So, you’ve heard this buzzword, peel, thrown around a lot lately? Your favourite influencers are filming their Insta Stories with their skin glowing mid-peel treatment, OG beauty gurus are reminding you that peels have been a part of their skincare regime for years now, you’ve overheard your colleagues mention it, and now you’re wondering what all the hype is about! Welcome to the world of chemicals peels – for healthy, radiant, and regenerated skin.
What is a peel?
A chemical peel is a topical solution made up of carefully formulated chemicals. The peel is applied to the skin, causing the top layers of the skin to peel. Peels work wonders to improve the appearance of the skin. At SILK, our peels are made up of a professional strength blend of active vitamins, peptides and antioxidants with carefully chosen AHA’s, BHA’s, and enzymes. They come in a variety of strengths and treat skin concerns such as congestion, pigmentation, acne and ageing. Our peels can treat the skin on your face, neck, decolletage, or hands.
How do peels work?
Apart from causing surface skin cells to shed, the chemical exfoliation from the peel causes an inflammatory response deeper down. As the skin heals, production of new collagen and elastin occurs, resulting in the dermis and epidermis thickening. The increased volume gives skin bounce and the exfoliation results in brighter, less pigmented skin, leading to a more youthful appearance.
Is there a need to be concerned about peels?
Chemical peels come in a range of depths and can be defined as light, medium or deep resurfacing procedures. Don’t let the word chemical scare you. At SILK, we only work with light peels. The goal is skin rejuvenation with minimal side effects and little to no downtime. Light peels cause a controlled wound only to the epidermis, the most superficial skin layer. Complications that come from using medium and deep peels, or from having a peel when your skin is not prepped in advance, can include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, mostly in darker skin types, and sometimes even scarring. At SILK, our light peels are a very safe and effective treatment. Our comprehensive peel range caters for everyone, with safety being our number one priority.
SILK’s Peel menu
Our peel range is comprehensive. Starting with a mild peel, progressing through to a more intense peel which can be customised by layering:
- Exfoliating Peel
A combination of proteolytic enzymes and AHA’s for a gentle yet effective chemical exfoliation. Removes dead skin cells and balances skin. A bonus is that skin doesn’t have to be prepped in advance. Therefore, it’s suitable for any skin. - Pigment Peel
A combination of exfoliating AHA’s, supported by Kojic acid – effective in inhibiting Tyrosinase, a skin enzyme needed to produce melanin. The high percentage of Niacinamide reduces hyperpigmentation. This peel brightens and evens the skin tone. - Acne Peel – Salicylic & Lactic acid Peel with Niacinamide
A combination of Salicylic (BHA), Lactic and Fruit acids (AHA’s) is a superficial peel for acne grades 1 – 3. With antibacterial properties, this peel works to decongest, improve texture and lift dead skin cells. - Anti Ageing Peel – with Vitamin A
This peel is designed to activate cell turnover and exfoliate the skin’s surface to reveal a brighter, more hydrated, youthful complexion with reduced congestion and hyperpigmentation. - Intense Resurfacing peel – Layering AHA-Amino acid peel with Niacinamide
This peel has been designed for customisation, where acne scarring, pigmentation and other signs of accelerated skin ageing may be present. It will immediately cause mild erythema (skin redness), but with the addition of Niacinamide, the erythema will subside. Between 1 – 5 layers for extremely tolerant skin may be applied, with 5-minute observation intervals between layers.
The process:
Before your peel treatment, you’ll have a skin consultation with your qualified SILK technician. They will assess your skin concerns and create your customised peel plan. The treatment takes around 30 minutes. Essentially, there is no downtime, so it’s the perfect lunchtime treatment. Your face may be a little red post-treatment, but this fades within a few hours, and mineral make up can be applied immediately after treatment. Although, it is best to hold off applying makeup until the next day, if you can.
What to expect post treatment:
Exfoliation and peeling are common a few days after treatment. This will decrease once multiple treatments have been performed and the area is in better condition. If breakouts or damaged skin have been treated, the area may be red and could scab, lasting approximately 5-7 days with no residual scarring, provided you don’t pick or pull off scabs or peeling skin, and you stay completely out of the sun.
How to prep for your peel:
Our Exfoliating Peel can be performed on unprepped skin. However, our other peels (Pigment Peel, Acne Peel, Anti-Ageing Peel and Intense Resurfacing Peel) require some skin preparation in advance. This is to help ease the risks of complications and adverse events. As well, it is important to prime the skin prior, to improve the peel’s penetration and give you the best result.
Skin prep must start two to four weeks before your peel. Prep includes a skincare regime that maintains skin health. Products include: AHA’s, BHA’s, Retinoids, products with tyrosinase inhibitors and SPF30 or SPF50. Your technician will go through this when they customise your treatment plan.
How to work peels into your skincare regime:
The versatility of our peel range allows you to enjoy your peels as standalone treatments or packaged into a skin program, customised just for you! Peels can be combined with LED Light Therapy for improved results. In addition, our exfoliating peel may be combined with a very light microdermabrasion.
If you’re after a skin pick-me-up, looking to target a specific concern, or just keen to chat all things peels, book a consultation at your nearest SILK clinic.
