresh finish. Non-comedogenic.

Cleanser: Brightening Foam – Creamy cleansing foam with AHA’s. Renewer, rebalancing and anti-pollution.

Active Product: Skinretin 0.3% – Cream including pure retinol and bakuchiol with a global anti-ageing action to treat wrinkles, spots, loss of luminosity and skin elasticity.

Booster: Age Element Antiwrinkle Concentrate – Concentrated serum with an intensive regenerating action for wrinkles and expression lines.

SPF: Mesoprotect Hydra Cream – Facial sunscreen for dry and dehydrated skin with very high photoprotection, SPF50+, that provides comfort and hydration for greater skin elasticity and softness.

Pre-peel instructions

As discussed above, the prescription of home performance renewal treatments for 15 days before the peel is essential.

In addition, the following should be avoided in the treatment area for 2 weeks prior to a peel:

• Sun exposure
• Waxing, shaving, bleaching
• Self-tanner
• Hydroquinone
• Injectable treatments
• Chemical peels/IPL/ Laser

For 48 hours prior to your peel please avoid exfoliating scrubs.

What is the best time of year to undergo a peel?

The best time is not dependant on the season, meaning you can enjoy peels any time of the year!

Using your home preparation products ensures the safeguarding of the skin against UV radiation both before and after the peel, making chemical peels safe all year round.

What to Expect During the Treatment

Consultation/Check in

Before your first peel, we’ll have a detailed consultation to get to know you and your skin inside out! We’ll chat about your medical history and your skin’s journey so far, making sure we understand every aspect of your unique situation. We want to hear all about your skin goals and needs, so we can tailor the perfect treatment plan just for you.

When attending your 2^nd peel onwards we will discuss your downtime, results and if there have been any medical changes.

Skin Preparation

Following on from the consultation or check in, we move onto Skin preparation

We will cleanse and tone the area to be treated with hydra milk cleanser and hydratonic, and remove any oil with pre-procedure cleansing solution using a gauze with a slight friction to optimise the peel action.

Photos

We will take Photos for your skin journey file.

Protection

We will apply mesolips protector on sensitive areas

Such as outer and inner corner of the eyes, nasal wings, lips, and any moles or irritated skin.

Application of the peel –Getting to the action now…

We will apply your chosen peel, you may notice some heat, tingling or itching. You will be provided a fan to reduce these sensations.

Removing the peel.

After the predetermined exposure time, we will wash the area with water then use a neutralising spray solution to neutralise the action of the chemical agent and regulate the skin’s pH.

Optional Boost

Some peels can be strengthened with the application of a small amount of post-peel 1% retinol concentrate on the area.

Post peel protection

If your skin feels warm following the peel we can apply an anti-stress mask to sooth the skin.

Following this we massage in the post-procedure fast skin repair cream to enhance tissue re-epithelialisation.

And to end the treatment, we apply moisturising sun protection SPF50+ to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation.

*Temporary side effects*

You may be a little flushed post treatment and feel like your skin is a little tight. Most commonly, flushing will reduce in a matter of hours, and slight flaking can be experienced for 2-5 days post treatment.

Post Treatment Care

In the 48 hours following the treatment session, it is important that you avoid direct, excessive exposure to sunlight or artificial light, heat sources, going to saunas or swimming pools and using makeup that is not of mineral composition.

We recommend you continue to use your cleanser, booster or soother and spf following treatment, adding in the use of fast skin repair, twice a day, if needed.

Once the flaking process has completed, you may continue applying your active product to prolong cell stimulation.

Exercise and heat treatments should be reduced for the length of time the skin is flaking.

Waxing, hair removal and bleaching should be avoided in the treatment area for 2 weeks post treatment.

How important is pre/post care really?

Following the pre-treatment and post-treatment instructions diligently is crucial for maximising the results and minimising potential complications of chemical peels!

Optimising Results: Pre/post-treatment care instructions are designed to support the skin’s healing process and maximise the benefits of the peel. Following these instructions ensures that your skin receives the necessary nourishment and protection to regenerate effectively, leading to smoother, more radiant skin.

Minimising Complications: Chemical peels can cause temporary side effects such as flushing, flaking, and sensitivity. Proper pre/post-treatment care helps minimise these complications and reduces the risk of adverse reactions such as infection, hyperpigmentation, or scarring.

