Kindly gifted, but honestly reviewed. *Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. The products were provided, though the review thereof is based on the author’s experience and opinion. Reviews published on Aesthetic Appointment are intended to be for information purposes only, and should not be regarded as a replacement for sound medical advice. Always speak to your doctor or skincare therapist if you have any concerns.*

In our latest treatment review, Paola Chellew undergoes the new Dermaquest Complex Acid Peel, which was tailored to her skin and lifestyle’s unique requirements.

When looking at the array of skincare treatments that are available, I believe it’s always a good idea to consider a peel when you want to boost your skin, refresh its tone and texture, and minimise any accumulated sun damage.

A light chemical peel addresses all those issues and promotes the growth of new skin cells, which results in skin that both looks and feels smoother.

Taking it up a notch

Luckily for me, I was invited to experience the new Dermaquest Complex Acid Peel. This is a slightly amplified version of the Dermaquest Hibiscus Flower Mandelic Peel that I reviewed just over a year ago. (Feel free to get my insights on that already excellent chemical peel right here)

While all Dermaquest peels are safe and highly effective, what’s especially appealing is the choice of having a tailor-made peel for your particular skin type. It’s both comforting and freeing to be able to go with a peel that targets the specific issues you have, as well as the choice of having absolutely no downtime or taking a few days to shed some dead skin cells. This flexibility is a big plus in my books! I went for the latter, as my skin is mature and I figured I might as well start the new year with a bang.

What the procedure entails

My wonderful therapist, Vitika, prepped my skin and explained the process step by step.

After prepping my skin, she applied the Dermaquest Hibiscus Flower Mandelic Acid Peel – a very gentle resurfacer that can be combined with other peels.

Then the Dermaquest Chloroacetic Acid Peel + 2% Salicylic Acid was applied. This is quite an advanced peel, which is perfect for ageing skin or scarring, as well as improving the appearance of photodamage, dark spots, lines, and rough skin texture. Expect the same benefits of a TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peel of old, with the added benefit of minimised downtime.

The last layer was then applied – the MelaQuest depigmenting solution. This was followed by retinol for cellular renewal. I left it on my skin for eight hours. All in all, it was slightly uncomfortable for a few minutes, but very much manageable.

What to expect post-treatment

For two days after the peel, my skin felt quite tight and firm, which was great. On day three, I noticed some flakiness, which I managed with my Dermaquest products, particularly the lovely Post Treatment Balm. This is specifically formulated for use with all sorts of chemical peel treatments and really keeps the skin hydrated and protected.

Embracing the indoors during daylight hours, I was a bit of a bat, totally avoiding the sun. About five days after my treatment, most of my peeling was over. That said, because it’s largely surface peeling, it really isn’t very noticeable.

And in the end, it’s genuinely all worth it, because the result is a refreshed skin beaming with radiance, glow, and smoothness.

For more information, visit www.evolutioncosmetic.co.za

Paola Chellew

paola@aestheticappointment.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