Chemical peels are a therapeutic approach that treats the most common aesthetic and dermatological conditions, giving the skin shine and strength, improving its texture, reducing the main signs of aging and skin imperfections.
With chemical peels, a layer of cells is removed, resulting in a younger and fresher skin. The “new” skin is softer, with fewer fine lines and wrinkles, with a more even and brightened complexion.
Chemical peeling is very rarely used as a primary therapy. In most cases, it is a complementary procedure necessary to achieve a better result.
In most cases, chemical peels are suitable for all skin types, but it should be noted that darker skin phototypes are at risk of pigmentation after such a procedure.
Very deep wrinkles, excessive skin laxity, and deep scars are not significantly affected by chemical peels.
Chemical peels improve the condition of the skin on the face, neck, décolleté, back, and hands. They reduce or improve:
- fine lines under the eyes, around the mouth, as well as wrinkles caused by sun exposure, natural aging, and hereditary factors;
- sunspots, age spots, freckles, and uneven skin tone;
- hyperpigmentation caused by pregnancy or hormonal treatments;
- rough, “dull,” and lackluster skin;
- certain types of acne (mild to moderate).
Chemical peels are not recommended for:
- people prone to scarring or pigmentation;
- those with certain conditions or individuals taking medications that increase skin sensitivity to sunlight;
- people who cannot avoid sun exposure during the skin recovery period.
Peels can be superficial, medium-depth, and deep. Before applying the peel, the skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove excess sebum. The chemical solution contains one or a combination of several acids. The most commonly used acids are glycolic, trichloroacetic, salicylic, lactic, mandelic, or carbolic acid (phenol), which penetrate the skin at varying depths. Through different types of peels, controlled shedding of skin cells is achieved, with the degree of peeling and results varying depending on the acid used.
Superficial chemical peels are especially suitable for people with fine lines, uneven skin tone, sun-damaged skin, or mild to moderate acne. The result is renewed and radiant skin, which occurs gradually, and usually, a series of 4 to 6 procedures over time is required. The recovery period is short—just a few days.
Medium-depth chemical peels give the skin a fresh look by exfoliating cells from the upper and partially middle layers of the skin. They can be used for mild to moderate uneven skin pigmentation, sunspots, acne scars, and fine to moderately deep wrinkles. The recovery period may last for 2 or more weeks, with 1 to 2 procedures typically needed.
Deep chemical peels are suitable for people with moderate to severe skin damage from sun exposure, deep wrinkles, multiple pigmentations, deep acne scars, or actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions). This therapy is performed once and requires preparation for up to 8 weeks, along with a prolonged recovery period. The results of such a peel are truly dramatic.
- avoid sun exposure and the use of tanning beds for at least two weeks before the therapy.
- use topical products for a specific period if necessary (such as hydroquinone), as recommended by your treating physician.
- do not use products containing retinoids within one or two weeks before the peel.
- there should be no open wounds or infections in the area where the peel will be applied.