Chemical Peel: Everything You Need to Know About that Magic Procedure.

Have you ever dreamt about perfect skin in a matter of hours, rather than months and years? Or maybe you have skin concerns that you do not know how to cope with anymore?

Chemical Peel might be just the right procedure for you. To describe chemical peel in three words: affordable, quick, effective. 

In fact, chemical peeling has been with us for a very long time. Back in 500 BC, the ancient Egyptians exfoliated the skin with an explosive mixture of alabaster, animal oils, salt and honey. At the end of the 19th century, phenol or carbolic acid was used to lighten the skin, and in the 40s of the last century, doctors began to work with salicylic acid – yes, with the one that is now in every pharmacy.

Today, products that contain α-hydroxy acids (AHA) and β-hydroxy acids (BHA) are used for face peeling. Among the AHA acids, the most famous are lactic, almond, glycolic, pyruvic. And the main representative of BHA acids is salicylic acid. One product can contain from three to five different acids. However, let’s continue talking about peels.

1. WHY CHEMICAL PEEL IS VERY BENEFICIAL FOR SKIN?

Chemical peel is controlled damage to the skin using chemical formulations to correct aesthetic imperfections. The procedure allows you to solve a wide range of problems: to eliminate acne and scars, wrinkles, age spots and other age-related changes.

Women who keep up with modern (and scientifically proved) trends in personal care are signing up for a chemical peel, not because it is fashionable, but because the peel is really good for the skin of the face. Why is that?

• Peeling removes the unevenness of the skin relief caused by the violation of keratinization of the skin.
• Lightens or completely removes pigmentation of any nature (solar, post-inflammatory, hormonal).
• Reduces scars of various origins, including post-acne.
• Unclogs pores, leaving porous skin feeling smooth and well-groomed.
• Restores the natural pH of the epidermis.
• Reduces the depth and extent of wrinkles.
• Corrects hyperkeratosis (thickening of the stratum corneum).
• Renews cells, restoring the skin to a fresh, rested look.

In addition, in response to a controlled chemical burn, which is a chemical peeling, the skin begins to actively synthesize hyaluronic acid and connective fibers of the intercellular tissue. As a result, the aging and glycation processes of the skin slow down.

2. TYPES OF PEEL

Chemical peel is based on exfoliating the upper layer of the epidermis and softening the cells of the epidermis, the effect depends on the duration and depth of exposure to the substances. There are the following types:

Superficial peeling. They are carried out to refresh the complexion, moisturize and easily smooth out skin relief. Great for getting rid of comedones and blackheads, normalizing the sebaceous glands. Superficial peels are universal, they are done at any age, and after 25 years, procedures are included in basic facial care to smooth shallow wrinkles, improve skin color, and prevent aging. The procedures are not painful and quick, but after it, there is a slight redness and exfoliation, which quickly passes.

Medium peeling. The main indication is a decrease in elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles. The session is accompanied by a burning sensation, after 1-2 days redness, swelling and peeling appear, which disappear after 5-7 days. The result is a smoothing of the relief, a slight lifting, reduction of wrinkles, an evening of the skin colour. Visually, a person is at least 5 years younger. Medium chemical peeling with acids is recommended after 30 years old, the gap between courses is about 2 years.

Deep peeling. It is carried out only in a clinic, the procedure is painful, with a long rehabilitation period and a high risk of infection and scarring. Therefore, it is not very popular – there are more gentle methods of rejuvenation.

3. INDICATIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS

Indications for the chemical peels:

• problem skin with comedones, acne, post-acne;
• scars, ingrown hair;
• oily skin with enlarged pores;
• thickening of the stratum corneum, uneven relief;
• dull skin color;
• dark spots;
• flabbiness, lack of elasticity and skin tone;
• photoaging due to intense UV radiation;
• folds, wrinkles, sagging, other age-related changes.

Age indications:

• adolescence age (from 14 years old) – if prescribed by a doctor;
• 25-30 years old – acne, post-acne, age spots, photoaging, prevention of skin aging;
• 35 years and older – prevention and elimination of cosmetic defects, preparation for other cosmetic procedures.

Absolute contraindications for chemical peeling:

• predisposition to the formation of keloid and hypertrophic scars;
• poor wound healing;
• hypersensitivity of the skin;
• some mental disorders;
• individual intolerance to the components of the peeling composition;
• pronounced rosacea;
• oncological diseases.
  
