Chemical peeling is a non-invasive, safe and effective medical procedure performed to remove fine lines, signs of aging, pigment spots or post-acne scars.

The procedure consists in applying chemicals to the affected area (face, neck, décolleté, etc.) which leads to the removal of layers of dead cells from the skin surface (controlled exfoliation of the skin) and stimulation of new cell production (cell regeneration) aiming to improve the appearance of the skin, which can be achieved equally in both women and men.

It is recommended to be carried out in October-March, when the days are less sunny and the ultraviolet radiation is not so strong. This avoids post-peeling hyperpigmentation caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Chemical peeling can be done at different depths of the skin depending on the desired results. The deeper the chemical peel, the more spectacular the results will be, but the longer the recovery time and healing process will be.

Depending on the depth at which it acts, chemical peels can be divided into 3 types:

superficial: - acts only on the upper layer of the skin (epidermis)

Provides significant results in improving the brightness and texture of the skin, in fading fine wrinkles and correcting pigment spots. It is indicated for people with sensitive skin. Alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, citric or malic acid) or beta-hydroxy acids (salicylic acid) are used to penetrate only the surface layer of the skin. It is accompanied by minimal discomfort during the procedure and leads to a fine flaking that can last 3-7 days and allows the resumption of activity in a short time. To obtain optimal results, the procedure can be repeated at intervals of 2-4 weeks.

media: - acts on the entire epidermis and upper dermis (papillary)

It is recommended in the treatment of signs of aging, in the form of hyperpigmented spots, fine lines but also in the treatment of post-acne scars. Requires a recovery period of 7-14 days. Glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid is used to penetrate both the surface layer and the middle layer of the skin, eliminating damaged cells.

deep - acts from the epidermis to the deep dermis (reticular dermis)

It is rarely used today, being replaced by other procedures such as laser or radio frequency.

The choice of the type of peeling and the substance used is established after a consultation with the specialist and is individualized for each patient, depending on the type of skin, the conditions present and the wishes of the patient.

Before performing the procedure, the treated area is examined to ensure that there is no local irritation or active infection, then degreased with a cleansing solution to remove natural fats located on the surface of the skin and apply eye protection (goggles). protection or gauze). Apply occlusive ointment to the corners of the mouth, around the eyes and on the nasolabial folds. Subsequently, apply the chemical (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, trichloroacetic acid, etc.) for 3-5 minutes, then remove with neutralizing solutions.

Depending on the type of chemical peel performed, a similar reaction with sunburn occurs. The superficial chemical peel usually causes a redness followed by scaling that lasts about 3-7 days. Medium or deep chemical peeling can cause edema, blisters, crusts that will last 7-14 days. Patients who use the surface peel may return to work the next day, while those who use the average peel may need a week to recover.

Superficial peels can be repeated at intervals of 1-4 weeks, depending on the desired result, requiring 3-4 sessions for visible and lasting results. Instead, deep chemical peels require a longer recovery period and are repeated over a longer period of time.

Superficial and medium peeling can have side effects of varying intensity and last until the skin heals completely:

edema- is usually moderate and usually lasts a few days after the procedure

burning sensation, local irritation

crusting - is part of the skin regeneration process

photosensitivity - after chemical peeling increases the risk of sunburn and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after exposure to ultraviolet, which is why the use of creams with SPF 50+ is mandatory

reactivation of cold sores

Deep peeling can have, in addition to the above, side effects such as:

persistent erythema (redness) - lasting more than 3 weeks

severe inflammation, erosions, crusts

the appearance of scars on the treated area

bacterial, viral or fungal skin infections

postinflammatory hypo- or hyperpigmentation

It is usually used to treat the following problems:

fine wrinkles

pigmentation lesions (melasma, sun freckles)

post-acne superficial scars

dilated pores

comedones (black and white dots)

improving the texture and brightness of the skin.

Chemical peeling can provide the following benefits:

fading of fine wrinkles around the eyes and around the mouth

visible improvement in skin texture

amelioration of certain signs of premature aging caused by excessive exposure to UV radiation

reduction and elimination of hyperpigmented spots

correction of imperfections and scars caused by acne

stimulating the natural process of skin regeneration

• pregnancy or lactation
• dark skin (Fitzpatrick IV, V, VI)
• administration of oral retinoids (eg isotretinoin) in the last 6 months or topical retinoids in the last 2 days

active skin infections (herpes, impetigo, vulgar warts, etc.) or open wounds, local irritation

• recent exposure to UV radiation
• personal history of keloid scars
• personal history of skin diseases such as rosacea (cuperosis), seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, etc.
• uncooperative patient or with unrealistic expectations

a dermatological consultation is required before the procedure to decide whether or not chemical peeling is necessary, what type of peeling is recommended or if there are contraindications

it is necessary to limit sun exposure and use creams with SPF 50+ at least 4 weeks before the procedure

sometimes a "preparatory" treatment with hydroquinone is needed

it is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption a few days before the procedure or to stop smoking two weeks before and after the procedure, as it affects the healing

Tell your doctor if:

you have chronic illnesses and are taking medication

you have previously had an infection with Herpes simplex virus (you may need an antiviral prophylactic treatment)

you have recently had a chemical peel or similar procedure

you have allergies

on the first night it is recommended to sleep with your head higher and avoid sleeping on your sides to avoid edema

washing the treated areas will be done gently, with boiled and cooled water or saline, then dried by dabbing with a clean towel, preferably cotton. It is necessary to avoid friction.

apply moisturizers according to medical instructions

apply cold compresses or thermal water kept at low temperatures if you feel local discomfort

when crusts appear, do not remove them, let them fall on their own, they should not be removed forcibly as there is a risk of scarring if this is done

Activities that involve overheating of the skin and sweating (intense physical exertion, sauna, jacuzzi, overheated rooms, etc.) until healing and direct exposure to the sun for at least 4 weeks are contraindicated. Sun exposure can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

It is recommended to avoid exposure to cold and wind

A sunscreen with SPF 50+ is recommended to be used daily for at least 2 weeks after exfoliation.

The following should be avoided:

facial products that contain perfume for 3-5 days after the exfoliation procedure because they can irritate the skin

the use of exfoliating agents such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHA), topical retinoids or benzoyl peroxide for 4 weeks after the procedure.

laser treatments, radiation therapy for 3-6 months

microdermabrasion, microneedling for 7-14 days

dermal fillers for 7 days

makeup can only be used from the moment the skin turns pink