Get the right chemical peel that will brighten your skin through chemical exfoliation.
Chemical peels – or dermabrasion with chemical agents – is a very good non-invasive alternative to other minimally invasive solutions such as laser and mechanical microdermabrasion which also improve skin’s quality.
Chemical peels remove the signs of photoaging such as discoloration, fine wrinkles and sun spots and at the same time encourage collagen and elastin production, which slows down as we age. Thus, the skin appears radiant and refreshed.
Chemical peels have been used for centuries (the method was already known in ancient Egypt and Babylon-just to mention that Cleopatra used to enjoy her milk shower, rich in lactic acid). So, there are many chemical agents that have been already tested, such as trichloracetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid, phenol etc.
The procedure of a chemical peeling has been more widely performed since the ‘40s for facial rejuvenation and reduction of acne scarring. There are various peels varying in both concentration and type of agents which influence the depth they will reach. Thus, we have the light/superficial peel where the agent burns the skin superficially in a controlled way, so that the upper layers of the skin are removed. On the other hand, the deep peel penetrates in the deeper layers of the skin. Actually, the deeper it goes, the most impressive and long-lasting the results. That is why the downtime is longer and the possible complications are more frequent (hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, scars etc.).
However, the hot trend the last years in cosmetic surgery and dermatology is to get the best possible result with the minimal tissue damage and the shortest recovery time. Thus, among several active agents such as the phenol and the TCA (trichloroacetic acid), we now opt for the lighter ones, such as the alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) which include glycolic and lactic acid or the fruit acids which have a similar formula.
So what is popular now? At home professional peels!
The local treatment with retinoic acid (a natural metabolite of vitamin A) and particularly of tretinoin and other cosmeceuticals (cosmetics + pharmaceuticals) like Universkin, incorporating pharmaceutical research and years of experience, combined with the latest advances in cosmetic technology.
These high-tech products are the new generation of cosmetics, as they contain quite active substances in small quantities. That is why these cosmetics should be recommended only by qualified physicians and should be used under their supervision, based on the needs of your skin type.
However, they are very simple to use and they can replace the everyday products that both men and women have (cleansing foams, moisturizing creams, sun creams etc.). The results that the daily and specific dosages offer us within some weeks are similar to those offered by a light-medium peel. Of course, if you get the peel treatment, the downtime will not be that short! Moreover, in cases that we want fast and maximal results, we can combine these skin care products with a light peel of glycolic acid or another AHA peel every two or four weeks.
The phenol peels
As mentioned above, there are several agents that have been used in chemical peels. To name a few and classified by the depth of action, phenol comes first, as it is a very active agent that can burn the superficial or more skin layers. It is painful and you may have side effects such as arrhythmia. For this reason, it should be performed by experienced doctors in the surgery room, under sedation. The recovery time takes about 7-10 days and there is redness for several weeks. However, the result is usually impressive and long lasting.
Blue peel
Another popular chemical peel is the one based on trichloroacetic acid (TCA), known as the Blue Peel. The blue color helps us identify any visible clinical signs indicating the depth where the peel acts. Its effectiveness depends on the skin layers we want it to reach and the concentration of the TCA solution used. Thus, the use of TCA 10-30% solution causes superficial exfoliation, whereas that of 35-45% is much deeper reaching up to the papillary layer of the skin. The depth it will go depends on the case and it is adapted to the patient’s needs. We should add that if you have a history of herpes the doctor will advise you to take medication prior to a deep peel. Everyone needs sunscreen protection after the procedure.
The Blue Peel requires a short recovery time of 2-7 days depending on the depth it acts and the patient is usually advised to take analgesics. It is better tolerated that the phenol peel, much safer when performed by experienced doctors and offers very good and long-lasting results.
The light/superficial peels
This is the most modern alternative solution for those who want similar results but don’t have much time to stay at home afterwards, due to work or other activities. The light peelings combine skin preparation at home with certain cosmetics chosen by the doctor and mild peeling treatments carried out in their office.
These mild peels accelerate and improve the results and should be repeated at regular intervals every 2-4 weeks depending on the problem. They are performed with the use of small to moderate concentrations of glycolic acid solution of 25-50%. Their action depends on the time that the glycolic acid remains on the skin. Other agents which may be used include alpha-hydroxy acids such as the lactic and salicylic acids. Another solution we often use is the Jessner peel which combines all the above with ethanol. In general, these mild peels are very popular because they are well tolerated, have almost no downtime and give good and gradual results compared to the deeper peels. Moreover, they can be used in other areas of the body such as the neck, hands, shoulders etc.
Such treatments are suitable for men and women with dull and tired skin who need to refresh their appearance. They are also used for the treatment of acne scars, melasma and wrinkles. Within 4-6 weeks your face will look glowing and your friends will notice the difference. The improvement will be gradual as long as you continue the treatments and the results will be maintained for several weeks.
The light chemical peels are an effective method for people who are interested in anti-aging and prevention so that they manage to have a radiant, youthful face as they get older. There is no recovery time and the patient can immediately resume their activities looking relaxed and refreshed.
Chemical peels at Kosmesis! Get in touch and book an appointment now!
