1. WHAT IS GLYCOLIC ACID?
Glycolic acid is one of the Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA). A group of naturally occurring substances often referred to as ‘fruit acids’ as they are found in various fruits and directly from sugar cane. AHA’s help to loosen and remove the surface layers of skin, as well as promote more even pigmentation and deeper skin firming effects.
2. WHAT IS A GLYCOLIC ACID PEEL?
A peel treatment is a specific technique for skin renewal. During the process a high concentration of glycolic acid is applied to the skin for a short period of time and then neutralised with an alkaline solution to end the treatment. This procedure can help the skin appear smoother, brighter, plumper and tighter with more even pigmentation
3. HOW DO AHA PEELS DIFFER FROM OTHER PEELING AGENTS?
TCA, Jessner’s, salicylic acid and phenol peels are other commonly used peeling agents. Some go deeper and have a different action. They are by nature toxic to skin cells and usually require a longer recovery time compared to AHA peels. Salicylic peels are known to be effective for acne, however do not provide anti aging benefits to the skin.
In contrast, glycolic peels are not toxic to skin cells and require little or no recovery time. They can provide benefits to acne prone skin along with an anti aging effect.
4. HOW DO NEOSTRATA PEELS DIFFER FROM OTHER AHA/GLYCOLIC PEELS ?
Neostrata peels are ‘free acid’ peels and are deemed doctor strength. How to tell the strength of a peel will all depend on the PH of the product. The lower the PH, the more bio available the peel is .ie more free acid available making this a stronger peel.
Eg: Neostrata Peel at strength 50% with a PH of 1.20 V Brand X at 50% with a PH of 4. In this case the % of glycolic acid stated is the same, however the PH in NeoStrata peel is lower, making this a ‘free acid’ or more acidic peel which will yield better results than the brand X competitor.
5. CAN THE PEEL BE STOPPED AT ANY TIME?
Unlike other peeling agents, AHA peels can be stopped at any stage or on any area on the skin, this is due to the neutraliser spray which can immediately cease the action of the peel with one spray. Any area on the skin that may feel uncomfortable can be neutralised without having to remove peel from entire face.
6. DOES THE PEEL ONLY COME IN ONE STRENGTH?
Neostrata peels come in four strengths 20%,35%,50% and 70%. Patients always start at 20% for a short period of time(2-3 mins) and for the subsequent peels 20% can be applied again for a longer period of time (up to 5 mins) or can move to 35% again beginning at 2-3 mins etc
7. IS THERE ‘DOWN TIME’ WITH GLYCOLIC ACID PEELS?
Generally with AHA or Glycolic acid peels there is minimal or no ‘down time’. Patients have different experiences with peels depending on skin type. Initially face may appear to feel a little ‘tight’ and flushed. There may be a slight tingling sensation for an hour or so post peel and patients can expect to see some ‘flaking’ on the skin for the first few days post peel, this is normal as it is exfoliating dead skin cells by the action of the glycolic acid working.
8. CAN PEELS BE A HOME TREATMENT ?
Yes! The great news is that peel can be safely used at home with great results in a short space of time. To use peel effectively as a home treatment its best to use a monthly treatment to achieve an overall result. Home peels will be a lower strength than a doctor peel, however it can still give excellent results.
9. CAN PEELS BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER PROCEDURES SUCH AS IPL, MICRODERABRASION, BOTOX, FILLERS ?
Peels are complementary to most other cosmetic procedures and can be part of an entire treatment for skin. Whilst dermal fillers may help to fill lines and wrinkles, peels can help condition the skin and smooth the skin reducing pigmentation and improving the texture of the skin.
*This is applicable with all cosmetic procedures
10. WHAT CAN PEEL BE USED FOR?
Peel can be used for many different skin conditions and therefore is not limited unlike other peeling agents. They are also not restricted to the face. Hands, Neck, back of arms(KP), feet, décolleté, back(acne)
Indications for peeling with NeoStrata Glycolic Acid peels..
- Sun Damage
- Active Acne/Acne Scarring
- Keratosis Pilaris
- Pigmentation
- Rosacea
- Minimise pores
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