Chemical peels are versatile and can address a range of skin concerns, including acne, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, uneven skin tone and fine lines. The specific peel used and its concentration will depend on your skin type and concerns.

Chemical peels cause patients minimal pain.  While you may experience a slight tingling, tightness, or a change in the temperature of your skin, chemical peels are not painful.  Your therapist will monitor your reaction to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure.

The downtime after a chemical peel can vary depending on the peel’s strength and your skin’s sensitivity. Some peels may result in mild redness and flaking for a few days, while others may require more downtime. 

24 hours post-peel your skin will likely feel a little tight and appear slightly flushed. Within 3 days your skin might start to flake but within the week you will start to see clearer, more uniform skin tone. Over a course of 4-6 peels, results will be even more visibly profound. 

Skin purging is a supercharged cleanse for your complexion. It is usually caused by an active ingredient in a skincare product or a process that speeds up the skin’s cell shedding and renewal phase i.e. Microneedling  or Chemical Peels. These ingredients and technologies stimulate the cell renewal turnover rate leaving behind clearer, smoother skin. Before we get to our clear and smooth skin state, we sometimes have to battle through a skin purge.

While the process of purging skin itself isn’t pretty, the results are usually worth it. Let’s take a closer look at skin purging, what purging skin can look like and how long it lasts.

Skin purging is often the result of introducing ingredients like retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, PHA, chemical peels, Microneedling and even lasers that can kickstart your skin’s cell renewal and bring all the debris under your skin to the surface, which, in the short term, can cause breakouts and redness. If you are prone to Acne or have previously been prone to Acne, the chances of purging are significantly higher.

HOW LONG DOES SKIN PURGING LAST?

Purging follows our skin’s natural cell renewal, so the full benefits of purging won’t reveal themselves for between four to six weeks after your in clinic treatment or four to six weeks after starting your new skin care regime.

In the long run, skin purging helps us shed dead skin cells more effectively which reduces pore-clogging build-up and breakouts, and it does settle down after a few weeks. But you do have to buckle in and ride out a few weeks of discomfort to see the best results. 

HOW TO TREAT YOUR SKIN WHEN IT IS PURGING

During this turbulent time for your skin, it is important to be kind to it.

Stick to gentle and basic skincare to avoid further inflammation; a gentle cleanser, a soothing hydrating moisturiser, and sunscreen during the day. If a certain product has caused the purge, don’t stop using this but do limit its use, 2 times a week would be good to continue with. If an in clinic treatment has caused your Purge i.e. Microneedling, leave your skin 4-6 weeks from your last session and then book in for another session. Continuing with the treatment will help you break through the purge and eventually, it will stop happening. 

Idea of an AM/PM skincare routine whilst going through a skin purge:

AM:

Medik8 Gentle Cleanse
Medik8 Press & Clear
Medik8 Hydr8 B5
Medik8 Daily Radiance Vit C + SPF

PM:

Medik8 Gentle Cleanse
Medik8 Hydr8 B5
Medik8 Advanced Night Restore

Direct to spots only:  Medik8 Blemish SOS

Medik8 Aftercare Kits are available to purchase in clinic, for post-treatment skin. Designed specifically to help compromised or delicate skin recover after a professional treatment.

• Do not consume alcohol at least 24 hours before as it can thin the blood and increase the possibility of bruising
• Avoid medications like blood thinners, aspirin or anti-inflammatories 1 week prior to your treatment
• Avoid other facials treatments at least 1 week prior to your treatment
• Avoid Botox or dermal fillers 2 weeks before your treatment
• Avoid extensive sun exposure and the use of tanning beds 3 days prior to your treatment
• Avoid any hair removal including, laser or waxing to the area 7 days prior to treatment area
• Do not use active topicals 3 days prior to your treatment including retinoids, acids, scrubs and exfoliators

• Keep hydrated
• DO NOT take any anti-inflammatories as these will interfere with the natural inflammatory process which is vital for skin rejuvenation
• Do not consume alcohol for 48 hours
• Avoid touching the treated area
• Avoid long showers and hot baths for 24 hours after treatment
• Avoid swimming, saunas and spa environments for 3 days
• Avoid exercise and sweating for 12 hours
• Avoid direct sun exposure, including sunbeds for 7 days post facial
• Avoid any other cosmetic treatments e.g. Botox or dermal fillers for 2 weeks
• Do not wash your face or use any products for 12 hours. Then you can cleanse your face as normal and apply your usual products minus the products listed below
• Do not use active topicals 7 days after your treatment including retinoids, acids, scrubs and exfoliators
• Do not apply makeup for 24 hours as this can increase the risk of infection
• Avoid any perfumes, fake tan or other harsh chemicals for 72 hours
• Ensure your makeup brushes and tools are cleaned and sanitised
• Do not have any other treatments for 2 weeks post microneedling/dermaplaning and 4 weeks before another session
• Sterilise glasses and sunglasses before applying onto your face
• Sleep on a clean pillowcase
• Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin (minimum 30)

• Medik8 Aftercare Kits are available to purchase in clinic, for post-treatment skin. Designed specifically to help compromised or delicate skin recover after a professional treatment.

• Nut Allergy (Due to Mandelic Acid content)
• Coldsores (herpes virus)
• Granulomas
• Active Infections (skin)
• Prone to keloid scarring
• Accutane in the past 6 months to 1 year
• Prescription retinol in the past 2 weeks
• Waxing of the area to be treated in the past 7 days
• An allergy to Aspirin
• Allergy/hypersensitivity to certain skincare ingredients/topicals 
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding mothers
• Body Dysmorphia
• Unrealistic Expectations
• Blood thinning medication
• Epilepsy
• Papustular Rosacea
• Open Lesions
• Solar Keratosis
• Skin Cancer
• Haemophilia
• Autoimmune diseases
• Uncontolled diabetes