Dr. Danielle Meagher clinical director of DermaFACE BOTOX photo
Dr. Danielle Meagher
GDip Aesthetic Medicine (London) BDentSc (Trinity College Dublin)
Ireland 01 667 8000
International calls 00 353 1 667 8000

Chemical Peel

Would you like a more youthful glowing complexion?

If you would like to have a more youthful complexion then TCA 14% chemical peel can really help you to achieve this fresh glowing look.  In addition, this treatment is an excellent anti ageing solution, and far more effective than any anti ageing creams. In fact absolutely everybody can benefit from having a course of chemical peels.  

A facial chemical peel is a chemical lotion which is applied to the surface of the skin and removes the outer surface to unveil fresher layers which will give you a much more youthful and healthier appearance. Chemical peels are used to remove fine lines, especially around the mouth, and discolorations such as freckles or liver spots.  In addition the chemical peel stimulates collagen and elastin within the dermis, thus regenerating skin at the deepest dermal layers.

Chemical peels are also used in areas of sun damaged skin and to remove small scars. Peels can be applied to the whole face or to an isolated area, such as the area above the upper lip, chemical peels cannot be applied around the eyes. The type and concentration of the product controls the depth of the peel.  There are 3 main types of chemical peel; Medical Strength Glycolic Peel, Deep TCA peels and Phenol Peels.  At DermaFACE we do not carry out Phenol Peels.

If you would like to talk with one of our clinicians about a course of chemical peel treatments please call 01-6678000 now to book your CONSULTATION.

Medical Strength Glycolic Peel (minimal down time with this peel).

Medical Strength Glycolic Peels are produced using alphahydroxy acids (AHA) (glycolic, lactic, and fruit acids) AHA peels are used to treat rough, dry skin and improve texture. These acids can be mixed with a bleaching agent to correct uneven pigmentation.

The process of applying a medical strength glycolic peel/AHA solution should take no more than 10 minutes. Periodic treatments may be needed to achieve the desired result. An AHA peel affects the skin like sunburn. The skin will probably become red and dry then it will begin to flake and peel. The flaking should end within five days. Most people can return immediately to their normal activities. It is important to avoid the sun during the heeling process after a chemical peel. A commitment must be made to the continued aggressive use of sun block. Overexposure to the sun hastens the aging process and can reverse the effects of the peel. Photodamage is the term used to describe skin damage from the sun.

At DermaFACE we truly believe in the anti-ageing benefit of chemical peels, and as such we offer peels to suit all ages and skin types. We can tailor your chemical peel treatment to suit your lifestyle/work commitments.

Deep TCA 14% Peels (there will be some down time with this peel).

Deep TCA peels are carried out using trichloroacetic acid (TCA). TCA peels are used to treat fine wrinkles and superficial blemishes.   This will require some down time.  A full-face TCA peel should take no more than 5 minutes. The solution may sting when it is first applied, but the feeling will pass quickly. A course of TCA peels may be needed to obtain the desired result. After treatment a crust or scab may form on the treated area. After a number of days, the new skin should be apparent, and healing should have progressed enough to allow a return to normal activities. It is important to avoid the sun during the healing process after a chemical peel. A commitment must be made to the continued aggressive use of sun block. Overexposure to the sun hastens the ageing process and can reverse the effects of the peel.

What Chemical Peels are available at DermaFACE Clinic?

At our clinic we have two main types of Chemical Peel, Neostrata AHA which is a superficial peel with minimal down time, or Easy TCA which is a medium peel with downtime of 1-2 days due to the flaking off of skin over the weekend following treatment.  Here at DermaFACE we can time your peeling treatment so that you can peel over the weekend following treatment, or indeed peel during the week if that suits your lifestyle.  As a rule of thumb with a TCA peel you are best to get TCA peel on a Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning as you will peel over the following Friday/Saturday/Sunday.

What is Neostrata AHA Peel?

Neostrata AHA chemical peel is used for reconditioning of ageing and damaged skin, and the reduction of skin discolorations and acne scarring. A liquid containing 20-70 percent glycolic acid is applied to the face to provide controlled removal of damaged surface skin cells and stimulate skin renewal for an improved, more youthful appearance. The procedure takes about 15 minutes. The skin may appear red immediately following treatment. There is no down time with this peel, average recovery time is minimal. Results should be noticeable within 1-3 days. Treatment procedures vary depending on your needs and goals.

Are these chemical peels at DermaFACE stronger than those used in a beauty salon?

Absolutely, these solutions are medical strength chemical peels and are only for used by a trained clinician. These medical chemical strength peels, have a totally different pH and concentration to those found in high street salons. The Glycolic Acid Skin Renewal Peels come in four strengths—20, 35, 50 & 70% glycolic acid. These medical strength chemical peels are performed by trained physicians. The peels help to improve the appearance of environmentally damaged and aging skin and conditions such as mild to moderate acne.  Once you can tolerate the 20% concentration then you move up to 35% and so on, a course is required for best results.

What are Easy TCA Chemical Peels/Medium Peel?

For those who are looking to improve their overall skin smoothness, and reduce the visibility of fine wrinkles, medium chemical peels are perfect. Medium chemical peels are highly effective in promoting skin smoothness and vitality. They also improve superficial discoloration and eliminate fine wrinkles.

What are the Advantages of Easy TCA Chemical Peel?

A medium chemical peel will not only improve the color, freshness and texture of your face, but it also helps to improve skin tone and reduce the visibility of fine wrinkles and superficial discoloration, such as age spots. It may improve blotches and can sometimes improve dark circles under your eyes. Medium peels may be repeated every three to six months for optimal results. Unlike deep peels, medium peels may be performed safely on people with olive and light brown skin. They may also be used in some people with dark brown skin, although the risk of discoloration is higher.

What are the disadvantages of Easy TCA Chemical Peel?

Although you will see an improvement in the visibility of fine wrinkles, medium chemical peels offer no improvement for dynamic wrinkles. To achieve the best results, you should use skin care products before your peel and anticipate that two or more peels may be needed at three-month intervals.

What does the treatment involve?

Medium peels are performed as in office procedures and require 15 minutes. The actual chemical liquid is only left on the skin for a matter of minutes but it feels a little stingy. Your DermaFACE clinician will apply a chemical solution to your skin, one area at a time. When the desired depth has been achieved, your physician will neutralize the peel. After the neutralizer is applied, you will have no further discomfort. The tingling sensation lasts about two to ten minutes.

Once all areas have been neutralized, your skin will return to its normal color in 15 to 45 minutes. Your face will be covered with an ointment to keep your skin moist and promote healing. You will then be allowed to go home. Post operative pain medication is not required.

How long does recovery take?

Your face will initially appear red. Within a few days, your superficial layers of skin will start to flake and peel. Flaking is usually complete within two to three days. There will be no open wounds and no scabs.

Once your old skin has sloughed, your new skin will be bright and flushed. Once your skin has finished peeling, you may begin wearing makeup. You will physically be able to return to work immediately, but your appearance may preclude this. Most patients are able to comfortably organise their schedule so that you can time when exactly they will peel. You should resume your skin care program within two weeks of your procedure. Your flushed appearance will fade slowly over several weeks.