Chemical peeling is a dermato-cosmetic procedure that consists of inducing accelerated skin regeneration in a controlled manner.
This is done by applying chemical exfoliants that act on the different layers of the skin.
The action of chemical peeling is to remove the outer layers of the integument and stimulate the production of collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans, thus enhancing its psychological and mechanical characteristics.
Objectives chemical peels:
- purifies and oxygenates the skin, leaving it hydrated and free of impurities;
- closes pores, improves skin texture and increases epidermis thickness;
- addresses the effects of skin ageing, diminishing wrinkles and adding turgidity;
- evens out skin tone, brightens and diminishes skin imperfections;
- brightens and fades pigmentation lesions with a depigmenting effect;
- reduces clinical manifestations of acne and relieves scarring.
Depending on the depth at which it acts Chemical peels can be divided into 4 categories:
1.
Very superficial (superficial horny layer): evens out skin tone with a brightening effect;
2.
Superficial (epidermis to basal layer): stimulates epidermal growth by removing the stratum corneum; skin flaking occurs in a similar manner to that which occurs after intense sun exposure.
It acts on the epidermis and can reach the boundary between epidermis and dermis; it causes skin rejuvenation.
3.
Medium (papillary dermis): affects the papillary dermis, causing significant desquamation by inducing superficial dermal inflammation.
It completely removes the epidermis, which then renews itself until it regenerates completely. Penetrates the papillary dermis to the upper portion of the reticular dermis; ,,restores'' collagen; affects social life, basically only 2-3 days rest at home.
It is effective for correcting wrinkles, acne, pigmentation spots (on the epidermis and upper dermis).
4.
The peeling substances are in a wide range and adapted to the problems to be corrected, such as mandelic acid in the correction of hyperpigmentation, salicylic acid for its antiseborrheic/antiacneic effect, lactic acid for sensitive skin, glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid with multiple indications in the process of re-shaping the integument.
Combined solutions have also been devised to optimise results. It is an extremely valuable procedure, both therapeutically and aesthetically, as an integral part of anti-aging therapies.
Questions frequent
A chemical peel is a cosmetic dermatology procedure used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck and hands. Substances are applied to the skin that produce a controlled injury causing layers of skin to be exfoliated and peeled away. The regenerated skin is smoother, with improved aesthetic appearance.
Superficial - mild acids are used in low concentrations, affecting only the top layer of skin. It is used for hyperpigmentation and to "refresh" the skin (more hydrated, brighter).
Medium - more concentrated acids are used, which affect more layers of the skin. Used for actinic keratoses, fine wrinkles, photoaging, scars.
Deep - uses acids in high concentrations, penetrates down to the dermis. It is used in the treatment of scars, but - because of the long recovery period and risk of side effects - it is rarely used.
They are used in the treatment of: wrinkles and fine lines, photobleaching, uneven pigmentation of the face (melasma, ephelides), postacneal/postvaricella scars.
Usually 4-6 sessions are needed, at 4 week intervals, for optimal results, during the initial consultation with the dermatologist, he will determine the treatment protocol depending on the problem treated and its severity.
The meeting lasts 30 minutes. Careful cleansing and degreasing with alcohol or acetone solutions is required before the peel is applied. The chemical peel is applied. Depending on the agent used and the desired results the exposure time varies. Until the peel is neutralised patients may feel a slight burning or stinging sensation but this is normal and not a complication of the procedure. An emollient, healing cream is applied at the end.
Superficial peels have a healing period of 1-5 days and usually do not require a holiday. The skin is usually red and flaky, requires proper moisturising, photoprotection and make-up can be used after 48 hours.
Medium peels require between 7-14 days to heal, a few days off are usually needed. The skin is very red, swollen, healing scabs appear and peeling gets harder. Requires a very careful care regime , make-up is used after 5-7 days.
After the procedure, use the treatment recommended by the dermatologist (a combination of scar creams and photoprotection).
