The Fontmell Medical & Laser Clinic

CHEMICAL PEELS - OVERVIEW

HISTOLOGY OF THE SKIN

Knowledge of skin anatomy and histology is essential in understanding the chemical peeling process. Skin covers the entire external surface of the human body and serves as a  rotective barrier, preventing exposure of internal organs to trauma, heat and light radiation, moisture loss, penetration of chemical agents and bacteria. The skin also acts as a temperature regulator. Skin consists of three principal layers; epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layer. Epidermis: this is the most superficial layer of the skin that provides the first barrier of protection from the invasion of foreign substances into the body. The principal cells of the epidermis are called Keratinocytes. The epidermis is subdivided into the five following layers (beginning with the outermost layer):

Cells are formed at the innermost layer of stratum basale. They move up, changing shape and composition as they differentiate and become filled with keratin. They eventually reach the outermost layer or stratum comeum and are sloughed off. This process is called Keratinization and takes place within about 30- days. This layer of the skin is responsible for the look and health of the skin, as well as protecting it from moisture and penetrating bacteria. Dermis: this is the second layer of the skin whose primary function is to sustain
and support the epidermis, this is where most of skin appendages are located. The dermis is about five to seven times thicker than the epidermis. The dermis is composed of two layers, the more superficial papillary dermis and Papillary dermis: this thin upper layer of the dermis lies directly below the epidermis and consists of loose connective tissue containing capillaries, collagen and elastin fibres, pain and touch receptors. Reticular dermis: This bottom layer of the skin accounts for 80% of the dermis. Reticular dermis consists of a thicker layer of dense connective tissue containing larger blood vessels, cross-linked collagen and elastin fibres. Subcutaneous layer: this is located beneath the dermis and composed primarily of connective and fatty tissue. This layer is highly elastic and acts as a "shock absorber" to protect and support other delicate structures.

MECHANISM OF SKIN REJUVENATION

Chemical peeling creates changes in skin through three mechanisms:
• Stimulation of epidermal growth through removal of stratum comeum
• Distraction of specific layer of damaged skin, especially in treatments of pigmentation abnormalities and actinic keratosis
• Inducing production of new collagen.

Chemical peeling is an accelerated form of exfoliation created by the chemical agent. Light peeling agents induce a faster sloughing of the cell in the epidermis, whereas deeper peeling agents create inflammation in the dermis. Following the trauma to the skin, the wound healing process reorients the new skin connective tissue. Collagen remodeling is the main reason chemical peels decrease sun damage and reduce wrinkles. Dermal regeneration can take weeks to months. The epidermis however, heals in a few days giving the skin an improved appearance, more even skin colour, smoother texture and a healthier glow.

The SkinCeuticals Salicylic Peel

The SkinCeuticals Salicylic Peel minimizes the appearance of surface lines, smoothes out rough skin texture, aids in clearing acne and helps fade hyper-pigmentation. The in- office/in-spa treatments, can be accompanied by SkinCeuticals skin care products, used at home, pre and post treatment, and are designed to minimize down time. Dr Mark Palmer, leading cosmetic physician explains: "To many people, the very word peeling conjures up horror - the idea of going tomato red and chilli-pepper sore and then peeling like a snake over several days or weeks. However, this is one of the simplest, yet most effective, anti-ageing and anti-malignant skin treatments that there is." For optimal results, SkinCeuticals Gel Peel should be applied for a minimum of six sessions. In addition, the peel can be used as a companion treatment for other procedures including Class 4 laser treatments and IPL (Intense Putse Light). SkinCeuticals Gel Peel is available through dermatologists, plastic surgeons and licensed skin care professionals.