The peeling is a cosmetic medicine treatment to smooth and improve the appearance of the skin, resulting in a smoothing effect and facial rejuvenation.
The chemical peeling of the face is a cosmetic treatment that stimulates, through the application of a chemical substance on the skin, the exfoliation and the consequent skin renewal.
The chemical peel acts on the facial skin through the action of various mechanisms. It stimulates the regeneration (turnover) removing and exfoliating dead cells of the stratum corneum causing a real acceleration of cell turnover that is a natural mechanism in the dermis.
It removes damaged and degenerated skin cells which are replaced by normal epidermal cells.
It produces an inflammation that triggers the production of collagen and elastin (revitalization and rejuvenation of the skin by stimulating the fibroblasts with autologous collagen formation).
A peeling of the face can then act on the level of the superficial dermis, at a deeper level in the dermis, or at the intermediate level. The choice depends on each clinical case and the results one would obtain.
• keratosis and skin aging
• Acne scars
• Stretch Marks
• Rosacea
• Discoloration
• Acne
•Seborrheic dermatitis
• Radiodermatitis
Improvement of the appearance of facial skin/ treated area, removal of the outer layers of the epidermis.
The healing time varies from 4 to 12 days depending on the concentration used in the peeling and its type.
Redness and mild inflammation of the skin for a few days after treatment, exfoliation for 8-10 days.
Rare cases such as infection or scarring, especially in people with a dark skin and a tendency to develop hypertrophic scars.
The various types of peeling
The peeling can be classified and separated according to the type of chemicals that contains or depending on the depth level in the skin on which they act.
Based on the depth of action in the dermis we distinguish therefore very superficial peeling, superficial peels, medium-deep peels and deep peels.
There are many factors that must be taken into account, to choose the depth at which the chemical peeling can act. Only an experienced physician and trained staff will carefully evaluate the patient's skin type and therefore determine what is the most appropriate peeling.
In the two weeks preceding the peeling it is important to prepare the skin using cosmetics containing glycolic acid, and products containing alpha - hydroxy - acids to promote a faster re-epithelialization and healing of the skin, and depigmenting substances that prevent the deposition of melanin on the skin surface and therefore reduce the likelihood of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Substances used for preparation to peeling:
- Kogic Acid
- Hydroquinone
- Sunscreen
- AHA
The very superficial peeling only removes the most superficial layer of the skin; it is done by the controlled application of glycolic acid solutions at concentrations varying between 50% and 70%. Useful to get opacity and radiance to the skin and soften the surface pigmentation.
The application time is variable depending on the patient's skin type. The discomfort during treatment is a slight tingling sensation of the treated area for a few minutes.
Desquamation appears after three days and lasts about 5-7 days.
Because of its mild action, it is not intended to clear blemishes such as acne, scars, wrinkles. We usually advise a cycle of various sessions to obtain a satisfactory result.
This type of peeling creates necrosis of the epidermis reaching its basal layer.
Superficial peeling is indicated for:
- Acne
- Acne Scars
- Scarring
- Hyperpigmentation such as melasma and solar or pregnancy spots
- Superficial wrinkles of the cheeks and around the eyes
It is carried out with solutions at varying concentrations of:
- Salicylic Acid 30%
- Glycolic Acid 70%
- Trichloroacetic Acid from 15% to 20%
- Solution of Jessner
- Resorcinol 40%
- Combination of different substances in varying concentrations.
The feeling during the peeling is diffuse burning and pruritus. There can be a whitening of the skin and exfoliation that lasts 7-10 days.
This peeling creates necrosis at the epidermis and the papillary dermis levels.
It is used for acne) papulopustular and nodulocyctic types), acne scars and chicken pox, melasma, medium-deep wrinkles with the possibility of linking the peeling to the infiltration of fillers.
In the medium-deep peeling using trichloroacetic acid solution at 35-40% or peeling combined or mixed.
During treatment there is a burning sensation that can be very intense. The post-peeling is quite challenging because the treated skin becomes dark, and after five days starts an important exfoliation that continues for 8-10 days.
In addition to epidermis necrosis, this peeling also causes necrosis of the papillary dermis and sometimes the reticular dermis.
Indicated for widespread and more pronounced wrinkles and scars. Its effects are not comparable to a surgical facelift but the two techniques can be complementary.
Always follow all the instructions that will be given by the doctor who carried out the treatment.
In the post-peeling course it is absolutely essential to protect the skin from the sun and from sunlight and UVA - UVB lamps for an appropriate period after the peeling application (even at home) with products that contain sunscreens and protective screens, to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Wash skin with mild soap, rinse carefully and gently without any kind of rubbing or irritation and keep constantly protected skin with moisturizing products. The healing time varies, from 4 days to 12 days depending on the concentration used in the peeling.
The complications may occur in rare cases such as infection, scarring or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
For further information or appointment, please contact our clinics in Beirut, Lebanon.
DERMATOLOGO DR. SAMER JALBOUT- Via degli Ariani, 26 48121 Ravenna (RA) Tel: +39 3294083785 e-mail: info@dermatologodrsam.com P.iva 02528740398
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