Remember when our lunch hours used to be devoted to lunch? Now we're running to the bank and the pharmacy, getting our bangs trimmed and our cuticles clipped, and, in growing numbers, having our faces peeled. In the war against aging skin, chemical peels, have become a favorite weapon. I tried out the latest anti ageing procedure in my quest for younger looking skin - but did it hurt and, more importantly, did it work?
Here’s what I thought.
THE TREATMENT: Facial peel
WHERE? Advanced laser Light, 5 Upper Ely Place, Dublin 2, Tel: +353 1 661 0888COST: €90 to €130
WHAT IS IT?
IF you don't like the look of your skin, if it's coarse and dull, why not peel the surface away and start again? Sounds drastic, but peels are becoming more and more popular. The stars, as usual, are leading the way and the beauty press say peels have become one of the most popular pre-Oscar treatments. I've not been invited to any Hollywood premieres recently, but decided to have a peel anyway, just in case.
Peels remove the layer of dead cells that accumulates on the skin's surface and creates a dry, mottled, or even coarse look. They can also remove blemishes, while fine lines are literally peeled away. In the bad old days, peels carried a risk of permanent scarring and left the patient looking sunburned for weeks. Today, milder peels are available, although inevitably there is a trade-off; milder peels equal less dramatic results.
It can be baffling to choose between the various peels, but the important thing is to ask whether or not you'll look normal enough to go back to work that day. The safest option is the very superficial peel, but for visible, longer-term improvements, you'll have to sign up for three. The Image anti ageing peel is one of the treatments on offer at Advanced laser Light in Dublin. The peel and other invasive anti-wrinkle treatments such as laser and Botox are all available at the discreet salon, just off Baggot Street.
Image Skincare peels have become the "peel of choice" for many women – particularly those in their late 20s to late 40s, according to, Laura Murphy, Director the clinic. So far, it's mostly women who get the peels, but more men are having the procedure done, too. The peel has become so popular in the last year and a half it has been dubbed the "poor man's plastic surgery." Allure magazine called the procedure the "darling of dermatologists."
The cost for a single glycolic acid peel can range from €90 to €130 or more; the cost for a whole regime with repeated peels and pre- and post-procedure creams can cost up even more, depending on your area.
Glycolic acid is a natural substance found in sour milk, grapes, citrus fruits, apples and sugar cane. It is considered one of the most effective of the alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and acts to exfoliate or remove dry, dead cells while stimulating cell turnover, giving the face a fresher, smoother look. The stimulated skin develops more collagen, which is important in maintaining the skin's youthful appearance. According to Laura, AHAs can be used to treat skin problems such as acne, chicken-pox scarring, blotchiness, age spots, wrinkling, plugged pores, oily skin and sun damage.
But enough of the science – what was it actually like?
THE PEEL.
When I arrived at the salon , I was feeling more than a little nervous but at 41, I would do just about anything to look younger.One part of my mind was busy fantasizing that the treatment would give me the plump complexion of a teenager but, the other part, was terrified that I may end up with the bright red complexion ,Samantha, from Sex and the City ,made famous. Thankfully, my worst fears were calmed when, Laura, my therapist, explained to me that the Image Skincare peel, was one of the most gentle, yet effective, on the market. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this was an enjoyable and relaxing treatment and, apart from a little tingling, it was totally pain free. The added head back and shoulder massage Laura gave me helped to ease away my stress and help me truly relax.
IRRITATION: None
THE RESULT;
There's no doubt I was "glowing" when I left the salon, and later that night, and that the surface of my skin was also much smoother and clearer. For the next couple of days, my skin looked vibrant. For four or five days after that, the skin began to peel and looked a bit messy, but I applied lots of moisturiser and when the peeling finished, my skin seemed to have a much better texture.Since having this treatment, and using the Image Skincare program that Laura recommended,I have not needed to wear any foundation at all. That may sound like a little thing to you but as someone who has not dared leave the house without a full face of makeup, since the age of 15, this is an astonishing result. This is a real breakthrough - as opposed to a real breakout. I will definitely be repeating the treatment. One of the best skincare lines I have ever used...
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Check out this YouTube post I made all about it...
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