  Some other recommended contraindications for the procedure:

• nevi;
• hypertrichosis;
• menstruation;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• acute infectious and inflammatory diseases;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding period;
• fresh tan;
• less than 8 weeks from the date of traumatic cosmetic procedures – deep cleaning, laser resurfacing, mesotherapy;
• taking photosensitizing drugs, retinoids, immunosuppressants;
• exacerbation of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, allergic dermatosis, eczema;
• viral, fungal, bacterial, as well as mechanical skin lesions in the affected area;
• decompensated diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

4. WHAT ARE THE STEPS A PROFESSIONAL COSMETOLOGIST FOLLOWS DURING A CHEMICAL PEELING PROCEDURE

Typically, the procedure consists of five stages.

1. Cleansing the skin from sebum, care products and make-up.
2. Covering the skin with an acidic composition. Doctors prefer to apply chemical peels with a fanned synthetic brush or cotton pad.
3. Exposure from 10 minutes to an hour. The duration depends on the type of peeling and the degree of skin sensitivity.
4. Neutralization of the chemical composition with an alkaline solution. This step is optional, it is carried out only in two cases: the skin responds to acids with irritation or the procedure uses a composition with a very low pH.
5. Washing. Unlike home remedies with acids, professional formulations must be washed off with water at the end of the procedure.

You may need a soothing mask after the procedure. And for sure, a cream with high sunscreen filters. After the exfoliation, the skin is especially sensitive, the doctor must make sure that it is protected from factors that provoke irritation and hyperpigmentation.

Chemical peel can be carried out as a course or as a one-time procedure.

5. WHAT OTHER TREATMENTS CHEMICAL PEEL CAN BE COMBINED WITH?

Chemical facial peels work well with other skin resurfacing treatments. “Alternate them with biorevitalization (hyaluronic acid injections) to moisturize and tighten the skin,” advises Igneta, Moda Donna Clinics Manager. “For example, in tandem with microdermabrasion (mechanical peeling), chemical peeling fights photoaging, fine lines and acne scars.”

6. PROS AND CONS OF CHEMICAL PEEL

Chemical peels have many advantages, such as rapid effect, preservation of the result for a long time, versatility of application, the ability to rejuvenate the face for 3-5 years without surgery or using expensive cosmetics.

Disadvantages of chemical peeling are discomfort during the procedure, redness, swelling and active exfoliation of the face. For some time after the procedure, you will have to spend at home or you will have to explain to others what happened to you. The disadvantages include the mandatory use of sunscreens, special care, the need to complete a whole course to obtain a lasting effect.

There is also the likelihood of undesirable effects – hyperpigmentation, skin infection, allergic reactions, scarring, exacerbation of skin diseases. But this can be easily avoided by entrusting the procedure to professionals and strictly following all the recommendations of the cosmetologist.

7. SALON AND HOME PEELS: PROS AND CONS

So where to do the peeling: at home or in the salon? At home, it seems, it comes out to be cheaper. We will explain why this cosmetic initiative is dangerous and why it is better to trust a professional:

1) You can literally “burn” your skin

Peeling is an actual skin burn. The degree of this burn is regulated by the cosmetologist: she selects the solution for the type of skin and strictly monitors the time of its application. Application technology is also important. Imagine how, through negligence or ignorance of an amateur beginner, such a serious procedure can affect the skin: it risks getting burned, and after a burn, scars.

2) The cosmetologist will select an effective course

Can you identify your skin type? Do you think that it is dry, but in fact it is dehydrated? The cosmetologist will be able to choose a peel for your skin type and its needs, make an optimal course, which can consist of peels of different depths and strengths, and control the processes of regeneration and recovery – he will select the appropriate home care and give practical recommendations.

3) Folk remedies don’t work

It is impossible to “create” acid peeling at home. Yes, the mild AHAs used in surface peels are often derived from fruits and berries. But strawberry puree doesn’t actually do anything to your face.

4) Effective peels are not publicly available to purchase

Professional chemical peels cannot be purchased at your local store. Manufacturers are aware of the risks and provide purchase options only to those who know how to work with such products. Most of the professional multi-acid peels can be purchased only by uploading a document that confirms the qualifications of a specialist, or by completing training at the training center, for example if you completed a Chemical Peel Masterclass at Moda Donna PMU & Beauty Academy.

5) Chemical peels at home are not cheap

The peeling procedure itself is not only about applying the basic solution. It includes a whole range of products for skin preparation and acid neutralization. That is why it will not work to save money and buy “just one bottle”.

8. WHERE TO GO FOR CHEMICAL PEEL PROCEDURE?

Chemical peels and facials are essential at any age. But in order to achieve results, the procedure should be carried out only by professional cosmetologists!

At Moda Donna Beauty Clinics we are proud of professionalism of our therapist that have years of experience and relevant qualifications. There are range of chemical peels to choose from and the beautician will aim to choose the peel that suits your skin the best.

Stay healthy and look after yourself from young age.

With love,

Moda Donna Beauty Clinics