MONU Resurface Skin Peel
As a Complementary Therapist with a special interest
in natural treatments, ie those using natural ingredients, I often get asked
about chemical peels. It is a treatment that I offer within my salon, however, I
sometimes wonder if the name ‘chemical peel’ gives the impression that it is
harsh or damaging treatment for the skin. These thoughts led to me writing this
so that I may answer some common questions and reveal the facts behind the
treatments that I choose to offer at Tranquility. There are different types of
Skin Peels, the deep level peels offered by medical practitioners and nurses and
superficial peels that work only on the upper layers of the skin offered by
Beauty and Skin Professionals. It is the latter, the superficial peels that I
wanted to talk about here.
First, we need to understand the skin and how
it renews itself. You will often hear the term ‘skin renewal’ or ‘cell renewal’
being used when selling products or treatments as a benefit. The skin consists
of layers, three main layers, the Hypodermis (the deeper layer) and the
Dermis
(the mid-layer), and the Epidermis (the upper layer).
So in basic terms, the layers of the Epidermis have
new cells at the basal layer and these gradually move upwards, becoming
harder, flatter, and thinner until they for the uppermost layer, the Stratum
Corneum. It is this layer that holds the dead skin cells on the surface. It
is there to protect our skin, keeping out water, impurities and generally
being ‘tougher’.
In normal skin, these cells ‘renew’ or slough off
the dead layer approximately every 28 days or so, although, this depends on
skin types and skin conditions, revealing a fresher, newer, more ‘glowing’
skin.
This process can be slower as our skin ages, or on a drier
skin type or condition. Oilier skins can also hold onto these cells as they
‘stick to the surface more readily. If this tougher layer is left on the
surface of the skin, it can create a number of problems including:
* Dull looking skin
* Clogging pores
*
Worsening the appearance of fine lines
* Making skin products less
effective
* Patchy, uneven make up
These are just to name a few.
In short, to keep our skin looking glowing, clear and youthful we need to
remove this layer. How do we do this? Exfoliation of course! Keeping up so
far? Excellent! Most of us are familiar with the good old face scrub (which
should be gentle I may add) and we usually use these between 1 and 3 times a
week depending on our skin. These scrubs loosen any dead loose, flaky skin
cells from the surface leaving our complexion a little smoother and
brighter. Fab! I hear you say! Job done? well… no actually, sadly not.
Whilst a scrub is definitely a good thing, it does not necessarily remove
all of our dead skin cells.
There is another form of exfoliation that is key to
achieving the most glowing of complexions. Chemical Exfoliation. A chemical
exfoliator basically dissolves the bonds that adhere the dead skin cells to
the surface, thus, removing the ones stuck and left behind that our friend,
the scrub, did not remove. This brings me on to the Chemical bit.( yes…I
know I get there in the end!) These ‘chemicals’, are primarily made up
of acids, of which there are many types having different actions upon and
within the skin. Here I want to talk about the ones most commonly used in
beauty treatments and products. These are AHA’s, BHA’s, and the newer PHA’s
( although these are much newer but are starting to filter down into our
skincare brands). AHA’s or Alpha Hydroxy Acids are derived from natural
substances such as fruits and sugars and usually contain a blend of Glycolic
Acid, Lactic Acid, and Vitamin C and BHA or Beta Hydroxy Acids usually
involve Salicylic Acid which originates from Willow.
These are all
derived from naturally occurring substances. These ingredients are used in
skin peels as an intensive skin treatment to exfoliate the skin at different
levels depending on the strength of the ingredients used. For example,
Vitamin C has a brightening effect on the skin whereas Salicylic Acid is
renowned for its ability to clean down within the pores whilst also being
very calming on the skin so is therefore very helpful in treating acne-prone
skins. This type of peel is usually best taken as a course as prescribed by
your Specialist to gradually brighten and smooth or resurface the
complexion. There are also ranges of products to use at home in a lower
strength formula designed to be used more frequently to keep the skin
glowing and enhance the effects of the peel. These treatments and products
have considerable benefits to a great many skin concerns including ageing,
pigmentation, spot-prone skin and acne.
Are they damaging? If used
correctly, and according to instructions, then no, I do, however, believe
that ‘over exfoliating’ can have a negative effect on the skin, causing
dehydration and sensitivity but these would all be temporary and again all
Specialist recommendations should be followed. Along with most things in
life….all things in moderation!
So….this brings me to our original
question. Chemical Peels… Friend or Foe?….For me? They are
a ‘Girls (and a boy’s!) best friend!
I feel it is worth mentioning
that I would never advise a deep skin peel unless advised to do so by a
Qualified Medical Professional. This type of peel usually involves removal
of the Epidermal layers and therefore requires healing time. The superficial
peels discussed above do not require any healing time as they are only
removing dead skin cells.
Monu Resurface and Peel
This peel treatment is tailored to your individual needs. The full facial experience cleanses & tones the skin, incorporating a scrub followed by the application of the MONU Peel. A hydrating mask is then applied whilst you relax into a sensuous head massage.
MONU Collagen Plus Facial
Effectively reduce the signs of ageing with the
intensive Hydra Lift Collagen Facial. Formulated using freeze-dried
collagen, this unique treatment delivers an instant boost of hydration to
rapidly increase the skins ability to retain moisture. Wrinkle depth is
reduced and fine lines smoothed for a refreshingly younger look.
This luxury treatment is ideal for those wishing to treat dry, dehydrated or
prematurely aged skin in one simple step. Providing instant and concentrated
hydration to the face and neck, our use of a 99% Collagen Veil quickly
plumps and firms skin whilst restoring optimum moisture levels.
What does the Collagen Plus
The use of a 99% Collagen veil actively targets signs
of ageing by improving elasticity, restoring optimum moisture levels and
preventing water loss whilst renewing and repairing skin cells. As a result,
skin is firmed, wrinkle depth reduced and vitality restored.
* Ideal
for anyone with dry or dehydrated skin in need of soothing and hydrating.
* Elasticity and cell renewal is increased to reveal soft, smooth and
vibrant skin.
*Improve hydration by up to 75%
*Reduces wrinkle depth
by up to 40%
Unique | Natural | Proven
We shed on average 20,000 skin cells daily, this is a
natural process that enables fresh new cells to come to the surface of the
skin. When we are young the shedding process takes 28 days, but as we get
older this process of cell renewal and skin shedding slows dramatically.
Peels speed up this process to give your skin a fresh and healthy look.
What does the Peel do?
The incredibly effective treatment leaves you with a clean, clear and brighter complexion, evening out skin tone, texture and fine lines. The peel effectively exfoliates and resurfaces the skin.
How can the Peel help?
It helps with a range of skin concerns by bringing all the goodness from the new healthy cells to the surface, great to reduce the following:
*Wrinkle depth & fine lines
*Sun damage
*Breakouts, blocked & open pores
*Pigmentation
*Acne
Get the most from the peel
The MONU RESURFACE SKIN PEEL is recommended in a course to get the full benefit. Monu recommends one treatment a week for 6 weeks, then once a month for maintenance. The strength of the peel will be gradually build up as your course progresses.