Peels by Professionals

Have you ever wished for a brighter and smoother skin? Have you ever heard of chemical peels? Have you ever wondered why we use acids to exfoliate our skin? Let’s dive in to find out more…

What are chemical peels?

By referring to the chemical peelings we mean the method of exfoliation that becomes with the application of one or more chemical agents that have the effect of destroying the layers on the surface of the skin and removing the dead cells, to achieve improvement in skin’s tone and texture, promoting new cells growth. An interesting fact is that, there is no mechanical removal, but the membranes of the cells are burned by a variety of caustic acids. Substances can be used alone or in combination depending on the thickness of the exfoliation we want to achieve, and also, they are used in various concentrations depending on the depth we want to reach.

What acids can be used in peels?

Active ingredients that are used in these peelings, in specific percentages, are resorcinol, resveratrol (derived from red grapes) salicylic acid (BHA), the well-known AHAs (including citric, glycolic, malic and tartaric acids which are derived from fruits, as well as the lactic acid which is found in milk) or other compounds with enzymes and vitamins A or C. In recent years the fruit acids are widely used, usually in serums, by applying them on the face, they create an irritating reaction on the skin, as a result, to stimulate and promote the regeneration and creation of new tissue on the surface of the skin. In other words, a controlled “trauma”, or an inflammatory reaction, (otherwise erythema) is created on the skin that leads to its renewal, promoting collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis and improving the quality and quantity of elastic fibres.

What can a peel do for the skin?

It’s an effective weapon against the shedding of the epidermis, fine lines and deeper wrinkles, as well as acne scars and can be used to address skin problems such as acne and blemishes, discolouration, and premature ageing. Chemical peels also help the skin by reducing the open and enlarged pores, the excessive oiliness, and paleness. In order to penetrate skin well, is needed to be analysed first and then test how it reacts to these chemicals to avoid any unwanted or allergic reactions. From the moment the peel is placed on the skin, the specialist has to wait for the person’s reaction, while at the same time will observe the erythema that is caused. During the application, the main feeling is as a skin’s burn that might last for several days after the application.

What about the aftercare of a skin peel?

As these peels are working superficial, they don’t cause any risks, and they aren’t as dangerous as you think. However, they require a slight care after their application and the complete protection measurements should be taken such as to avoid the extending sun exposure, and use an SPF product, as the most common complication can occur, which is the formation of more pigmented areas than before and this is why there was an early exposure to the sun. So, be careful of the harmful UVA exposure people! You can soon return to your normal activities after protecting the area only with special cosmetic products (usually creams or gels containing antibiotics or corticosteroids, to protect the treated area from infections), given by the specialist for a few days continuously after the treatment.

How often can I have a peel?

The frequency of the applications depends on different factors such as the age of the individual, the type of the peeling will be applied, and the rate of cell renewal of each person’s skin. In more detail, the application of this kind of peeling in adolescence should be done regularly especially on oily and combination skin types to reduce ad prevent the possibility of future acne blemishes and breakouts. At a more mature age, where the skin is mostly dry and, because at this age the rate of regeneration of skin cells is reduced by 50%, peels should have an increased application frequency. Also, dead cells, that remain on the surface of the skin for a long time contribute to increasing the thickness of the keratin layer by making the skin look dull while the absorption in cosmetic products is significantly reduced. An important role in the frequency of the peelings depends on how regular the cell renewal is. The cells from the moment they start their life in the main layer of the skin until they reach the keratin layer on the surface and fall off the skin need about 28 to 30 days. On a normal skin type, the keratin layer is renewed with a fall of a cell layer per day. That is why there’s no need for repeatedly excessive peeling to be done, because the cells won’t manage to complete their life cycle. If there is a small increase in the frequency of peelings, it would be done to speed up the normal functioning of the skin.

Now, it’s time to share your experiences and your thoughts by writing us a comment below! Have you ever tried this deeper type of peel before? If yes, what were the results?