In the quest for great skin, we’ve stocked our bathrooms with racks of toners, serums, moisturisers and elixirs. Still, in-office treatments like chemical peels work even harder to reveal new, fresh skin that’s healthy. We tried the new Lamelle Synergy Peel – here’s what to know.
What is the Lamelle Synergy Peel?
The Synergy Peel is an innovation in the skincare space, which South Africa-based Lamelle Research Laboratories created. What makes it different, per Lamelle medical trainer Karen Bester, is that it combines two opposite chemicals (trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and lactic acid) in a way that makes them work together in synergy.
“The synergistic effect of lactic acid and TCA, when you do three peels over three months, improves the epidermal structure and it also shows significant dermal change,” explains Bester. “It triggers collagen production and removal of elastosis (loss of skin elasticity). This means the Synergy Peel improves deeper lines, deeper pigment and elasticity with comfortable downtime.”
In short, you get a lighter peel with minimal discomfort, maximum benefits and less downtime. Also, a big benefit is that it’s a super short session – WH was in and out of the office in less than 30 minutes.
READ MORE: This Is What Causes Hyperpigmentation – And The Treatments You Need
Who would love the Synergy Peel?
Since the peel uses TCA and lactic acid in harmony, it can “directly inhibit tyrosinase, collagenase and elastase – enzymes that play a role in causing hyperpigmentation and the breakdown of collagen and elastin respectively,” Lamelle says in its press release.
So, the Synergy Peel would be for you if you have:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sagging skin
- Age spots
- Skin redness
- Hyperpigmentation
For the treatment to be fully effective, Lamelle advises you commit to three sessions, each a month apart, to reap the benefits.
READ MORE: How To Tailor Your Skincare For Hormones, Per Experts
WH tries it
Features Editor Michelle October was booked in for a session at Fig Aesthetics in Cape Town.
Pre-peel prep
Before starting the Synergy Peel, I was advised to halt all active ingredients and exfoliants at least three days before my peel. This includes retinoids, vitamin C serums, BHA/AHA etc. “If you are using AHA/BHA, retinoids or enzymes [before a peel], you can compromise your skin barrier and this will then mean that the peel penetrates too deeply into your skin,” explains Bester. “This would result in an uncontrolled injury that might lead to a reaction we do not want.”
The treatment
My therapist, Sally Gilder, cleansed my face first, then applied the peel. After (the peel stays on for a few hours), she applied an SPF and I was on my way.
My therapist, Sally Gilder, cleansed my face first, then applied the peel. After (the peel stays on for a few hours), she applied an SPF and I was on my way.
READ MORE: I Tried The Laser Beautique’s Pro Peel Treatment To Brighten My Skin Tone
Post-peel care
A few hours after the peel, I rinsed it off. At this time, my skin, having been stripped of a few layers, was super sensitive. To add moisture, I was instructed to only use moisturising products (hyaluronic acid and moisturising balms) for a week.
Post-peel products
This moisturising cream cleanser lathers gently and soothes dry skin while boosting moisture.
This boost in a bottle is a blend of four types of hyaluronic acid to help skin create more moisture.
Gentle, soothing and fragrance-free, this oat-based blend strengthens the skin barrier.
By day two, my skin began its peeling process! It was exciting to watch flakes reveal fresh skin underneath, even though this involved some itchy skin. Overall, it was a much less painful or irritating process, which makes it a winner!
Michelle October
Michelle is the features editor at WH. She’s immensely curious about the world, passionate about health and wellness and enjoys a good surf when the waves are good. Find her on Instagram here.
