Peels

A variety of skin peels are performed for clients at Fraser Clinic, by our nurses, and Dr Olsen. Chemical peeling is basically an accelerated form of exfoliation induced by the use of a chemical, such as glycolic or lactic acid.

Light or superficial peeling agents induce a faster shedding of the outer layer of skin, where as medium depth peels create necrosis and inflammation in the epidermis or superficial dermis.

Both light peels with Glycolic acid, and medium strength peels with 35% TCA (trichloroacetic acid), are performed at the clinic.

Chemical peeling creates beneficial changes in the skin in a number of ways:

• - Stimulation of epidermal growth through removal of the stratum corneum leading to a thickened corneum.
• - Destruction of photodamaged skin layers, replacing them with normalised tissue. This is especially true with superficial pigmentation.
• - Induction of inflammation, in deeper parts of the dermis, which appears to stimulate the production of new collagen and ground substance called Glycose Amino Glycans (GAGs) in the skin.

The deeper the peel, the greater the risk of inducing scarring and pigmentation problems. For these reasons, Fraser Clinic advises more frequent lighter peels and medium depth peels for those who have time to practice thorough sun avoidance and post peel care at home for up to 2 weeks.

We advise "priming" the skin with a special gel for 2 weeks prior to peel, to minimise the risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation - a complication more likely to develop in those with darker or tanned skin.

Skin peeling takes its place alongside microdermabrasion as a range of treatments for photodamaged skin.