If you are considering getting a chemical peel to rejuvenate your skin, a clearer understanding of what to expect is needed. On a recent visit to Just Skin Clinic in Green Point, I was treated to my first chemical peel using Optiphi products. The results were amazing and for weeks my skin had a clean glow. There are many questions for first-timers, so let’s start at the beginning.
What is a chemical peel?
It is a skin-renewal procedure where a chemical solution is applied to your skin to remove the damaged top layer. Used to treat wrinkles, scars and skin discolouration, you can expect a smoother-looking skin after the procedure.
There are three options to choose from, a light, medium or deep peel. These depths use different chemical solutions. A light peel is a mild treatment, while a deep peel produces more dramatic end results. The recovery times depend on the type of peel applied.
What should you expect the first time?
There are many questions about your medical history, past and present. You should answer all questions transparently, as a deep chemical peel aggravates certain underlying medical conditions. Be sure to tell your beauty therapist about any creams and/or treatments you have used recently.
Your skin will be inspected to help determine the type of peel that your skin type will benefit from. The tone and the thickness of your skin affects the final results. Ask as many questions as possible until you are comfortable with the procedure about to be carried out on you.
Products to use:
My treatment products were Optiphi, a South African skin care range. The products were developed while treating serious skin conditions like burn wound dressings, wound ointments and even temporary skin substitutes. This understanding of in-depth skin technology allowed the Optiphi team to create unique and highly-effective products with unparalleled results.
The treatment:
It starts with a deep cleanse of your skin to rid your face of any other products. Once this is completed, the chemical peel is applied, it tingles on your skin, and burns a little on open skin areas. It is far milder than I expected. Once the initial tingle is gone, you don’t feel much else. Once the chemicals are cleaned off your skin, a deep conditioning mask is applied and left to dry. Once removed, your skin feels alive again, with the mild peel there was no reddening of the skin. The results are almost immediate.
Other than staying out of the sun and no swimming, there is nothing else you can’t do after a mild chemical peel.
Fast forward a week later and my skin is still glowing and clear. It is a great treatment before any big occasions or just because you want to improve the overall health of your skin. Chemical peels are limited to once every 4-6 weeks.
Picture: Pixabay and Nidha Narrandes