What chemical peels are

Chemical peels are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for skin improvement. They help to get rid of keratinized cells, stimulate skin renewal and solve problems such as acne, hyperpigmentation and age-related changes. In this article, we will look at what chemical peels are, their features, results and how to choose a peel for your skin type.

1. Types of chemical peels

There are several main types of chemical peels, which differ in the depth of impact on the skin. Depending on the skin type and the desired result, you can choose superficial, medium or deep peels.

Superficial chemical peels

Superficial chemical peels work on the top layer of the skin, exfoliating dead skin cells and renewing the epidermis. It is a mild and gentle peel that is suitable for regular use and aims to improve skin texture, tighten pores and even out skin tone.

How to choose a superficial chemical peel for the face? One of the most popular options are peels based on AHA acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid), which gently exfoliate the skin and improve its texture. These peels are ideal for people with dry or normal skin.

Midline chemical peels

Midline peels penetrate deeper, targeting the dermis - the middle layer of the skin. They are used to combat hyperpigmentation, fine lines and scars. Midline peels can have a more pronounced effect, but take longer for the skin to recover.

How do I choose a chemical peel for my skin type? Medium peels containing TCA (trichloroacetic acid) or retinoic acid help to fight age-related skin changes and pigmentation. These peels are suitable for people with combination or oily skin, or for those who want more intense skin renewal.

Deep chemical peels

Deep chemical peels are the most aggressive type of peel, which penetrates into the lower layers of the dermis and actively affects deep wrinkles, scars and severe age spots. Such peels are performed only under the supervision of a specialist and require long recovery.

The effects of deep chemical peels can be impressive: significant rejuvenation, smoothing of skin texture and elimination of deep imperfections. However, they are associated with a high risk of side effects and complications, so they are suitable for those who are ready for a serious recovery period.

2. How to choose a chemical peel for your skin type

When choosing a peel, it is important to consider your skin type and its characteristics. Some peels are suitable for oily skin, others for dry or sensitive skin. Choosing the right peel will help to achieve the best results and avoid unwanted effects.

Chemical peels for oily skin

Peels with BHA acids, such as salicylic acid, are especially useful for oily skin. They penetrate deep into the pores and cleanse them of impurities and excess sebum, preventing the appearance of acne and black spots.

The best chemical peels for oily skin include salicylic acid-based products that help reduce oily shine and shrink pores. Regular use of these peels can control sebum production and improve skin texture.

Peels for dry and sensitive skin

Dry and sensitive skin requires a more delicate approach. AHA acids, such as lactic and almond acids, are gentle exfoliators that moisturize and brighten the skin without drying it out.

How to choose an acid for chemical peeling? For dry and sensitive skin it is recommended to use mild acids, such as lactic or almond acids, which are not aggressive and help to moisturize the skin, improve its texture and tone.

3. Results and effects of chemical peels

Chemical peels can produce different results depending on their depth and composition. Superficial peels produce quick but short-term results, while medium and deep peels provide longer-lasting results.

Expected results from superficial peels

After using a superficial chemical peel, the skin is smoother, pores are narrowed, and skin tone is evened out. Results after a superficial peel include mild lightening of age spots and improvement in skin texture, but such treatments require regular repetition to maintain the effect.

Results of medium peels

Midline peels provide more noticeable and long-lasting results, such as pigmentation removal, even skin tone, and wrinkle reduction. The results of mid peels usually last longer than those of superficial peels and do not require frequent reapplication.

Effects of deep chemical peels

Deep peels give the most pronounced results - they help to remove deep wrinkles, scars and significant age spots. How long does the effect of chemical peeling last? After deep peels, the effect can last several years, but such procedures are rarely carried out due to the complexity of recovery.

Chemical peels are an effective way to improve skin condition, pigmentation, acne and age-related changes. The choice between superficial, medium and deep peels depends on your skin type and desired results. For oily skin, salicylic acid peels are ideal, for dry skin - mild AHA acids, and for those who want significant changes, deep peels are suitable. The right peel and regular skin care will help you achieve noticeable improvements and keep your skin young and healthy.

Peels are not part of the daily care regimen. They are cosmetic procedures that are used strictly depending on the condition of the skin. Pigmentation, deep wrinkles, scars, post-acne - these are the main indicators of peeling procedures. Peelings should be taken very seriously.

