In the pursuit of radiant and rejuvenated skin, facial treatments have evolved to offer innovative solutions. Among the transformative options gaining popularity are chemical peels and microneedling. These procedures, with their distinct approaches, aim to address various skin concerns and unveil a refreshed complexion. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the intricacies of facial chemical peels and microneedling, shedding light on their benefits, differences, and the transformative power they hold.
Chemical Peels: The Basics
Facial chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin, causing controlled exfoliation and peeling. The purpose is to remove damaged outer layers of skin, revealing a smoother, more even-toned complexion underneath.
Types of Chemical Peels:
Superficial Peels: These peels use mild acids (such as alpha-hydroxy acids) to exfoliate the outer layer of the skin. They are ideal for addressing fine lines, mild discoloration, and improving overall skin texture. Superficial peels typically have minimal downtime.
Medium Peels: Medium peels penetrate deeper into the skin using stronger acids (such as trichloroacetic acid). They are effective for treating moderate skin imperfections, including age spots, wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation. Downtime may be longer compared to superficial peels.
Deep Peels: Deep peels use strong acids, such as phenol, to deeply penetrate the skin. They are reserved for more severe skin concerns, including deep wrinkles and significant sun damage. Deep peels have a more extended recovery period and require careful post-treatment care.
Benefits of Facial Chemical Peels
Exfoliation and Renewal: Chemical peels remove dead skin cells, promoting cellular turnover and revealing a fresh layer of skin. This results in a brighter and more youthful complexion.
Improved Texture and Tone: By addressing uneven pigmentation, sun damage, and fine lines, chemical peels contribute to a smoother and more even skin texture.
Reduced Acne and Acne Scarring: Chemical peels can help reduce acne breakouts and diminish the appearance of acne scars by promoting skin renewal.
Enhanced Product Absorption: Following a chemical peel, the skin becomes more receptive to skincare products, allowing for better absorption and efficacy.
How many chemical peels are needed before I see results?
Remember, patience is key when it comes to investing in your skin. Results from chemical peels often become more apparent over time as the skin goes through the natural process of shedding old, damaged layers and revealing fresh, rejuvenated skin. We expect results to start showing after approximately 2 weeks, although this varies between individuals.
The majority of people will notice a difference from just a single peel - including a brighter, more even appearance of skin tone. For superficial and medium depth peels, a series of up to 3-6 peels, spaced a few weeks apart, is often recommended for optimal results.
Microneedling: The Basics
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves the use of a device with fine needles that create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This process stimulates the natural production of collagen and elastin, leading to skin renewal and rejuvenation.
Types of Microneedling Devices:
Dermarollers: Dermarollers have a cylindrical shape with needles that roll across the skin. While effective, they may be less precise than other microneedling devices.
Microneedling Pens: Microneedling pens use a motorised, pen-like device with adjustable needle lengths to create controlled micro-injuries with precision. At Coral Aesthetics, we use SkinPen Precision - the only FDA approved microneedling device which is also first choice for the NHS.
Radiofrequency Microneedling: This advanced form of microneedling combines traditional microneedling with radiofrequency energy, providing enhanced collagen stimulation and skin tightening.
Benefits of Microneedling
Collagen Production: Microneedling stimulates the production of collagen, a vital protein that contributes to skin elasticity and firmness. Increased collagen improves the overall texture and tightness of the skin.
Reduced Fine Lines and Wrinkles: The renewal of collagen and elastin fibers helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a more youthful complexion.
Scar Reduction: Microneedling is effective in reducing the appearance of scars, including acne scars and surgical scars, by encouraging the growth of new, healthy skin.
Evened Skin Tone: The renewal process triggered by microneedling can address hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and uneven skin tone, leading to a more balanced complexion.
Minimised Pore Size: Microneedling can contribute to a reduction in pore size, enhancing the overall smoothness of the skin.
How many sessions of SkinPen Microneedling are required?
The number of sessions of microneedling with a device like SkinPen can vary based on individual skin concerns, the desired results, and the recommendation of your skincare professional. Here's a general guideline:
Mild Concerns (Maintenance):
For those seeking mild improvements or as a preventive measure, a single session may be sufficient.
Some individuals incorporate microneedling into their skincare routine every few months for ongoing benefits.
Moderate Concerns (Collagen Stimulation, Fine Lines):
A series of 3 to 6 sessions, spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart, may be recommended.
This allows for collagen stimulation and noticeable improvements in concerns like fine lines and overall skin texture.
Acne Scars, Pigmentation, and More Severe Concerns:
For more significant issues such as acne scars or pronounced pigmentation, a series of 6 or more sessions may be suggested.
The sessions are often spaced a bit closer together, such as every 4 weeks.
Professional Assessment:
It's crucial to consult with a skincare professional or dermatologist who can assess your specific skin concerns and recommend a tailored treatment plan.
The number of sessions needed can be adjusted based on how your skin responds to the treatments.
Maintenance and Follow-up:
After the initial series, some individuals opt for maintenance sessions every few months to sustain results.
The frequency of follow-up sessions can be personalized based on your skincare goals and the condition of your skin.
Note:
Results from microneedling are gradual and may continue to improve in the weeks and months following each session.
Consistency in sessions and adherence to post-treatment care are essential for optimal results.
Always follow the specific recommendations provided by your skincare professional to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the microneedling treatment.
Combining Chemical Peels and Microneedling
Can you have a chemical peel and microneedling session done at the same time? Yes!
Whilst we usually recommend 2 weeks between these treatments, there are some occasions where, when used together, they can offer synergistic benefits. The exfoliation provided by chemical peels prepares the skin for microneedling, allowing for better penetration of the micro-injuries and enhancing the overall rejuvenation process.
Combined Benefits:
Enhanced Collagen Stimulation: The dual approach of chemical peels and microneedling maximises collagen stimulation, leading to more robust and longer-lasting results.
Optimised Texture and Tone: By addressing both surface imperfections through chemical peels and promoting deeper skin renewal with microneedling, the combination optimises overall skin texture and tone.
Holistic Rejuvenation: The complementary nature of these treatments allows for a more comprehensive rejuvenation of the skin, addressing various concerns simultaneously.
At Coral Aesthetics we offer medical grade facials including chemical peels and microneedling.
Our go to brands are Alumier and Skin Pen Precision.
"Hi! I'm Nurse Coral, an experienced aesthetic nurse who is passionate about providing natural enhancements to help people feel confident and beautiful. My clinics are based in the City of London, Essex & Kent.
You can book in for a consultation with me here, or simply reach out with any queries by emailing info@coralaesthetics.co.uk and I'll get back to you!"