Promoting Healing: The skin is more vulnerable immediately following a peel, so it’s essential to provide the right environment for it to heal. Post-treatment instructions include guidelines for cleansing, moisturising, and protecting the skin from sun exposure, all of which are essential for promoting healing and preventing complications.

Enhancing Comfort: Slight irritation may occur after a chemical peel, and following the post-treatment instructions, such as using soothing skincare products or avoiding certain activities, can help alleviate discomfort and promote a more comfortable recovery process.

Maintaining Results: Proper pre/post-treatment care isn’t just essential immediately post peel—it also helps maintain the results over the long term. By adhering to recommended skincare routines and sun protection practices, you can prolong the benefits of the peel and keep your skin looking its best.

How often can I have a treatment?

To achieve the best results from chemical peels we recommend treatment cycles of 4-6 sessions with minimal intervals of 2 weeks between each peel.

A maximum of 2 cycles can be completed per year.

Who Should Avoid Chemical Peels?

There are a number of contraindications for chemical peels:

• Those with active psoriasis or eczema in the area should avoid treatment.
• Those who develop Keloid scarring must not have treatment.
• Those with Active skin cancer.

If you have recently had skin cancer, to commence treatment, you must be 6 months post removal of the cancerous lesion and received your ‘sign off’ from your specialist.

Active cancer.

If you have been diagnosed with a curable cancer, to commence treatment, you must be in remission for 6 months, and received your ‘sign off’ from your specialist.

Immune system disorders and kidney diseases must be under control for at least 6 months, and the condition must not have compromised the treatment area.

Those who are pregnant/lactating must wait until post pregnancy/lactating.

Who should perform your chemical peel?

It’s essential to consult with a qualified skincare professional who is suitably trained in performing chemical peels. Please do not hesitate to ask to see your professionals’ certificates and ask about their experience in performing chemical peels.

A trained professional will be able to determine if a chemical peel is suitable for you- they can assess your skin type, concerns, and medical history to recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

An ethical skincare professional will also tailor the peel to your specific needs and ensure that it’s performed safely and effectively. Using only reputable brands with a safe and proven efficacy profile.

Additionally, they can provide guidance on pre-peel and post-peel care to optimise results and minimise potential side effects. So, whether you’re considering a peel for skin rejuvenation, acne treatment, or other concerns, seeking advice from a skincare expert is the best way to ensure a positive experience and beautiful results.

Why should I have a peel at Oasis Wellbeing Clinic?

At Oasis Wellbeing Clinic we prioritise safety and effectiveness, ensuring that each peel is tailored to the client’s unique skin type, concerns, and desired outcomes. Our experienced skincare professionals conduct thorough consultations to understand individual needs fully, providing personalised treatment plans that deliver optimal results.

At Oasis Wellbeing Clinic We use Mesoestetic products and their Mesopeel range; Mesoestetic’s new generation of innovative chemical peels.

Mesopeels present an optimum balance between potency and safety through advanced formulations that combine rigorously selected chemo-exfoliating agents with a regenerating cross-complex with proven efficacy in in vitro and ex vivo studies.

Mesoestetic has been chosen as our chemical peel line based on their proven efficacy and safety profile. Whether you are seeking to address fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, or uneven skin tone, you can trust that we provide the most advanced and effective solutions available.

The Mesopeels range offer versatile, modular solutions that combine safety, certified pharmaceutical quality and solid clinical evidence with immediate effects and progressive results. Protocols and prescriptions are adapted and customised to your skin needs, to effectively, safely and predictably, address major aesthetic concerns.

We prioritise client comfort and satisfaction throughout the treatment process. From the initial consultation to post-treatment care, our professionals are dedicated to ensuring a positive experience for every client. We offer a relaxing and welcoming environment where clients can feel pampered and rejuvenated while receiving the best skincare treatments.

Ultimately, choosing our clinic for a chemical peel means entrusting your skin to a team of highly skilled professionals who are committed to helping you achieve your skincare goals safely, effectively, and with the utmost care and attention to detail. All of our skin care specialists are certified, experienced and insured. They are focused on getting you the results you deserve, with safety as a top priority.

Conclusion

Chemical peels are commonly used to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, uneven skin tone, and texture irregularities. With proper consultation and guidance from a skincare professional, chemical peels can be tailored to meet individual needs, resulting in a revitalised complexion and a renewed sense of confidence. They have a high safety profile, with little downtime but great results. Take the next steps toward achieving your skincare goals, get in touch today. Contact us today to book your free consultation.