Skin peels have existed for over 3000 years, and historians tell us that ancient Egyptian women (including the Cleopatra) used to bathe in sour milk and rub their faces with fermented grapes to smooth the skin and enhance their beauty. They were improving their skin by what were the earliest forms of what is now is known as chemical peel.

Some of the ideal areas to treat are: the face, decolletage area, as well as the backs of the hands. Peels are used to rejuvenate the skin, improve its quality, remove wrinkles, improve acne scarring and reduce sun spots and pigmentation.

One of our most popular chemical peel is AFA which stands for “Amino acid Filaggrin based Antioxidants”.

AFA’s are a unique patented skincare technology based on the amino acids of your skin’s natural moisture system. This technology produces results quickly without the harsh dryness and irritation of other acid-based treatments.

AFAs have several unique advantages as topical anti-aging treatments:

1. AFAs promote greater moisture retention in human skin
2. AFAs have 3-fold greater antioxidant potency than AHAs
3. AFAs are very effective exfoliants
4. Patients notice visible improvement quickly (often within a few days)
5. AFAs are more powerful against photo-pigmentation (sun damage)
6. AFAs have little irritation when compared to AHAs
7. AFAs are not photosensitizing (sensitive to sunlight)

The skin is the largest organ in the body. It takes at least 27 days to fully regenerate, with the tough outer layer of the skin acting as an impenetrable barrier protecting the body from injury, infection, pollution and harmful sunrays. It also acts as a barrier which can’t be penetrated by many expensive over the counter creams. With the process of peeling we are speeding up the regeneration of the skin and allowing the healthy new skin to come to the surface. In addition, chemical peeling stimulates new collagen growth which will result in long-term improvement of your skin.

The treatments last 15-30 minutes and involve gently applying the special peel solutions to the treatment areas. Depending on your skin type, condition and desired results your skincare professional will recommend one of the two treatments – AFA gel peel or AFA Clay peel. A series of 3 to 6 treatments is usually recommended.

The peel solutions are neutralized once the correct amount of peeling is achieved, and an aftercare cream is applied.

Superficial peels can cause mild stinging effect, similar to mild sunburn. With some of the stronger peels there can be a temporary burning sensation, which is controlled by application of a neutralizer.

A chemical peel is usually a very safe procedure when performed by a qualified and experienced aesthetician. For people with certain skin types, there is a small risk of developing a temporary or permanent color change in the skin.

Inform your treating professional if you have a history of keloids (scar tissue overgrowth) or any unusual scarring tendency.

Immediately after the peel, your skin will feel tight and may be red. Any visible peeling will be light and fluffy and easily controlled with moisturizer. Peeling usually lasts 3-5 days, depending on the actual peel treatment. Use of gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen is important, as it will enhance the healing process and results. Normal activity may be resumed after the peel, however strenuous exercise and heavy sweating should be avoided for 2-3 days. Peeling skin should be allowed to slough off naturally; picking or peeling of flaking skin should be avoided as it may lead to scarring.