Who doesn’t want flawless looking skin? Skin which is just as hydrated, plump and radiant as in your youth? With age, most people fret about pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles and generally flat, dull skin.
Acid chemical peels have been used in aesthetic medicine for a number of years, and are considered one of the most effective ways to improve skin health. However, one only has to mention the word ‘peel’ for people to automatically picture a burnt, red, swollen face. This, reassuringly, is not the case as aesthetic medicine and glycolic acid peels have advanced so much you no longer need worry about looking like a tomato for days.
What is a glycolic acid peel?
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that occurs naturally in sugar cane and is the most common ingredient of light chemical peels.
The formulation of the solution is tailored to the individual patient in order to provide the best results.
Chemical glycolic peels are a light non-invasive treatment which removes the upper layers of dead and damaged skin. This, in turn, encourages skin cell regeneration and provides gentle treatment for fine lines, acne, chronic dry skin, dull skin, pores, blackheads and uneven pigmentation.
Before commencing any treatment, your practitioner will assess your main concerns and analyse your skin. This enables an appropriate course of treatment to be tailored to your specific needs and requirements. The skin is then cleansed and prepared with a pre-peel solution. The glycolic solution is applied to your face for 3- 5 minutes and you will feel a light tingling. Once the treatment is completed the skin is neutralised with a post-peel solution and soothed with a calming balm.
The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes and there is minimum downtime, which means this can be carried out within your lunch hour.
Your skin feels immediately fresh and hydrated after the treatment and doesn’t fall off in sheets!
The action of the chemical solution stimulates the production of elastin and collagen, essential components of a healthy, youthful skin.
What is facial resurfacing?
Dermarolling, microneedling, facial resurfacing – whatever you call it – is a new facial which has a multitude of wonderful effects. Also known as ‘Percutaneous collagen induction therapy’, it involves rolling a cylinder of needles across your face. The tiny needles create a small ‘trauma’ or ‘injury’ to the face which stimulates the body’s own natural receptors and healing processes. This leads to increased collagen production which can successful treat acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles.
After just one treatment your skin is brighter, plumper and more radiant; and with ongoing treatments, scarring, pigmentation and even stretch marks can be targeted and reduced. The down time is minimal and repeated sessions are recommended for long-lasting effects.
Home Care Products
Hyaluronic Acid is the lubricating, moisture enhancing fluid that occurs naturally in the body. This depletes with age and is therefore used in skincare products to combat dryness and allow your skin to feel youthful and hydrated.
Other products I’d recommend include Dr. Sebagh ‘Serum Repair’, Filorga Skin Perfusion P-Bright Serum and a Retinol product. Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A and can stimulate the production of new skin. It is the gold standard for anti aging. Obagi 360 retinol would be my product of choice.
Dr Krystyna Wilczynski is a cosmetic dentist and facial aesthetic practitioner who offers bespoke beauty treatments in London.