Around 10 days ago, I headed to Dr Roz Aesthetics in Bearsden, Glasgow, for a chemical peel. This is a clinical skin treatment that has significant downtime, but produces great results. If you want to know what it’s like to have a chemical peel, read on and have all your chemical peel questions answered.
Before
Immediately After
The peel that Dr Roz performed on me was the PCA Skin Perfecting Peel. She managed to apply four layers of this (number of layers are dependent on how tolerant your skin is) and the sting wasn’t too bad at all, as my skin is used to acids and retinols now. If yours is not, you will feel quite stingy, but that’s normal. Your skin will also feel a bit sore and raw for a day or two afterwards. I left the clinic looking orange, as Dr Roz topped my peel with a retinol, so I had to get an Uber home! By the next day, I immediately noticed how my skin tone looked more even and clear, and my skin looked brighter.
For 5 days afterwards, my skin was peeling heavily and was very dry. I used hydrating sheet masks, Hyaluronic Acid hydrating serums, and facial oils to make my skin look a bit less, well, scaly. By day 7, my skin was feeling more like itself, but with such an improvement in texture compared to before the peel, and a lot more even in tone. I’d definitely recommend this treatment if you feel like your skin needs a massive ‘reset’.
I also put some chemical peel FAQ questions to the lovely Dr Roz, so that you can be fully informed about what’s involved with getting a chemical peel.
What is a chemical peel, and what does it do?
A chemical peel is literally using chemicals to exfoliate the superficial skin layers, and with this exfoliation comes peeling of the skin. BUT, PCA chemical peels have more benefits than just a good exfoliation!
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Who are chemical peels suitable for?
I have a range of treatments and within each treatment there is a range of options for any skin type, even those with sensitive skin. I tailor the treatment to the needs of the skin and the client. They can be used as one-off treatments to freshen up the skin, but thy ework best as a course, or better still, regular maintenance treatments. The basic gentle peels can lighten pigmentation, brighten your complexion and tighten up loose areas. It is great for ageing and sensitive skin too. The stronger prescription strength peels are especially good for those with acne and rosacea, photodamaged skin, deep and fine lines, wrinkles and scarring.
You cannot have a peel if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have Psoriasis, active cold sores or any skin infections. You must wait 2 weeks after sunbathing to have a peel. Certain allergies and medication can be contraindicators. That’s why I do a thorough consultation prior to any treatments.
Can you talk through each stage of the treatment you did on me, and the benefits of each?
You had the the AHA complexion perfection peel. PCA treatment philosophy is layer on and leave with a progressive not aggressive approach. Gently changing the skin and not harshly removing layers and causing damage instead of rejeuvenation. SO the active agents are applied then left on overnight and washed off with water the following day.
Firstly I use the Face Wash Oily skin to cleanse the skin thoroughly. Then we used the Detoxifying mask which absorbs any more oil or impurities left after the cleansing. It’s got Japanese white charcoal in it to minimise appearance of pores and detoxify the skin. Then I used (stinky!!) Witch Hazel for a final prep/degrease of the skin.
Then we applied 4 layers of the Perfecting Peel. This was the slightly stingy step. The key ingredients are Mandelic acid which is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid found naturally in bitter almonds. It is a powerful exfoliator and is effective in treating melasma. It also contains Lactic acid, another AHA found in milk and sugars which adds moisture to the skin. It also contains botanicals from the Indian gooseberry for its high concentration of tannins which reduce discolouration. As well as botanicals from the milk thistle plant for its powerful antioxidant effect to reduce inflammation.
The final step was the Advanced Treatment booster. This is a Retinol blend (10.5%) which aids further exfoliation. It also helps to promote a clear complexion and even skin tone. This also contains botanicals to soothe and reduce stinging.
PCA as a cosmeceutical brand is relatively new to the UK. I am one of a handful of clinicians using it in Scotland, but they have a long established record of excellence in the USA, winning industry prizes in 2016 and 2017. All their products are naturally derived. There a are no parabens, no lanolin, no pretolium, no synthetics substances. They do not test on animals.
The peel products are superficial peels and as such I think are great because literally any skin type can benefit from them. And they are affordable. The gentle peels are £60-70! The skin care products are innovative and really work!
What are the side effects and downtime from a chemical peel? What should you avoid doing?
Well you can peel! For up to 10 days afterwards you skin might be red, flakey, sensitive and dry. What products we use in your skin treatment depends on your skin analysis which I perform with you, and this will affect the outcome. The peel is dramatic in some and negligible in others. At worst its like the peeling of skin you get after bad sunburn. The skin can tingle a bit for a few days afterwards. This is the effect of the retinol. You need to stay away from sunshine and sunbeds for at least 2 weeks. You absolutely must wear SPF every day (everyone should do this anyway!!) for the period of ‘”down time” while you are peeling. You need to avoid vigorous exercise and heat such as in saunas and steam rooms also – this extra heat can cause water blisters or hyperpigmentation. Same goes for cold – don’t apply ice or cold packs. You need to try to not touch or pull at the skin. If it feels dry and you are tempted to do that just apply some of the cream I give you post treatment for that very purpose. Don’t use abrasive exfoliators or skin wipes (again don’t use these anyway!!). There is a risk the procedure can trigger cold sores. I give those who suffer these a prescription for antiviral tablets which will prevent these occurring.
How often should you get a chemical peel?
You need to wait 4 weeks between treatments to allow the skin to recover. In that time its best to use the PCA products if you can to enhance the results of each treatment. The PCA skin range extends to serum, eye creams, SPF and more – all of which perform different, corrective, nourishing and rejeuvenating functions to your skin when used on a daily basis.
This treatment was provided on a complimentary basis for review, but all opinions are my own.
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