Peeling is the "exfoliation", the removal of damaged outermost layers of skin by using chemical substances. It is thus a controlled chemical burn. This way, the natural processes of cellular regeneration and collagen production are activated. The result is a skin with soft texture, glow and firmness.
In which cases is the application of peelings appropriate?
The peelings are used for:
• Treat photo-aging.
• Remove brown patches/ spots.
• Treat fine lines / wrinkles.
• Treat active acne.
• Treat acne scars.
• Treat xanthelasma.
• Treat actinic keratoses.
Are peelings used only on the face?
Peeling can be used on any part of the body such as neck, back, chest, shoulders, arms and legs.
How many types of peeling are there?
Peelings are differentiated based on the potency of the materials we use, as well as the depth of burn they can cause ranging from superficial, medium and deep .The most common ones, depending on the chemical solution used, are:
• AHA (α-hydroxyacids) or fruit acids: Usually superficial or medium depth.
• TCA (Trichloroacetic acid): The range is from superficial to deep ones.
• Salicylic acid: Special peeling against acne.
• Jessner peel: superficial peeling combined with TCA.
Nowadays, there are many mixtures of peelings which combine several types of acid in a formula with specific use. Quite often they contain elements in their mixtures that minimize the burning sensation and have a more predictable result (eg SkinTech's Easy TCA peel, Mela peel by Dermaceutic et al.).
What is the peeling process?
After a good cleaning of the area to be treated, the acid solution is applied on the skin using a cotton swab, a brush or the fingers in order to cause a controlled chemical burn. The duration of application varies from 2-20 minutes depending on the type of peeling. There is usually a burning sensation, which does away gradually either by neutralizing the peeling or not (there are peelings that are not neutralized). The whole process usually takes 15-30 minutes.
How does my skin look like afterwards?
There is mild -moderate redness which goes away in 30-60 minutes. The exfoliation usually begins 3-5 days after the treatment. In some cases, when moisturizing creams are systematically used, it is not even visible. The exfoliation process is concluded in approximately 15 days. The use of sunscreen is required as well as avoiding sun exposure during the whole period of the exfoliation.
How many peelings do I need?
The number of sessions required as well as the space apart, are different depending on the type of problem we treat and the depth of the peeling.
Are there any side effects?
In rare cases, milia may appear after a peeling. Hyperpigmentation or scarring, are complications that may appear when peelings are not conducted by a specialist or when the instructions for the care needed afterwards are not faithfully followed.
In which cases are peelings contraindicated?
• During pregnancy and lactation.
• People with active skin infection or skin disease e.g. eczema, psoriasis.
• People with a tendency to form hypertrophic scars /keloids.
• People with an allergy to a peeling substance.
• People who take isotretinoin (medicine against acne).
Can it be combined with other treatments?
It can very well be combined with mesotherapy, autologous mesotherapy (ACR), wrinkle relaxants, hyaluronic acid fillers, skin-tightening treatments with RF or ST, photodynamic treatment for acne.
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