With the change of the season and the weather outside, the needs of our skin change, and thus the treatments we can offer it. Chemical peels, otherwise known as "acids", are one of the most frequently performed treatments, especially in the autumn and winter. This is due to the fact that some chemical peels should not be performed on summer, sunny days due to skin irritation and fresh tan. In addition, in autumn and winter, our skin requires hydration and refreshment. After the summer months, unsightly discolorations may be noticed, e.g. spots and freckles that we do not want to keep or fine and shallow wrinkles caused by intense sunlight. In addition, some skin problems, such as acne or seborrhea, worsen in autumn.

 

What is a chemical peel?

As the name suggests, this treatment involves the removal and exfoliation of dead epidermis with the use of chemicals appropriately selected for our needs.

There are three types of peeling depth:

  • Superficial - the entire stratum corneum to the spinous layer (TCA 10-20%, alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, tretinoin). The epidermis is removed in order to eliminate small wrinkles, remove acne and minor discolorations,
  • Medium deep - the entire epidermis and the surface layer of the dermis to the level of the upper reticular layer (about 0.45 mm). (TCA 35-40%, phenol 88% - without occlusive dressing, solidified CO2 and TCA, Jessner's solution and TCA 35%, 70% glycolic acid and 35% TCA). It consists in cleansing the epidermis and dermis, thanks to which deeper wrinkles, scars and larger discolorations are reduced,
  • Deep - causes damage to the level of the middle zone of the reticular layer - 0.6 mm (Baker's - Gordon's phenolic peeling - causes damage to all melanocytes). It has a similar effect, it is similar to medium-deep peeling, but much stronger chemical solutions are used to perform it. There is a risk of scarring and skin damage, as well as an absolute ban on sun exposure. Only a doctor recommends performing such a peeling.

How to choose the right peeling?

It should be noted that peelings have different compositions. However, mixtures of several exfoliating substances with specific properties are often created that can be used to care for a specific type of skin. Skin peels include:

  • Acne - which contain substances with a deep cleansing, antibacterial and normalizing effect,
  • Mature - regenerating, rejuvenating and anti-wrinkle,
  • With a tendency to discoloration - which contain brightening ingredients, evening out the disturbed skin tone and reducing discoloration,
  • Without visible problems - deeply moisturizing and stimulating natural skin revitalization processes,
  • Capillary - exfoliate, but at the same time protect delicate blood vessels from damage.

The most commonly used chemical peels:

  • Mandelic acid - has a relatively low irritating effect. It is more difficult to penetrate deep into the skin, which makes it suitable for surface peeling. It can be used in the case of acne complexions, couperose, problematic and sensitive skin,
  • Glycolic acid - penetrates deeply through the epidermis to the basal layer. It is mainly used for normalizing and anti-wrinkle treatments. Stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen, and with long-term action, it stimulates the reconstruction of elastic fibers, which improves skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles,
  • Lactic acid - in the skin it is the basic component of NMF (natural moisturizing factor). It is based on the regulation of keratinization processes. Dedicated to the care of mature and dry skin. It has an exfoliating, smoothing and deeply moisturizing effect,
  • Salicylic acid - dedicated to people with problematic skin with acne vulgaris. Its action is based on the regulation of sebum secretion, reduces the formation of blackheads and inflammatory changes,
  • Trichloroacetic acid TCA - causes exfoliation of the epidermis. The most popular preparation used in offices is PRX T33 - 33% TCA acid with a combination of kojic acid and hydrogen peroxide. It is most often used in treatments to reduce discolorations, reduce wrinkles, as well as as a preparation for aesthetic medicine treatments before applying an anesthetic cream.

Is the chemical peeling treatment painful?

By definition, the procedure should not cause discomfort and pain. However, deeper intervention in the skin layers may give a feeling of tension and slightly irritate the skin, followed by redness, which disappears after a few days. However, the individual sensitivity of each person to external factors should be taken into account.

 

Effects of chemical peeling:

The desired effect after the treatment depends on the type of peeling we choose. The main and most important effects after the treatment include:

  • Illumination and refreshing of the skin,
  • Brightening discolorations and unifying the skin tone,
  • narrowing of the pores,
  • Reduction of sebum production,
  • acne elimination,
  • Removal of acne scars,
  • removal of blackheads,
  • Shallowing wrinkles,
  • reduction of deep scars,
  • Improvement of skin firmness and structure,
  • Stimulation of self-repair processes,
  • Visible tension and smoothing of the skin.

Contraindications for the procedure:

  • Active viral and bacterial infection,
  • Active mycosis at the treatment site,
  • Autoimmune diseases and active inflammatory diseases of the skin (atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, acne),
  • Fresh scars and wounds within the procedure,
  • light treatment,
  • Surgical procedures at the site of the procedure,
  • Treatment with vitamin A derivatives,
  • Allergy to any ingredient of the preparation

In addition:

  • pregnancy and lactation,
  • Tendency to form keloids,
  • Frequent use of the salarium.
  • How to care for the skin after the procedure?
  • Avoid mechanical scraping and additional exfoliation of the epidermis,
  • Protect the skin from the sun's rays,
  • Intensively moisturize and oil the skin,
  • Definitely avoid alcohol-based cosmetics and creams with acids.