SKIN RESURFACING TREATMENTS
CHEMICAL PEELS
Chemical peeling refers to the application of a chemical agent to cause selective injury (necrosis) to the epidermis and upper dermis with the aim of rejuvenating the skin. Based on the depth of the skin injury, chemical peels are categorized as superficial (epidermal), medium (epidermal/dermal) or deep (deep papillary, papillary/reticular). At Aesthetic Essentials, we mostly perform superficial chemical peels and these are described in more details below.
Superficial Peels have become one of the most popular cosmetic and anti-ageing procedures worldwide. Superficial peels induce necrosis and subsequent removal of only the outer layers of the epidermis. Amongst the most widely used chemical peeling agents is glycolic acid, which is extracted from sugar cane and belongs to AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) fruit acids.
ABOUT SUPERFICIAL CHEMICAL PEELS
Glycolic acid is a medical grade product and it is highly effective as an exfoliant. The depth of exfoliation/peeling may vary depending on the pH and concentration of the glycolic acid used. Glycolic acid peeling removes an outer layer of epidermis (stratum corneum that consists of “dead skin cells’) yielding skin that is smoother in texture and more evenly pigmented. Since the start of the use of chemical peels in medical aesthetics, it has been demonstrated in clinical studies that application of AHA’s results in an up to 25% increase in skin thickness, improved quality of elastic fibres and increased density of collagen. Glycolic acid is also a good moisturising agent that increases hydration of the skin. Many popular chemical peeling kits (e.g. NeoStrata, Filorga) contain additional active ingredients to assist in treatment of hyperpigmentation and acne. Usually the peeling procedure takes approximately 30 minutes and it is performed in a few steps: cleansing of the skin, pre-peeling treatment, peeling and finally post peeling treatment (i.e. neutralisation of glycolic acid and hydration). During the peeling procedure you may experience mild stinging, burning or itching of the skin. This mild discomfort usually disappears during the post peeling step. Similarly to microdermabrasion (non-chemical exfoliation) visible improvement in skin texture and complexion can be appreciated immediately after the first peel. However, to obtain more radical and a long term improvement a series of chemical peels are recommended followed by maintenance treatments over time.
Chemical peels may be performed on the face, neck, décolleté and other parts of the body. It is beneficial for both female and male clients, from the age of 16 years and older, and may be applied to all skin types (including Asian and African skins).
WHAT CAN BE TREATED WITH SUPERFICIAL CHEMICAL PEELS?
The prescribed course of glycolic peel series will gradually improve the following conditions:
- sun damaged skin
- enlarged pores
- poor/rough skin texture and unclear complexion
- oily and acne-prone skin
- acne scars
- blackheads and white heads
- age spots and superficial pigmentation
- dehydrated skin
- fine lines and mild wrinkles
HOW MANY CHEMICAL PEELS DO I NEED?
Most individuals require 3 to 5 treatments, after which a maintenance program can be established. A series of chemical peels will result in the thickening of the epidermis (the outer skin layer), which will provide the skin with better hydration levels and long term anti-ageing protection. Depending on severity of the skin problem(s) and the area being treated peels can be performed every 2 to 4 weeks, with maintenance peels being performed as required.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER EACH CHEMICAL PEEL TREATMENT?
Superficial glycolic peel is “the lunchtime treatment”. The procedure takes only 30 to 40 minutes and requires no recovery time, i.e. a client can return to work immediately after the treatment. Some patients may have mild temporary redness, which subsides within 10 to 30 minutes. As mentioned above, an improvement in skin texture and complexion is noticeable immediately after each peel.
WHAT IS COSMELAN®?
Cosmelan® is one of the most effective depigmentation treatments. It is performed in two phases: Phase 1 is an in-office procedure when the Cosmelan® peeling mask is applied by a medical doctor. The mask is kept on the skin for several hours (8 to 12 hours) and clients remove it at home according to their doctor’s instructions. Phase 2 involves the use of Cosmelan® home care products for the following 2 to 3 months.
HOW EFFECTIVE AND SAFE IS COSMELAN® TREATMENT?
