How chemical peels can give you a glowing, healthy appearance in winter

Article medically reviewed by Dr. Gavin Chan

Templestowe Lower, Berwick and Beaumaris Clinics

Dr. Gavin Chan, MBBS, General Registration (MED0001175745), founder of the Victorian Cosmetic Institute, began offering cosmetic medical treatments in 2004. Formerly a trainer for cosmetic pharmaceutical companies, Dr. Chan currently concentrates on offering ongoing training to cosmetic doctors at the Victorian Cosmetic Institute. He ensures that all doctors stay updated with the latest procedures and methods in the cosmetic industry. Read More

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Since the weather has turned cooler, have you noticed that your skin has become prone to breakouts and dryness, making your face feel tight and look unhealthy? Don’t worry; you’re not alone with experiencing dry skin in winter. As the temperature gets cooler there is less humidity in the air, which results in your skin drying out and becoming vulnerable to flaking and itchiness. Heated environments including your car, office and home exacerbate this water loss.

During winter you can help your skin stay glowing and healthy through staying well hydrated by drinking plenty of water, controlling inflammation, exfoliating and using good quality skincare. Another way to keep your skin hydrated and looking healthy during winter is to have a series of chemical peels. Skin Therapist Nash Tsolos explains “chemical peels are an effective way to regenerate, resurface and refresh the skin. They can treat a variety of conditions and concerns for patients including skin pigmentation and hydration.”

How lactic peels can make your skin look and feel youthful and glowing

Skin Therapist Nash Tsolos treated her patient with a lactic peel to add hydration while giving her face a healthy glow. Because lactic peels are quite superficial, the downtime is minimal with most patients only experiencing slight redness on their face for up to 24 hours after them. One of the most hydrating lactic peels we use is Synergie’s Enzyme Hydro peel. This is considered to be an ‘entry level’ lactic peel as it can be performed on any skin type.

Before the lactic peel Skin Therapist Nash Tsolos thoroughly cleansed (1.15) her patient’s face with Synergie Ultra Cleanse. As she applied Synergie’s Enzyme Hydro peel (2.00) she explained the importance of watching for skin erythema, a superficial reddening of the skin. After waiting for a few minutes, the “self-neutralising peel deactivates itself once it reaches the level in they skin they need to be at.” To ensure the peel has totally deactivated, Skin Therapist Nash Tsolos then thoroughly cleansed her patient’s face before applying Synergie Vitamin B serum. She notes that this serum can improve skin immunity and health.

To ensure her patient’s skin was protected from the sun, after the lactic peel Nash Tsolos applied Synergie Uberzinc. Suitable for all skin types, this product is a combination of sunscreen, moisturiser and primer that offers broad spectrum protection in a light, natural base.

After the lactic peel (3.20) the patient’s skin fresh and glowing. This type of peel has minimal down time with only mild flaking of skin for 24-48 hours. Makeup can be applied after the peel with Skin Therapist Nash Tsolos with mineral based makeup being the best option.

What are the different types of superficial chemical peels?

Suggesting that you have a chemical peel when your skin feels dry and tight may seem strange. However, because chemical peels regenerate and resurface the skin, they can make your skin look and feel fresher and more hydrated. Our chemical peels remove the top layers of your skin to help induce collagen remodelling. This can help improve sun-damaged skin, skin pigmentation and skin texture. Since 2002, led by Dr Gavin Chan our team of highly experienced and trained Cosmetic Doctors, Cosmetic Nurses and Skin Therapists have used chemical peels to improve thousands of patients skin. The type of skin type, condition and concern you have will determine the strength of the chemical peel we will use.

Superficial chemical peels include:

Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) peels – lactic acid peel

Lactic acid naturally occurs in the body. This type of chemical peel can be performed at varying strengths. To induce collagen formation, lactic acid peels remove the top layer of your skin. There is less chance of allergic reactions occurring with this type of peel because lactic acid is a natural human metabolite.

Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) peels

The main ingredient of BHA peels is salicylic acid. We generally use these if you are acne prone or have an oily skin type. BHA peels can penetrate deeper in this type of skin environment and are oil soluble.

Retinoic acid peels

The main ingredient used in well-known skin products with retinoids is retinoic acid. This acid helps to increase the turnover rate of the skin to make it perform more like a ‘younger skin’. It stimulates collagen production, inhibits growth of harmful bacteria, and restores the immune system while sealing moisture within your skin.

Modified Jessner’s peel

This combination peel combines alpha and beta hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, lactic acid, resorcinol and Kojic acid. Resorcinol is derived from phenol and is highly effective in resurfacing the skin.

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel 10-20%

We use this peel at lower concentrations to provide superficial resurfacing of your skin. This improves your skin texture, wrinkles, and pigmentation.

The best skincare to use over winter to stay hydrated and glowing with health

Are you using the same skincare products all year? Your skin needs different types of skincare that is dependent on the weather and climate. To keep your skin hydrated and healthy over winter, we suggest you consider using Dermaceutic K Ceutic repairing cream. This highly nourishing and hydrating cream contains Aloe Vera, Vitamins C, E and K and has the added benefit of 50+ SPF. Dermatologically tested, your skin will look fresh and dewy as it’s protected, soothed and repaired.

If you’re unsure about which products will suit your skin, our highly experienced and trained Skin Therapists can help you tailor a skincare regime. Book your skin consultation by calling us on 1300 863 824.

How to make sure you skin stays hydrated and healthy over winter

If you feel like your skin is dehydrated, cracked and dry a series of Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) peels (also known as lactic acid peel) can be an effective way to remove the top layers of your skin cells to induce new collagen to form. It’s important to note that there are different types of chemical peels that vary in strength.

During your consultation with our highly trained and experienced Skin Therapists they will:

• Assess all areas of your skin,
• Take photographs to track your progress,
• Talk to you about your areas of concern,
• Discover any underlying skin conditions,
• Advise you on the best skin care regime and products to suit your skin type and condition,
• Provide you with a transdermal analysis using the latest technology.

Skin consultation appointments and lactic acid peels are available at Berwick and Lower Templestowe. To book your skin consultation in, contact our Customer Care Team on 1300 863 824 or fill out our enquiry form below.