Peeling, or skin exfoliation, is a method to improve skin health and increase its vibrancy and radiance. During this process, the surface layer of the skin, along with its dead cells, is removed. Consequently, imperfections such as enlarged pores, mild surface scars, wrinkles, and sunspots are significantly reduced.
Prevention of Aging with Chemical Peeling
Chemical peeling can prevent aging by promoting the production of substances like collagen in the skin, which helps reduce lines and improves overall skin health. After the top layer of your skin is removed through chemical peeling, the skin cells increase collagen production and generate more hyaluronic acid, both of which have anti-aging effects.
Types of Peeling
Peeling can be performed in three main ways: chemical, mechanical, and laser, each with its advantages, disadvantages, and limitations:
- Chemical Peeling: The most well-known solutions include trichloroacetic acid (TCA) at 20 to 30 percent concentrations and fruit acids, particularly alpha hydroxy acid at 50 to 70 percent.
- Mechanical Peeling: Includes abrasion and microdermabrasion techniques.
- Laser Peeling: Utilizes carbon dioxide laser or erbium YAG laser.
Depth of Peeling
Peeling is categorized based on the depth of exfoliation:
- Soft or Superficial Chemical Peeling: This is the mildest form, usually performed without anesthesia. It is ideal for removing issues like wrinkles, freckles, and skin discolorations. Multiple sessions are often necessary for optimal results.
- Medium Chemical Peeling: This method is deeper and more effective than the superficial method and is suitable for eliminating deep wrinkles. Due to possible side effects like burns, pain, and swelling, you may need a few days of rest post-treatment.
- Deep Chemical Peeling: Suitable for individuals with severe burn scars or deep skin issues. This method cleanses and exfoliates the deepest layers of the skin and usually requires only one session for significant results.
Benefits of Peeling
- Improves blood circulation in the skin
- Increases skin hydration
- Reduces static lines and wrinkles
- Enhances skin texture, quality, and appearance
- Smoothens and softens rough skin
- Increases skin radiance and vibrancy
- Reduces spots and evens out skin tone
- Reduces acne and associated scars
- Slows down skin aging
Disadvantages of Peeling
- Skin discoloration or scarring
- Redness and swelling
- Skin burning and itching
- Infection
- Cold sores
Modern medications have significantly reduced redness or peeling, advancing exfoliation techniques.
Peeling Areas and Precautions
Peeling can be performed on the face, arms, legs, neck, chest, and hands. This method does not require anesthesia and can be done outpatient. Excessive washing with water or steaming before peeling is not recommended, as it can excessively open the pores and increase acid penetration.
Depending on the type of peeling, the skin becomes red and inflamed on the first day. From the second day, dry and wrinkled skin may appear. Peeling starts on the fifth day and is completed within ten days to two weeks. With new medications, redness or peeling is minimal, and post-peeling care is minimized. During this period, avoid exposure to intense sunlight. Proper skin care includes adequate washing with cool water, using antibiotic ointment if necessary, and applying repair creams and sunscreen.
Due to skin dryness, continuous use of moisturizers is essential. Strong alkaline soaps can increase skin sensitivity, although cream-based soaps can be used cautiously.
Peeling Contraindications
- Active acne
- Pregnancy
- Weak immune system (uncontrolled diabetes)
- Dark skin types (Fitzpatrick skin types 5 and 6)
- Obsessive behaviour
- Dehydrated skin
- Recurrent cold sores (oral acyclovir can be used a day before peeling)
- High consumption of cigarettes and hookah (inflammation healing in these individuals is difficult, increasing the chance of complications)
Factors Negatively Affecting Peeling Results
- Prolonged sun exposure
- Excessive sauna use
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Strenuous exercise
Frequency of Chemical Peeling
Peeling can be repeated more often than you might think. For superficial peeling, every two weeks; for lighter TCA, every four weeks; and for deeper TCA, every three to six months.
Cost of Facial Peeling
In beauty clinics, the cost of peeling depends on several factors, including the peeling specialist’s experience, the clinic’s geographic location, and the peeling depth. The minimum cost starts at $150.
What is Meso-Peeling?
Meso-peeling combines the words “Meso,” referring to the mesoderm layer of the skin, and “peeling,” indicating the treatment type. It is a modified form of traditional peeling that exfoliates to the depth of the mesoderm. This method effectively removes deeper UV-induced spots, pigmentation from increased melanin, and acne scars, resulting in clearer skin and the elimination of superficial wrinkles.
In meso-peeling, microscopic holes are created up to the mesoderm depth using a derma pen device. Then, the peeling solution is applied over the entire face for even treatment and comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
