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Chemical peels

HomeChemical peels

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.

Who are they suitable for?

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.

What are the results after a chemical peel?

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).
Who are chemical peels not suitable for?

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.
What are the types of peels?

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.

How should you prepare your skin for exfoliation?
  • 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.
What could be the adverse effects after a chemical peel?
Some specific skin types are at risk of a change in their color. This change can be temporary or permanent, so it is important to share if you are taking contraceptive medications, certain antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antimalarials, etc. Hereditary pigmentation or depigmentation of the skin is also significant. Another adverse reaction, although less common, is the appearance of scars. If you have had a herpes virus infection, it may reappear after the procedure. In this case, your dermatologist will prescribe medication to reduce the likelihood of its occurrence. Skin infection after a peel is rare, but there is a risk.
What to expect after a chemical peel?
After a superficial chemical peel, the skin may appear slightly red, and after a few days, mild peeling begins, which lasts for 3 to 7 days. For quick and proper skin recovery, it is important to apply an appropriate moisturizing product, followed by a high-factor sunscreen. Makeup can also be applied as early as the next day. After a medium-depth chemical peel, redness, swelling, and a feeling of tightness and dryness may be expected in the following days. Peeling lasts for 7 to 14 days. To avoid complications, the skin should not be exposed to the sun, and it is mandatory to apply sunscreen recommended by your dermatologist. Makeup can be applied after 7 days, and if another procedure is needed, it can be done after 6 to 12 months. After a deep chemical peel, the recovery period is 14 to 21 days, and sun exposure should be avoided for 3 to 6 months.