Skin Rejuvenation Treatments - Pigmentation Peel
Human skin tones vary around the world primarily due to a pigment called melanin. People of all complexions essentially have the same number of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin; however in darker complexions more melanin is produced than in lighter complexions.
The production of melanin can be stimulated by several factors including UV exposure, hormones and injury (usually associated with acne). The overproduction of this pigment can result in an undesired uneven skin tone, known as hyperpigmentation, in people of any skin type or colour. Left untreated and unprotected, these discolourations become darker and more obvious with age.
Hyperpigmentation that is triggered by over exposure to UVA may take up to 10 to 20 years to develop. This uneven skin tone is usually characterised with brown spots or patches on the face, hands, arms, shoulders and decollete – the areas generally most exposed to the sun. These discoloured patches are also referred to as age spots, liver spots or solar lentigines.
Hyperpigmentation that occurs as a result of hormonal changes as a result of pregnancy or birth control pills, is known as melasma or chloasma. It is also called “the mask of pregnancy”.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) may be caused by any injury or trauma to the skin that results in inflammation. Acne is often the cause and picking or popping a pimple increases the chances of PIH.
The good news is that hyperpigmentation as described above can be treated, with excellent results. At Skincare InsideOut, we use Image Skincare’s Lightening Lift Peel treatment which targets pigmentation at the source. It is a blend of AHA exfoliator lactic acid and pigment suppressors including kojic acid (derived from mushrooms) and bearberry, as well as polypeptides, Vitamin C and chamomile. The use of lactic acid in this peel allows a greater comfort level during the treatment, and provides a greater exfoliation to allow deeper penetration of the kojic acid. It helps reduce pigmentation, including stubborn melasma. It is free of parabens, chemical preservatives, colours and fragrances.
A course of 6 treatments, scheduled 2 weeks apart is recommended to lighten, brighten and refresh pigmented skin.
The full use of our Image pigmentation targeted skincare before and after the treatment is essential as the skin needs key ingredients to be used on a daily basis to continue and increase the effect of the peel. The daily use of broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen is essential to maintain results and prevent recurrence.
A full consultation is required before each treatment to assess your suitability for it.
At first they weren’t too noticeable, I could cover them with make-up and resigned myself to this result of sun exposure and hormones but over time the pigmentation became more prominent and spread to my cheeks and upper lip. My skin looked awful and I soon found I was having to wear make-up everyday to cover the unsightly patches.
A friend told me about Susan and I decided to go along to find out what she had to offer and if she could help. From the first consultation I felt relaxed and confident that Susan understood my problem and more importantly that the treatments may help. I couldn’t have dreamed the results would be so effective and in such a short space of time! Susan really does know her stuff, the ‘biology lesson’ on how skin works was a real eye opener for me, I now understand how to look after my skin and what the products I’m using are doing for me.
The skin pigmentation peel is not only effective but is painless and leaves the skin absolutely glowing, I was worried my skin would look red and sore afterwards but this was not the case and I couldn’t believe how great the results were.
Through regular treatments and the fabulous recommended skincare products the patches have cleared and my skin looks fresh and feels healthy. I’m a convert and would truly recommend a trip to Skincare InsideOut to everyone!
before
after
Pigmentation Peel FAQ
Who benefits from a Pigmentation Lightening Lift Treatment?
This treatment is suitable for men and women of all skin types with an uneven skin tone. It helps lighten and reduce the appearance of dark spots or patches caused by over exposure to the sun, hormonal changes or injury.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on the condition of your skin. Typically we would recommend a course of 6 treatments scheduled 2-4 weeks apart. Maintenance treatments and ongoing targeted skincare for home use are also recommended to maintain results. We will advise you on what is the best programme for your skin.
As a matter of course, our progamme consists of three phases:
- Prepare – Stimulate through daily use of Image cosmeceutical grade skincare at home
- Correct – Improve through a series of clinical resurfacing treatments
- Maintain – Enhance with monthly maintenance programme, including Image homecare products
How do I prepare my skin before a peel treatment?
- We will recommend an Image skincare home care programme that would specifically suit the condition of your skin. You need to be using these products for at least 2-4 weeks before your treatment. These products are essential to prepare your skin for even exfoliation and allow for greater penetration of the peel ingredients during treatment and for best results. It accelerates healing and minimises post treatment peeling or shedding.
- One week before the Pigmentation Lightening Peel treatment, we recommend avoiding the following:
- Facial waxing
- Exfoliating or use of depilatory creams in the treatment area
- Sun exposure/heat treatments/ sun beds
- Any Vitamin A products
- Retin A cream
- 2-3 days before the Pigmentation Lightening Peel treatment, stop using any AHA/BHA product.
We will go through a thorough consultation and answer any queries before we schedule your treatment.
How do I look after my skin at home after my treatment?
- We will provide you with a post-treatment skincare kit (included in the cost of your treatment) which you should use the day after your treatment. This kit should last 3-5 days. Do not use any other skincare products during this period. In order to enhance and maintain the results of your treatment, the use of our recommended cosmeceutical grade products are highly recommended from then on
- We recommend that you use only our skin-healthy BPC, Image or ASAP Mineral Make-up .
- Do not pick at any peeling/flaking skin.
- Avoid sun exposure and the daily use of broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF30 min) is a must.
We will go through pre and post
What can I expect during my peel treatment?
The treatment is stimulating but not painful. You may experience some temporary stinging or warm flushing but this will fade within a few minutes. After your peel your skin will feel clean and glowing and you may feel some tightening of the skin which can last several days. You will be able to return to work immediately.
What is the recovery time and what can I expect post treatment?
The post-peel response varies depending on the home-care products you are using, lifestyle and condition of your skin. It is important to ‘prep’ you skin, using our recommended targeted skincare at home for at least 2 weeks prior to your first peel. This will minimise post-peel shedding of the skin and will optimise the delivery of the peel for best results.
For most clients, mild flaking usually occurs within 48 hours. You might experience mild dryness, tightness and light peeling for 1-7 days post treatment. This is a positive result.
Can I wear make-up post treatment?
We recommend that you use only our skin-healthy BPC, Image or ASAP Mineral Make-up ranges. They can be worn immediately after the peel. They are naturally anti-bacterial and give added protection and nourishment to post-treatment skin. They support the healing process, giving excellent coverage at the same time.
Overall I am delighted with how things are going. It feels far cleaner and does not have so much of the rough texture that it had for so many years. The eye cream is doing well too – again my skin feels far softer in that area than it has for many years.
Thank you very much – it’s only 8 days since the treatments started and I did not expect to see a result so soon!