In 99% of cases involving hyperpigmentation of epidermal origin, the blemish elimination process can achieve a 95% efficacy rate. The lightening of pigmentation and more rejuvenated skin is observed as early as one week after the treatment. Cosmelan® is safe for use during any season provided that the client uses sun block daily. Cosmelan® is also safe for any skin type (type I to VI according to Fitzpatrick’s classification) including Asian and African skins. There is a down time expected, the duration of which varies.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM COSMELAN®?
Cosmelan® is effective against any type of hyperpigmentation on the epidermal level (most types of melasma, chloasma, and dark blemishes from acne scaring and sun damage). It is beneficial for both men and women.
Clients with fine lines, acne scaring or poor skin texture will notice dramatic improvement and more rejuvenated and radiant skin after Cosmelan® treatment.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Cosmelan® is not recommended for clients with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, malignant lesions, and skin infection. It is not recommended for use in pregnant and breast feeding women. For more information on Cosmelan® treatment contact Aesthetic Essentials.
DIAMOND TIP (CRYSTAL-FREE) MICRODERMABRASION (MDA) TREATMENT
Microdermabrasion (MDA) is a rejuvenation technique involving controlled mechanical exfoliation of the skin. MDA was introduced in cosmetic dermatology more than 2 decades ago. Originally, MDA was performed using aluminium oxide crystals and/or sodium chloride salt. Crystal based MDA has a number of “drawbacks” including a harmful effect of crystals that may be inhaled by the client and operator and partial incrustation of the skin with the crystals is also common (it is difficult to remove all the crystals from the skin). In order to minimize skin incrustation with crystals, higher levels of vacuum suction are used on MDA instruments, which may cause an unpleasant sensation and bruising making the MDA procedure more sensitive for the client. It is also difficult to obtain a uniform exfoliation of the skin using crystal based MDA.
The new generation of microdermabrasion is CRYSTAL – FREE. This method overcomes the “drawbacks” of the older method.
ABOUT DIAMOND TIP MICRODERMABRASION TREATMENT
Diamond Tip microdermabrasion is an aesthetic procedure for non-invasive, crystal-free, controlled and uniform mechanical exfoliation of the skin. Diamond Tip MDA is performed using crushed industrial diamonds mounted on the tips of the applicators and a vacuum suction. MDA causes very little or no discomfort while it gently removes the outer layer of the skin. The depth of microdermabrasion with crushed diamonds may vary depending on the skin type and the condition to be treated. Mechanic removal of the superficial layers of the skin promotes skin regeneration, synthesis of new collagen and elastin, and thus has an anti-ageing effect. An improvement in the treated area is noticeable immediately after the first session – skin appears smoother, younger-looking and more radiant. These desirable effects should increase over the course of MDA treatment series.
Microdermabrasion may be performed on the face, neck, décolleté and other parts of the body. It is beneficial for both female and male patients, from the age of 16 years and older, and may be applied to all skin types (including Asian and African skins).
WHAT CAN BE TREATED WITH MICRODERMABRASION?
The course of MDA series will gradually improve the following conditions:
- sun damaged skin
- enlarged pores
- poor/rough skin texture and unclear complexion
- oily and acne-prone skin
- acne scars
- blackheads and white heads
- age spots and superficial pigmentation
- dehydrated skin
- fine lines and mild wrinkles
- stretch marks
HOW MANY MDA TREATMENTS DO I NEED?
Most patients require 5 to 10 MDA treatments, after which a maintenance program can be established. A course of MDA will result in the thickening of the epidermis (the outer skin layer), which will provide the skin with better hydration levels and a long term anti-ageing effect. Depending on the severity of the skin problem(s) and the area being treated, MDA procedures can be performed as often as every 10 days to 2 weeks. In most patients, treatment intervals are 2 to 4 weeks.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER EACH MDA TREATMENT?
Crystal-free microdermabrasion is “the lunchtime treatment” because the procedure takes only 30 to 40 minutes and requires no recovery time, i.e. a patient can return to work immediately after the treatment. Some patients may have mild temporary redness, which subsides within 10 to 30 minutes. As we mentioned above, an improvement in skin texture and complexion is noticeable immediately after each MDA treatment
Microdermabrasion is a highly effective and non-invasive solution to younger and smoother looking skin
Contact Details:
Cnr Athol Oaklands Road and Fort Street
Birnam 2196
