Chemical Peel
Chemical peel is a procedure which uses a chemical solution to remove damaged outer layers of skin. After the skin is renewed, the new components of cutaneous tissues are formed: collagen and elastic fibres and new epithelial cells. This new skin is smoother, clearer and healthier.
Three Basic Types of Peels:
The depth of the peel is determined by the desired effect: it may be surface, middle or deep. A deeper peel will bring more noticeable the results, but this will also require longer healing time.
2 to 3 weeks before the treatment, you will begin an at home preparation of the skin. This increases the intensity of the peel and helps to achieve optimal results. Your physician will then apply a higher concentration of the solution. There are usually 3 or 4 sessions in the space of 2 to 3 weeks. The treated area will be red after the procedure and after a few days some skin will peel off. The skin must be protected from sunlight and a sun screen with high protection factor should be used during the whole peel period.
Fruit acids are used for chemical peelings, e.g. glycolic acid. Private Clinic Riva uses Neostrata products. Brand new in this field is also a product called BIOMEDIC. This peel contains lipohydroxy acids made by the La Roche-Posay company, which is very gentle to the skin.
Chemical peels can be used to minimize changes to the skin connected with ageing (small wrinkles, loss of elasticity, pigmentation). It may also be used to treat acne as it decreases sebum production and adjusts the keratinisation disorder around the opening of the sebaceous glands.
How to prepare for the procedure?
Your physician will recommend the best peel suited for your skin type to achieve the desired results. You will also be informed of the risks involved with this procedure. To prepare the treatment area, you will need to apply a special cream with a concentration of 8 to 10% of the strength that will be used for the clinical peel and protect this skin with a high protection factor sun screen. This preparation enables regular removal of the skin surface and promotes faster healing. It will also decrease the risk of infection and the emergence of uneven changes in skin pigmentation. The cream is applied once a day in the evening on clean skin for the first 7 to 14 days. When well tolerated, it is then applied twice a day, morning and evening, for the next 2 weeks. Patients usually feel a gentle tingling or stinging sensation for several minutes after the application. If this feeling does not fade after a few minutes, reduce the cream application to once every 2 days until the skin gets used to the effects of fruit acids.
What to avoid before the peel?
Stop using isotretinoin (Roaccutane) at least 6 months before the peel. The week before the procedure you should avoid creams and solutions that contain vitamin A and benzoyl peroxide, do not color or perm your hair or have a cosmetic facemask, and avoid waxing/epilation. Please do not use make-up and do not shave the treatment area on the day of the procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
The treated area is cleaned and degreased. An acid solution is applied with a fine brush, allowed to work 2 to 7 minutes, and then removed with a special neutralizing solution. Patients feel a gentle tingling, stinging sensation during the procedure. Cool dressings are applied afterwards to calm the skin and minimize any unpleasant feelings.
Skin Care after the Peel
Wash the treated skin with clean, boiled water, and then pat dry with a towel. Apply a nourishing cream (recommended by your physician) to the skin 2 to 3 times a day during the first week. If scabbing occurs, do not remove or touch. Avoid sunbathing as long as the skin is peeling. Then use a sun screen with the protection factor of 30 or more. New skin is prone to injury, so it is better to reduce sunbathing to a minimum.
Possible Side Effects and Complications
Flare (Erythema) – usually disappears after recovery. May last for a few weeks with some skin types.
Emergance of scabs.
Infection – peels may evoke the cold sore virus in infected individuals.
Hypersensitive reaction towards the chemicals used.
Enhanced sensitivity to sunlight.
Results:
- The new skin is smoother and tighter; small wrinkles are reducedhe
- Pigmentation spots are removed and the skin has a unified colour
- Dilated pores are closed and the skin is less greasy