What is a chemical peeling?
Chemical peeling is a treatment of the skin with a chemical solution consisting of salicylic acid (milk peel) or TCA (trichloroacetic acid).The procedure is aimed at reducing uneven pigmentation, increasing the creation of elastic fibres in leather-like skin, stimulating the formation of a thicker and stronger outer layer of skin (the epidermis) and increasing the production of collagen and other basic substances binding the skin tissues.
How deep does a peeling penetrate?
A salicylic acid (milk peel) removes the epidermis, the outer layers of skin from which skin cells are produced (basal cell membrane). This type of peeling can reduce very superficial pigmentation stains and is especially suited for acne sufferers. The skin appears fresher, with fewer blemishes and is more smooth. Once the outer skin cell producing layer of skin is removed, the production of new cells in the epidermis is stimulated, as is the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). The result is an increased level of moisture in the skin.
A medium deep peeling (TCA ) removes the epidermis as well as penetrating the upper leathery part of the skin (papillary epidermis). This process can eliminate pigmentation irregularities such as freckles, liver stains, pigmentation stains, superficial dark scars, superficial melasma (dark skin colorations), teleangiectases as well as reducing thin wrinkles and wafer-like skin. As the superficial skin cells and pigmentation are removed, the production of cells in the epidermis is stimulated and the production of glycosaminoglycans is increased resulting in an increase in the moisture of the skin. The result is skin that appears fresher, with a more even coloration and consistency and an overall smoothness. Morever, a visible reducion of wrinkles is achieved due to the increased production of elastic fibres and collagen in the upper leathery part of the skin (papillary epidermis).
Is additional treatment required?
Maintenance or follow-up treatment improves the results, reducing side-effects and extending the lifetime of the overall results for up to several months or even years. The skin can be treated prior to treatment and after the treatment with cream, serum and sun factor 50+. Sun factor is a necessity for all persons who have received a peeling, in order to reduce the risk of increased production of pigmentation as a side-effect from peeling.
How is a peeling conducted?
The skin must be free of make-up. It is cleansed with spirits and acetone in order to remove all dirt and grease. The peeling is gently applied to the skin in several layers. If you are being treated with a very superficial peeling you will hardly feel anything other than a slight tingling or warming sensation of the skin. Medium deep peeling can sting mildly with much warmer sensations on the skin. This treatment takes around 30 minutes.
How does the skin look after a peeling?
Following a superficial peeling (milk peeling) the surface of the skin will appear whitish with a slight blushing shining through. Immediately after the peeling the skin may feel a little warm. In the following days, the skin will feel tight and drier. After 4 to 6 days, the tight skin will begin to peel. After about 7 - 10 days, the skin will appear perfectly normal and it is possible once again to use make-up.With a medium deep peeling (TCA), a similar whitish mask will appear on the skin with a slight blushing appearing through the skin. The skin feels warm immediately after the peeling. In the following days, the skin will tighten up and feel very dry. The skin becomes dark and red. In the course of around 5-10 days, the skin will begin peeling. After the peeling, the skin will appear slightly red.
How should the skin be treated after a peeling?
With salicylic acid peeling (milk peel), the skin is smeared in a fat mild cream and serum several times a day. The skin may be cleansed with a mild cleanser, free of perfume. It is important to keep the skin moist with cream during the entire healing period. After a TCA peeling, the skin is to be smeared in a fat mild cream several times daily and the skin may be cleansed with a mild cleanser free of perfume. It is important to keep the skin moist with cream and serum during the entire healing period. Make-up cannot be used until the skin is completely healed.Whatever type of peeling undertaken, it is necessary to avoid direct exposure of the treated skin to sunlight during the treatment healing period, i.e. as long as the treated area continues to show a slight redness. There is a risk of dark coloration if this advice is not followed. It is also suggested that hard exercise or sports are to be avoided during treatment (only applies to TCA), to avoid the risk of perspiration having a negative effect on the healing. It is also advised that showering directly on the treated area be avoided as water can provoke peeling to begin too early.
In order to reduce the risk of scarring and infection, avoid unnecessary scratching, picking, or touching of the treated area.
Is a face peeling different from a neck or breast peeling ?
The skin on the neck and breast does not heal as quickly as that of the facial skin. The new skin is created from the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the skin. The closer these are, the quicker the healing. The face has 30 times the amount of hair follicles and sebaceous glands than is the case with neck and breast and 40 times more than the palms. The longer the healing period, the greater the risk for infections and scars. This is why we only perform superficial peelings on palms. On the face and the neck a medium deep peeling is possible, but it may be preferable to carry out several superficial peelings instead.
Who cannot be treated?
Persons with cold sores, infected acne, new surgical wounds, other wounds in the area to be treated, allergies to the treatment chemicals, as well as pregnant and breast-feeding women.Does the treatment involve any risk ?
Immediately following a peeling, there is a risk of infection, blemishes and long-term scarring. Furthermore, there is a risk that the skin may darken or become lighter after a peeling as well as possible allergic reactions to the chemical liquid. To minimize these risks, we only use thoroughly tested drugs.
Immediately following a peeling, there is a risk of infection, blemishes and long-term scarring. Furthermore, there is a risk that the skin may darken or become lighter after a peeling as well as possible allergic reactions to the chemical liquid. To minimize these risks, we only use thoroughly tested drugs.
