Peeling chimico
Chemical peeling
As we age, the biological process of cell renewal inevitably slows down. Therefore an exfoliating treatment on the face that accelerates the turn-over becomes necessary. Chemical peeling is an excellent solution. The practice consists of applying one or more substances to the skin to remove dead cells and regenerate the epidermal and dermal layers. The peeling process (also known as a scrub or scrub) tones up the affected areas, reducing or eliminating actinic keratoses, pigmentary dyschromia, smoothing wrinkles and scars. Peeling uses substances that, by modifying the tissue pH, cause the removal of the superficial epithelium and stimulate the regeneration of the deep dermis.
Aesthetic defects and solutions
The objective of peeling is to improve the quality of facial skin by removing the most superficial layers of the epidermis. The treatment can give good results in patients wishing to treat pathologies and correct imperfections such as
skin marks caused by atmospheric agents
superficial scars
rosacea
wrinkles
stretch marks
seborrhoeic dermatitis
radiodermatitis
dark spots and dyschromia
acne marks
skin porosity in oily skin
Depending on the depth to be reached with the exfoliating action, peelings are divided into
superficial (they remove the outer cell layer, eliminating greyness and dullness of the skin; they do not act on blemishes such as acne, scars, wrinkles)
superficial (treating minor acne, scarring and pigment lesions)
medium (they treat acne and wrinkles of medium depth as well as marks left by chickenpox. They can be combined with filler infiltrations)
deep (indicated for diffuse wrinkles and sharper skin furrows)
As mentioned, most chemical peelings performed for cosmetic purposes are superficial and intermediate, but often the same substances are used for deep peelings as well. The difference lies in the concentration of the substance and the time of application.Specifically on the substances used:
the effect of superficial peeling with ‘glycolic acid’ (70% concentration) is an improvement in skin shine and a reduction in the finest roughness after just a few sessions, while mandelic acid improves pigmentation defects and spots.
peelings based on ‘salicylic acid’ (20%) or ‘pyruvic acid’ (40-50%) are indicated in the treatment of skin impurities and acne in active phase. These treatments penetrate the hair follicle and treat the infection of the sebaceous gland. In this way, after a few sessions, the bacterial colonisation in depth is reduced and brought out, until the chronic infection is eliminated,
deeper peeling is carried out with ‘trichloroacetic acid’ (TCA 20-35%) and is indicated for the treatment of certain blemishes on the face and hands (to be combined with home treatments) and for the improvement of deeper wrinkles on the face, due to photo-ageing or acne. This treatment is more invasive, as it determines a complete skin turnover through a chemical coagulation of proteins (white frost).
Preparation for surgery
During the specialist examination, the doctor, after listening to the patient’s expectations of the aesthetic medicine treatment he or she wants to undergo, assesses the type and characteristics of the subject’s skin and determines the most appropriate type of peeling to treat the imperfections. Finally, the surgeon sets out all the indications regarding the possible course of treatment and its duration.
The aesthetic medicine treatment
Chemical peeling sessions vary in duration (as little as a few minutes) and patients of all ages can undergo them. The difference between one patient and another is given by the characteristics of each person’s skin (and the treatment applied). The doctor uses a sponge, brush, gauze or a cotton swab to apply the peeling solution (containing one or more chemical agents) to the entire face or affected parts. Each chemical peel causes swelling and pain; the skin becomes red with blisters and scabs as after a strong sunburn. At the end of the procedure, a soothing cream or antibiotic gel is applied to the treated areas.
It is important to know that
superficial and medium peelings produce epidermal turnover without changing the normal architecture of the skin,
deep peeling, on the other hand, can leave the skin lighter and unable to tan. The treatment can produce temporary or permanent changes in skin colour
Healing times
Medication, antibiotic and antiphlogistic therapy and cosmetics: after a chemical peel, the specialist’s instructions should be strictly followed. It is of paramount importance not to expose oneself to the sun or the rays of UVA – UVB lamps for at least 4 – 8 weeks. In the 15 days after treatment, the skin will continue to exfoliate. During this time, it is advisable to monitor and promptly report any inconveniences or unwanted effects to the doctor. It is also advisable to wash the skin with gentle products, avoiding too vigorous massaging or rubbing. The treatment cycle involves 3 – 4 sessions at intervals of about 20 days. Not all patients will achieve the same result.