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The Resurfacing 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. 

Facial Massage 

Your therapist will perform a gentle facial massage designed to de-puff the skin, using dermatological ice globes for a mild lymphatic drainage. 

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 resurfacing peel, which will have the consistency of a coarse paste, and will feel slightly rough against your skin. 

The key to this peel is its penetration into your skin; the physical exfoliant particles reach the deeper layers of your skin to cause a controlled microdamage – very much like a skin needling treatment – which triggers a healing response that kickstarts collagen production and the renewal of your skin. 

For the peel to achieve this, your therapist will massage the paste into your skin for a duration of anywhere between 1 and 10 minutes per section of your face. The duration will be determined by your therapist, based upon their assessment of your skin’s condition, type, sensitivity, and the depth and severity of your pigmentation. 

You may feel some discomfort as the coarsely textured peel is massaged into the skin, which enables it to reach and work at a deeper level. 

Your therapist will gently remove the peel using a soft towel moistened with cool water and then cleanse any residue from the skin using a soft dry cloth. 

Skincare 

This peel treatment will be finished with the application of a soothing and protective balm, which will calm any sensitised sensation you may experience. 

You therapist may also add any skincare steps they find suitable for your skin, such as a hydrating product and a UV protectant.

Sun protection after a peel is vital, as the skin becomes more sensitive to UV damage post-treatment. We will recommend a suitable UV protectant if you do not already have a high-factor physical sunscreen as part of your skincare regimen. 

Is The Resurfacing Peel Right for Me?

Skin resurfacing peels, also known as deep chemical peels or sometimes a ‘deep sea peel’, are intensive skin renewing treatments that penetrate deeply into the skin. 

They’re considered a high-strength level peel, which means they are not suitable for all skin types. 

These peels may not be recommended for individuals who: 

  • Have sensitive skin. Resurfacing peels can be too aggressive for sensitive skin types, leading to excessive irritation, redness, and potential complications. 
  • Have darker skin tones. People with darker skin tones have a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone after deep peels. These peels can cause significant changes in pigmentation, making them risky for individuals with more melanin in their skin. 
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s generally advised to avoid deep resurfacing peels during pregnancy or while breastfeeding due to the potential risks associated with the strong chemicals used in these treatments. 
  • Have skin conditions. Those with certain skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, active acne or cold sore outbreaks, or open wounds may not be suitable candidates for deep peels as it can exacerbate these conditions or cause further complications. 
  • Are using certain medications. Individuals using certain medications or undergoing specific treatments may not be suitable for deep peels. For instance, those on isotretinoin (Accutane) or with a history of radiation therapy may be advised against resurfacing peels due to increased skin sensitivity. 
  • Have recently had other treatments. Recent use of certain skincare treatments or procedures, such as laser therapy, may also impact the suitability of resurfacing peels and increase the risk of adverse reactions or complications. 

It’s crucial to consult with a qualified skincare professional such as your Contour Clinics dermal therapist before considering a resurfacing peel or any intensive skin treatment. 

They can assess your skin type, medical history and specific concerns to determine the most suitable and safe treatment option for you. 

Treatment for Melasma, Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation

A resurfacing peel can be beneficial for addressing issues like melasma, acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation due to its exfoliating and skin-renewing properties. 

Resurfacing peels typically contain active ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) that help to exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin. By removing dead skin cells, peels can improve skin texture and tone. 

Melasma. This condition is characterised by dark patches on the skin. Peels can help in reducing the appearance of melasma by exfoliating the top layer of the skin where the pigmentation is most prominent. Regular use can help fade these patches over time. 

Acne Scarring. Peels can assist in reducing the appearance of darkened skin caused by acne scars by encouraging the turnover of skin cells. This process helps in fading the scars gradually, making them less noticeable. 

Hyperpigmentation. Like melasma, hyperpigmentation involves darkened patches on the skin due to excess melanin production. Resurfacing peels can help fade hyperpigmentation by promoting the shedding of pigmented skin cells and encouraging the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin. 

Consultation with skin treatment professional such as your dermal therapist at Contour Clinics is crucial to determine the right type and strength of peel for your skin type and 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 including The Resurfacing Peel at all our clinic locations across Sydney and Brisbane. 

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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