What are peels?
Peeling is a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin. It aims to remove its surface layers so that the new skin that is created is always qualitatively better than the previous one.
They are indicated for skin with acne, acne scars, aging, photoaging, melasma, freckles, spots.
With this treatment, a special solution is applied to the skin to cause it to exfoliate. The new skin is smoother, brighter and with fewer wrinkles, blemishes, acne scars and less obvious pores.
How are they performed?
Peelings are divided into superficial, medium and deep. The deeper the peeling, the more effective it is, but also the longer the recovery time.
The dermatologist, depending on the problem, type and condition of the skin, will recommend the most suitable peeling. The most commonly used solutions are – glycolic acid, fruit acids, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid, lactic acid and phenol. Peeling can be performed in the dermatologist’s office as a daily visit.
The special solution can be applied to the face and body. The skin is carefully disinfected and degreased, and the eyes and lips are protected. The solution is applied with special brushes or gauze. During the treatment most patients initially feel local itching and immediately after a tingling sensation that lasts a few minutes and the procedure takes about 30 minutes.
At the point where the solution was applied, mild redness is observed and after a few days the skin in some cases peels off, if desired. If the peelings are deeper, a more intense redness can be observed, as well as the appearance of brown bumps which disappear within 7-10 days. The return to daily activities, – light peelings – can be immediate.
When are peelings performed?
They should be avoided during the summer season and on days with intense sunshine. For deeper peelings, the best time is from October to April. However, light peelings can be done beyond this period.
The use of sunscreen is considered necessary at least during the period of the peeling cycle. For deeper peels, it is okay to stay at home for a few days.
As for how many peelings are necessary, this depends on the damage to be treated. If you need a simple facial renewal, without problems of scars, wrinkles or hyperpigmentation, 2-4 sessions are enough. But if there is acne scarring, melasma or photoaged skin, the sessions can be increased.
The dermatologist is qualified to decide their number. As a result, the skin appears more renewed, brighter and with a much better texture. Dead cells that give the skin a tired look are removed. The color of the skin is improved, giving it its natural freshness. Elastin and collagen increase.
The duration of the result in deep peeling is for life in the case of acne scars or for several years in the case of other problems. In lighter peelings, one can maintain the result with periodic applications.
Contraindications of peelings
Chemical peels should be avoided by people who:
- have recurrent herpes
- are treated with isotretinoin.
- their profession requires long exposure to the sun
- have a high risk factor for skin discoloration: dark-skinned people, pregnant women and people taking
medicines that affect the photosensitivity of the skin - they have warts
- have wounds that are healing or have had recent radiation therapy
- have a history of keloids or scarring;
- had cryotherapy within the month before the treatment
- have topical dermatitis, allergies and autoimmune diseases
- they recently had eyelid surgery, liposuction, face lifting, laser resurfacing.