*Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. The product was provided by Dr Schrammek South Africa, though, the review therein is based on the author’s experience and opinion. Aesthetic Appointment reviews are intended to be for information purposes only, nor should they be regarded as a replacement for sound medical advice. Always speak to your doctor or skincare therapist if you have any concerns*
The first time I heard the everyday description of the Stratum Corneum- which is the outer layer of the epidermis, I really got into exfoliation. The “horny layer” is described as such because the cells are tough, full of keratin- a fibrous protein- and similar to horns and hooves belonging to animals. Now, I don’t know about you, but I certainly didn’t want my skin to be too horny, if you know what I mean.
Don’t get me wrong, the horny layer protects the skin from the external environment and regulates hydration. The body does get rid of the dead cells eventually, but- here it comes- as you age, this process slows down, so we need to help our skin along in order for it to be radiant and healthy looking, especially after exposure to dry, cold air, as in a Gauteng winter.
I do love a little hard-working acid, like lactic or glycolic, to loosen up those dry, dead skin cells and make room for the new. This is more of a chemical exfoliation. What I had never experienced, was a Green Peel, a medically refined biological method, courtesy of Dr Schrammek. It is safe, and natural and can be used on almost any skin type. So, on a cold, wintery morning I took myself off to Evolution Cosmetic in Parkwood, Johannesburg.
My wonderful, knowledgeable therapist, Boity, explained the essence of what the Green Peel is:
With a 60-year history behind it, The Green Peel has stood the test of time. It’s made up of a mixture of 8 herbs containing enzymes, minerals and vitamins which penetrate deep into the skin, doing the work from within, improving texture, pigmentation, acne marks or scarring and reducing lines.
Prepping my skin by a double cleanse and using a refreshing toner was the first step. Then the anti-bacterial Gel Super Purifiant was applied. This is a great anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory product containing peppermint oil which encourages vasodilation (widening of blood vessels, which increases blood flow). This makes the skin very receptive to the herbal mixture that follows.
The Green Peel blend was applied to my face and massaged into the skin for about 1 and a half minutes. It didn’t burn or hurt in any way, just felt like a good, robust physical exfoliation. There are different levels of intensity in this treatment, so to start, I had the “Fresh Up” which requires a light to medium pressure massage for about 1.30 minutes. This is a lovely way to get introduced to the Peel and it targets pigmentation and tired-looking skin.
As the herbs penetrate the skin they start getting to work, increasing blood circulation, increasing the natural production of new skin cells and lifting damaged skin to the surface.
Once the massage was over, my skin felt a bit scratchy and this was relieved by a post- treatment mask. This made my face feel quite warm and tingly.
To finish, Boity applied a Special Care Cream to my skin as well as a layer of Blemish Balm which really helped to reduce redness and was quite soothing as well. My skin looked radiant when I left.
As the herbs continued to work their magic throughout the day, my skin felt quite sensitive to touch, almost like a prickly, electric sensation. The home care kit which I was given (Dr Schrammek Cleanser, herbal Toner, Special Care cream and BB cream) really helped to calm the skin. The next day the redness had subsided and on the third day I had minimal peeling when I cleansed. By day 4 and 5 my skin sensitivity had returned to normal- but I had achieved a real glow and luminosity which is what healthy skin is all about.
Verdict:
I would absolutely recommend this Green Peel- but not for anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding.
Also, not great for Grade 3-4 Inflamed acne, or if you suffer from Rosacea or are on Roacutane or any cortisones.
All other skin types will enjoy the benefits of skin that is more resilient, elastic, firm and shows improvement in age related or sun damage disorders.
A Green Peel is wonderful once every 4-6 weeks and you can go up a level once your skin becomes stronger. You will find that the texture of your skin will improve immensely, pigmentation should lighten, acne/breakouts should reduce and you’ll enjoy a brighter skin tone. Who would have thought that ‘Going Green’ would jump-start your skin into spring!
Be sure to only go to an aesthetician, Doctor’s practice or clinic that offers the original GREEN PEEL® Herbal Peeling Treatment.
Contact Evolution Cosmetic for a provider near you offering The Green Peel www.evolutioncosmetic.co.za
Paola Chellew is a freelance journalist and regularly writes for a number of publications. A former professional contemporary dancer, she has always loved the arts in all their forms. She has been a freelance writer for many years and has been published in various magazines including Live Out Loud, Private Life and Do It now magazines. Her passion for beauty and skincare started in her teens, when she would read every beauty editor’s picks and reviews. Serious about skincare, she has researched medical-grade products for over ten years, as well as aesthetic treatments to restore and repair skin to look its best. Having turned 60 last year, she has dedicated her blog to the “over 50s and beyond Club”, shining a spotlight on a generation that is seemingly side-lined by the beauty industry. “There is no age limit for when you stop being beautiful – a gorgeous lipstick, a sexy fragrance, radiant skin- these are not synonymous with youth- they are just things that add an extra sparkle to my day”.
📸 Profile photo credited to Lerissa Kemp Photography
- Paola Chellewhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/paola-chellew
- Paola Chellewhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/paola-chellew
- Paola Chellewhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/paola-chellew
- Paola Chellewhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/paola-chellew
