Chemical peels can be done on the face, the neck and the hands. Some sun damaged areas will be improved and surface lesions may be removed altogether.  Chemical peels will not help deep wrinkles or tighten the skin but will give a younger fresher look to the skin.

What happens during a peel?

The skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove all traces of oil. A chemical solution, commonly glycolic, salicylic or lactic acid is brushed on to the skin. There will be a feeling of heat from the area treated and a stinging sensation as the peel does its work. Cold compresses are typically applied to alleviate discomfort. If you have a deeper peel you may need to have pain killing drugs as well and some doctors will prescribe an antibiotic to minimise the risk of any infection.

What to expect after a peel

There will be a range of reactions depending on the individual and on the depth of the peel.  You will experience a reaction that is very similar to a bad case of sunburn. The skin will be red initially and then begin to peel, usually taking between three to seven days to complete the process.
If you have a deeper chemical peel you may experience swelling as well and as in a severe case of sunburn – blisters may form. Depending on the individual the area treated with the peel will form a crust and peel off in a period of one to two weeks.  You will need to give yourself enough time to heal depending on how comfortable you are being back in the public eye.

Tips:

• Make sure a in depth consultation is given by the doctor you choose. Be clear about what you are trying to achieve and what will be involved in the treatment and the healing process.

• Choose a doctor that has had considerable experience in the process – don’t be afraid to ask for a referral.

• Let your doctor know if there is any history of pigmentation in you or your family.

• Inform your doctor of any history of unusual scarring or scar tissue formation as this can affect the results.

• Let your doctor know if you are subject to herpes outbreaks as medication can be taken to lessen the chance of an outbreak.

• New skin is very susceptible to sunburn – great care must be taken to use sun block every time you go outdoors.

• Use a skincare regime that is formulated for sensitive skins  with no ingredients that could irritate the new skin that will be revealed.

• XXX Skinsaviour cleanser and moisturiser is ideal after treatment as it will help to calm and soothe and support the healing process.

Waxing

Waxing is a method of hair removal that involves a thin layer of heated wax being applied to the skin and smoothed down with a piece of cloth so the hair sticks to both the wax and the strip of cloth as it cools down. The cloth is then quickly pulled off the skin and the hair is pulled out by the roots.  As the roots are removed as well, this method of hair removal lasts several weeks. Most areas of the body can be waxed including areas of the face.

Shaving

Shaving is a popular method of hair removal as it is quick, cheap and can be done at home. With shaving the hair is cut off at the root at skin level so will only last a few days before the new hairs will reappear and will need to be shaved again for a smooth feel. Shaving is often a quick fix alternative.

Depilatories

A depilatory is a cream or a liquid that you apply to the area you want to remove hair from and it breaks down the protein in the hair, effectively causing them to break off slightly below the skin’s surface. You apply the cream and wait for a few minutes and then rinse the cream off. There are different depilatories for different areas of the skin.

Laser

There are many different types of laser on the market today but all are similar in that they emit a beam of light that passes through the skin to the follicle which is the base from which the hair grows. The melanin in the follicle absorbs the light which transforms into heat and effectively stops the hair follicle from being able to produce hair. Light skin and dark hair is the ideal combination for laser treatment, though newer lasers work well on darker skin.

Preparing for a wax

• Choose a therapist that is experienced or has been personally recommended.

• Arriving freshly showered will always be appreciated by anybody working closely with the body.

• Don’t use any moisturiser or body lotion after showering as the wax will not adhere properly to greasy skin.

• Wear loose clothing as the skin will be irritated for a while and tight clothing will only make it worse.

• Don’t shave or try other hair removal techniques before you go, the hair needs to be long enough – about ¼’ so the wax has something to grip to.

What should I expect?

• There will be discomfort and this will vary according to where the waxing is being done and your pain tolerance. Trying to relax is said to make the discomfort less – it does get easier as you know what to expect.

• Ask for a test wax strip on your leg if you are unsure about what it feels like or how your skin will react.

• You will be asked to remove your clothing, depending on the area being waxed. If you are having a bikini wax some salons give you the option of a disposable thong but will usually ask you remove underwear completely if you are having a Brazilian.

• Make sure you are clear on what you want and that your definitions, particularly in bikini waxing, are the same as your therapists!

• The therapist will clean the area to be waxed with an anti bacterial wipe.

• The therapist will remove the hair by applying wax in strips and pulling the strips and the hair away with it.

• After the waxing a cream may be applied to soothe the area.

If you have a question you would like to ask about your skin or have a question about XXX Skinsaviour skin care products we would love to help you.

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