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Our Pigmentation Peel: What’s Involved

Cleansing

To begin, your Skin & Laser Therapist will use a few drops of aromatherapy essential oil to promote a state of relaxation and signal the start of the treatment.  

The first part of your facial will be to cleanse the skin, preparing it for the next steps. Your therapist will double cleanse the skin with a medical-grade cleanser and hot towel.   

Oxygen Facial  

This step is an oxygenation mask. Your therapist will apply Société Oxygenation Cream to the entire face, neck and décolletage. Next, they will apply Société Catalyst Activator and massage this into your skin.  

To optimise the penetration of the oxygenation mask and intensify its effects, your therapist will leave this on your skin for a few minutes. Meanwhile, they will perform a scalp or temple massage.  

After allowing this time for the mask to work its magic, your therapist will then gently remove it with a warm, moistened towel. 

Chemical Peel  

Now it’s time for the chemical peel. Your dermal therapist will apply peel prep solution to your skin to remove excess oils. This ensures your skin will at its most receptive to the benefits of the peel.  

To protect delicate or vulnerable areas of the face such as the corners of the eyes, nose and lips, your therapist will apply a small amount of protective barrier cream to these zones. 

Next, your therapist will apply the acne chemical peel solution, sweeping this across the skin of your face multiple times. At this point, you may feel a mild stinging sensation, which indicates the peel is successful and the ingredients are activating.  

Skincare 

Your chemical peel treatment will be finished with the application of any skincare steps that your therapist finds suitable for your skin, such as hyaluronic acid serum, moisturiser and UV protectant. They may also make recommendations for your at-home skincare regimen to optimise your results. 

Targeted Treatment for Hyperpigmentation

Chemical peels are skincare treatments that use chemical solutions to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. 

They can be effective in addressing pigmentation issues by promoting the removal of damaged or pigmented skin cells and encouraging the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin. 

What causes hyperpigmentation? 

An extremely common skin condition, hyperpigmentation is characterised by the darkening of certain areas of the skin. Several factors can contribute to the development of hyperpigmentation. Some of the primary causes include: 

  • Sun exposure. UV radiation from the sun is a significant contributor to hyperpigmentation. It stimulates the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour, and can lead to the formation of dark spots, sunspots, and freckles. 
  • Hormonal changes. Fluctuations in hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, can trigger hyperpigmentation. This is often seen during pregnancy (melasma or “pregnancy mask”), birth control pill use, and hormonal therapies. 
  • Inflammation and skin trauma. Inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis, can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Any injury to the skin, including cuts, burns, or wounds, can also result in darkened areas during the healing process. 
  • Age. As people age, the skin may accumulate sun damage, leading to increased pigmentation in the form of age spots or liver spots. 
  • Genetics. Some individuals may be more genetically predisposed to develop hyperpigmentation. Skin type and the amount of melanin produced can vary among different ethnicities. 
  • Medications. Certain medications, including some antibiotics, antimalarial drugs, and chemotherapy drugs, can cause pigmentation changes as a side effect. 
  • Endocrine diseases. Conditions affecting the endocrine system, such as Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome, can influence pigmentation. 
  • Chemical irritants. Exposure to certain chemicals or irritants can trigger hyperpigmentation as a response to inflammation. 

It’s essential to identify the underlying cause of hyperpigmentation to determine the most appropriate treatment.

Sun protection, the use of topical treatments like hydroquinone, retinoids, and chemical peels, along with professional dermatological interventions, are common approaches to managing hyperpigmentation.

How do chemical peels work for pigmentation? 

  • Exfoliation. Chemical peels typically contain acids such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or other chemical compounds. These ingredients work by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, leading to the exfoliation of the outermost layer of the skin. This process helps remove surface pigmentation and encourages the turnover of skin cells. 
  • Melasma and hyperpigmentation. Melasma and hyperpigmentation involve the overproduction of melanin, leading to dark patches on the skin. Chemical peels can target these areas, reducing pigmentation by exfoliating the pigmented skin cells and promoting the growth of new, less pigmented cells. This can result in a more even skin tone over time. 
  • Sun damage. Chemical peels can also address pigmentation caused by sun damage. They help to remove sun-damaged skin cells, revealing healthier, less pigmented skin underneath. 
  • Collagen stimulation. Some chemical peels, especially those containing ingredients like trichloroacetic acid (TCA), can penetrate deeper into the skin and stimulate collagen production. Improved collagen levels contribute to firmer, more even-toned skin. 
  • Reducing dark spots. Chemical peels can target dark spots, such as age spots or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne. By encouraging exfoliation and cell turnover, peels help to fade these spots over time. 

The effectiveness of chemical peels for pigmentation depends on factors such as the type and strength of the peel, the individual’s skin type, and the specific pigmentation concern. 

Also, sun protection is crucial after a chemical peel to prevent further pigmentation issues and protect the newly revealed skin.

Consulting with your Skin Therapist here at Contour Clinics is recommended to determine the most appropriate peel for your skin and pigmentation concerns. 

Visit Your Nearest Contour Clinics

Want to take control of your problematic pigmentation and enjoy a brightened, evenly toned and clear complexion? We can help you love the skin you’re in. 

Contour Clinics provides a range of skin treatments from our Sydney and Brisbane clinics, including The Pigment Correct Peel.

We welcome you for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation with one of our Skin & Laser Therapists. Here we will discuss your skin goals and you will learn more about what your treatment will involve, which one will best suit your needs, and what to expect from your results. 

To learn more about how we can achieve the youthfully glowing skin that you want, contact us online or call 1300 233 803 to chat about our treatments and arrange a free consult appointment. 

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