Bride... be lovely

Chemical Peels
Cosmetic surgery may be a step too far – but if you want something more than a regular facial – a chemical peel might be the answer. Here’s how to decide...

Chemical peels – the term chemical peel can sometimes cause confusion. There are a variety of peels to suit each individual skin condition. The peels range from lighter ones where the skin will not physically peel to a TCA (Trichloroacetic acid) which is a medical peel. This is carried out by a nurse and the skin will peel 4-7 days after the treatment.
A chemical peel will improve the appearance of fine lines and help treat uneven pigmentation and acne. There should be no discomfort following a lighter peel although with a TCA you will have some downtime where your skin will peel 4-7 days later.


Results are quite dramatic and you will see increased skin vitality with a reduction of fine wrinkles, although after a TCA peel patients take up to 14 days to see the full effect.


Treatments take place once every two weeks for a recommended six treatments, to achieve maximum effect. Your skin will be prepared prior to your treatment. During application of the chosen AHA or BHA to your skin, you may feel a tingling or itching sensation. After your peel, a post-peel treatment is applied.


If you choose to have a TCA peel you may only need 1-3 treatments per year. During application of the TCA your skin will feel a hot burning sensation over the face which will pass. There are normally 3 applications of the TCA to complete the treatment.
Chemical peels will not only improve the colour, freshness and texture of your face, but will also help to improve skin tone and reduce visibility of fine wrinkles and superficial discolouration, such as age spots.


The risks of a chemical peel are minimal but some people can be allergic and therefore a patch test is carried out before any peel. There is a risk of hyper pigmentation, hypo pigmentation, and reddening if you pick or try to peel the flaky skin before it is ready to shed, so patient compliance is essential.


Initially after a lighter peel your skin will feel fresh and tingly.
After a TCA your face will feel swollen, tight and look pink and your skin will start to peel within 4-7 days. You must not pick at the skin as this could cause pigmentation and redness. The desired results will be apparent after 14 days.

The skin is constantly renewing itself and therefore after a course of peels you will require six-weekly maintenance treatments. You could have two courses of treatments per year if required. The results generally last for up to six months and can vary from person to person depending if you have a course of peels or have a one-off treatment.

Treatment consultations available at Nu-Age Medical Spa – St James’ Boulevard & St Nicholas Street, Newcastle. Telephone (08450) 36 24 36 – www.nu-agemedicalspa.co.uk


Perfect smiles
“The most important thing you need to do on your wedding day – is smile,” says Katherine Davies, the Practice Principle at Oraprime Orthodontics in Newcastle.

She’s helped many brides, grooms, and mums enjoy their special day by helping them achieve the smile they have always wanted. This is one investment that will not only make that day special but one that lasts.

Trying to find the finest photographer is often a high priority; but, no matter how good they are, if you can’t relax and smile confidently the results may be disappointing, she says.

A recent patient, Vicky Webb said: “When I booked my wedding I decided I needed to improve my smile and have my teeth straightened and had a beautiful smile on my wedding photographs,” she said.

Katherine’s established orthodontic practice offers Lingual “invisible” appliances; these attach to the back of your teeth and cannot be seen – so no one knows you are having treatment. Some patients have even been wearing them on their big day, adds Katharine.

Visit www.oraprime.co.uk for more information.