A chemical peel with no downtime?

Treatment name: Dermalogica BioSurface Peel

What it is: Dermalogica’s first ever chemical peel designed to treat hyperpigmentation, breakouts and fine lines. It has zero downtime and is suitable for all skin types.

Salon: Dermalogica Concept Store at the V & A Waterfront.

Recommended retail price: R690

What we say:
I’d been for one or two peels in the past, so I had an idea of what to expect when I was invited to try Dermalogica’s first ever peel, the BioSurface Peel. I’m always slightly nervous beforehand, as peels leave my skin tomato red and tight, with a reptile-like texture a couple of days later when the peeling starts. I heard that this treatment had zero downtime, so I was eager to find out if it was true.

After filling out my skin profile and chatting to the friendly staff, I was taken to my treatment room where my therapist started off by removing my make-up and cleansing my skin.

The peel gets applied in four steps, each layer containing different ingredients. The first layer was brushed onto my skin, and I can honestly say that I felt no discomfort whatsoever. The layers that followed gave me a slight tingling sensation, but none of the burning and itching feelings that I associated with peels in the past. Each layer stayed on my skin for a couple of minutes before the next one was applied, and in between all the applications I was treated with a lovely head and neck massage.

After the last layer had been removed from my skin, my therapist applied moisturiser and sunscreen, and I was set to go. I was surprised by how speedy the procedure was – I was out of the room within 40 minutes!

Best of all, the “no downtime” promise was 100% spot on. My skin wasn’t red afterwards, but instead felt and looked radiant. I had a noticeable glow for a couple of days after the peel, and except for a tiny bit on my nose and chin, I didn’t experience any dryness or peeling either.

I was given a little pack of sample products to take home and use for a few days after the peel, and also left with a post-peel instruction sheet and a face mapping chart and product recommendations.

Some of the active ingredients used include salicylic acid, enzyme actives such as pumpkin fruit enzymes and moth bean extract, lactic acid and sugar cane extract. Depending on your individual needs, it’s best to go for a series of three to six treatments.

All in all I was very impressed by the treatment and by the effects it had on my skin. I would definitely go for it again, especially if I have a special event or wedding coming up.
– Anien, BSA Content Editor

To make a booking, call the Dermalogica V & A Waterfront Concept Store on 021 418 0789.

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