Laser facial resurfacing

The procedures of facial peeling with the help of a laser have been known for a long time. It is used to rejuvenate and equalize the skin, remove wrinkles, scars, scars. The recovery period after such procedures was several weeks, because the procedure involved the entire surface of the skin of the face. Fractional laser resurfacing, a new method of laser peeling, allows you to affect the cells of the epidermis selectively. Laser beams are divided into many microbeams. Each of them forms on the skin microdepressions in very small areas of the skin, without affecting neighboring areas. Thus, the laser-intact skin helps the traumatized areas to heal quickly. This technology of laser peels is completely safe and does not require recovery time. At the same time, the lifting effect is increased.

Chemical peels

Not every cosmetic that is called a "peel", has the properties of a real chemical acid peel. To distinguish between real chemical peels and cosmetics that have the word "peeling" in the name, you need to look at the composition. The composition contains no more than 2-3 ingredients. Specifies the active ingredient and its percentage content. Usually it is high - from 20%. Peels that include AHA acids, such as glycolic and lactic acids, should have a pH designation. All other cosmetics with the name "peel" have nothing to do with chemical peels. Don't waste your money.

Peeling procedures are categorized into three types:

- superficial peeling, which affects the uppermost layers of the epidermis. Only one chemical composition is used to perform this type of peeling
- medium-deep peels, which penetrate deep into the skin. For such peels, two products or one product can be used, but with a very high concentration of active ingredients
- a deep peel, which is not currently being performed.

Superficial peeling

For many years, the following chemical formulations have been used for superficial peeling:
— Jessner peel (Jessner's peel) is a mixture of salicylic acid (14-16%), lactic acid (14-16%) and resorcinol (14-16%) in alcohol. This peel is easy to use, safe, and most importantly, predictable. There is no need to strictly control the time of its action on the skin. After peeling does not form scars and does not appear unwanted pigmentation - the main unwanted effects that can accompany peeling procedures. Jessner peeling is used to smooth the skin, give it a beautiful complexion, remove light pigmentation and smooth out small wrinkles.
- lactic, glycolic, tartaric and malic acids (lactic acid, glycolic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid). For superficial peeling procedures most often used glycolic acid with a concentration of 30 to 50%. It is safe to use, does not form scars or pigmentation. It is used to even out the skin, give it a beautiful complexion, remove light pigmentation and smooth out small wrinkles.
- salicylic acid at a concentration of 20 - 30%. It is excellent at dissolving sebum. This is especially important for oily skin with post acne scars. The anti-inflammatory effect of salicylate leads to reduced redness and discomfort accompanying any chemical peel.
- retinoids. The best is considered to be a medicated cream, which includes isotretinoin. Peels with retinoids are prescribed to fight rosacea, against pigmentation, skin smoothing, skin lightening.
- trichloroacetic acid (TCA) (10 - 35%). It has been observed to be safe in low concentrations. At higher concentrations of 50% and above, TCA tends to scar the skin. Unlike other chemical peels, it is impossible to predict its effect on the skin. It has now been all but abandoned. {/slider}

{slider=Mid-Deep Peel } A very painful procedure that involves the deep layers of the skin. Usually after properly performed peels, a dark crust forms on the skin, which comes off within 7-10 days. The skin peels for a long time, so the recovery period can stretch for a month.
A medium-deep (or medium) peel usually uses a combination of two chemical formulations, their peel list for superficial procedures.
- combination of solid CO2 and THC 35%,
- combination of Jessner peeling and THC 35%
- combination of glycolic acid and TCA 35%.
This "alliance" is characterized not only by its effectiveness, but also by its safety. That is, no scars and unwanted pigmentation are formed on the skin. Medium-deep peels are usually used to remove scars and pigmentation. To consolidate the effect of medium-deep peels often after the procedures, the skin is often treated with a cream with isotretinoin.

Deep peeling

Capable of affecting the deepest layers of the epidermis and even the dermis.
About 70 years ago, deep peeling procedures were performed using phenol. A Baker-Gordon solution was taken, which is effective in smoothing age wrinkles or other sun damage. The solution consists of 88%-phenol, 2 ml of distilled water, 8 drops of septisol and 3 drops of croton oil. After treatment, a strong uniform burn is produced on the skin, which stimulates the formation of new collagen zones. Heart monitoring (ECG) is especially necessary during this peeling, as phenol can cause arrhythmias.
Currently, deep chemical peels in cosmetology are not practiced.

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REMEMBER! Peelings are best performed in specialized salons under the supervision of a doctor. After peeling, apply petroleum jelly to the skin for at least a week. And try to avoid contact with water. Be sure to protect the skin from the sun.

Good compositions for chemical peels.