Micro Peels

Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to your skin to destroy dead skin cells in a controlled fashion, so that new skin can grow and take its place.

The chemicals used in peels, sometimes called exfoliating or wounding agents, come in different strengths. The strength of the chemical determines how deeply it penetrates the skin.  Micro peels are superficial peels using the mildest type of chemical.

Dr George Marcells, an expert in facial rejuvenation, achieves superb results with the use of micro peels. Patients appreciate the improvements in skin tone and texture that come with a micro peel treatment, as well as the minimal down time and cost.

AHAs (alphahydroxy acids) including fruit, glycolic, and lactic acids are the mildest of the chemical solutions. They produce light peels that provide DrMarcells patients with smoother, brighter-looking skin.

What Is a Micro Peel?

A micro peel is a three-step in-office treatment to improve the look and feel of your skin. It combines the rejuvenating effects of a superficial chemical peel with the skin-refreshing benefits of microdermabrasion. It provides results superior to what either treatment can deliver alone.

Micro peels are appropriate for all skin types, including darker skin types. This treatment uses the mildest form of chemical solution, so it does not bleach the skin the way medium and deep peels do. For this same reason however, micro peels are not appropriate for treating deep scars or deep wrinkles. These issues may require treatment with deeper chemical peel solutions using trichloroacetic acid or phenol.

The benefits of a micro peel may be apparent after a single session, but a series of treatments is generally required to achieve optimal skin rejuvenation.

The Benefits of a Micro Peel

Dr Marcells recommends micro peels as an effective way to:

• Remove dead, dull, surface skin cells for glowing skin
• Improve skin texture for a flawless face
• Even out skin colour imperfections caused by sun damage
• Decrease the apparent size of pores for a more youthful complexion
• Improve superficial “crepe paper” wrinkles for more toned-looking skin

One of the important benefits of a micro peel is the long-term effect it has on your skin’s receptiveness to restorative emollients. This treatment allows for greater penetration of moisturisers, vitamins, and antioxidants, which are applied daily for the duration of the series of 6 treatments.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Micro Peel?

A good candidate for a micro peel is a healthy adult with realistic expectations about what the treatment can do to address minor skin imperfections such as:

• Fine facial lines or wrinkles
• Uneven skin colour
• Uneven skin texture
• Age spots
• Sun damage
• Clogged pores
• Minor scars

A poor candidate for a micro peel is anyone with:

• Severe rosacea
• Active acne
• Dermatitis
• Eczema

Although micro peels are not indicated for patients with the skin conditions listed above, DrMarcells can recommend non-ablative facial treatments such as photofacials that provide excellent results without damaging sensitive skin. 

How to Prepare for a Micro Peel

Micro peels are simple treatments that require virtually no pre-treatment care. That being said, DrMarcells recommends that patients do the following starting one week before their treatment:

• Stop smoking (to improve circulation of the blood to your skin)
• Stop using products that contain aspirin or salicylic acid
• Stop using any daily skincare products that contain glycolic acid
• Avoid sunbathing and sunbeds
• No collagen injections
• No facial waxing

What Happens During a Micro Peel Treatment?

Micro peels for facial rejuvenation are a three-step treatment that takes just 15 to 20 minutes.

• Step 1 – Remove Dead Skin Cells: First, a physical scraping or an enzyme solution is used to remove dead cells and debris from the skin surface.

• Step 2 –Remove Debris with Chemical Solution – A 15-30% percent glycolic or lactic acid is applied for a brief period of time (between 15 seconds and two minutes). This further cleans the skin surface and removes debris lodged inside the pores.

The agents we use here at About Face are sold to physicians only and are not the over-the-counter lactic or glycolic peels, which are buffered or esterified to make them safe for salons and the public to use.

• Step 3 – Cryogenic Therapy – The final step of this skin rejuvenation treatment involves the use of a ball of frozen carbon dioxide (dry ice). The ice ball is moved across the treatment area in even, circular motions to freeze and remove a micro-thin layer of cells from the skin surface.

Following the chemical peel a cocktail of hydration lotion, vitamin infusion serum, and sunblock are massaged into the area treated. 

Is a Micro Peel Painful?

A micro peel is not painful, and no anaesthesia is required. The treatment may cause a slight warming sensation as the abrasive microdermabrasion crystals gently slough away old and damaged layers of skin, but it is not uncomfortable. In fact, some of Dr Marcells’ patients have likened the experience to having a facial massage.

Discomfort may be experienced after treatment.After a micro peel your newly revealed layer of skin will be sensitive and require an extra dose of care, especially as far as the sun is concerned. You should be particularly careful about limiting your exposure to UV rays and wearing sunscreens.

Applying moisturising creams to hydrate and calm the skin can also prevent any potential irritation. An experienced aesthetician, registered nurse, or dermatologist will be able to suggest a facial cream or lotion that is best suited for your skin type.  

What Can I Expect After a Micro Peel Skin Treatment?

Following a micro peel, your skin may feel the way it does when you have a mild to moderate sunburn:

• Flaking
• Scaling
• Scabbing
• Redness
• Dryness
• Swelling

A moisturising cream is applied to prevent dryness. In some cases, ice or other stimulants may be applied. In most cases, these after-effects disappear as the skin adjusts to treatment, usually within a day or two. In rare cases, however, severe skin irritation may occur. The majority of Dr Marcells patients go back to work the same day or within 24 hours.

The Effects of a Micro Peel Skin Rejuvenation Treatment

The effects of a micro peel treatment to enhance facial complexion will become evident about two weeks after the first peel. Once the dead skin cells have had a chance to shed fully and new cells have come to the surface, your complexion looks fresh, glowing, and renewed.

In order to achieve optimal results, about six peels, each scheduled two weeks apart, are typically required. After that, maintenance peels are usually performed every one to three months.

Those unable to return for maintenance peels can expect results to fade after approximately six months.

Risks & Complications of Micro Peel Treatments

Dr Marcells discusses how any potential risks apply to each individual patient and how best those risks may be minimised or eliminated. He is happy to report that there is virtually no risk of infection or scarring with a micro peel.

Some people experience an allergic reaction to one of the chemical agents in a peel, but it is extremely rare. To guarantee our patients’ safety, we do a simple patch test before performing a whole treatment to ensure that there is no problem during the treatment. 

Book a Micro Peel Appointment

People have micro peel treatments to improve complexion, refresh their appearance and look as young as they feel. If you need more information about micro peels, dermabrasion, or other face-saving procedures performed by Dr Marcells and the About Face team, we invite you to contact uson 1300 555 095, or by using the contact form below.