Chemical Peeling: Benefits, Recommendations and Procedures

Chemical peeling is a beauty technique in which a chemical solution of acids is applied to the skin on the face, neckline or hands so that its layers, which are damaged for various reasons, can be removed. Specifically, it is controlled exfoliation, which allows tissue regeneration, resulting in smoother, firmer and healthier skin.

Is chemical peeling recommended in all conditions? How long does the procedure last, what effects can you expect and after how long? These are some of the questions we try to answer below.

Chemical peeling is a procedure used in aesthetic medicine which, with the help of medical specialists and modern technologies, can improve the appearance of the skin. Although it is also used on the décolleté or hands, chemical peels are especially recommended for the complexion. Basically, a chemical solution is applied to your skin that initially produces some bumps (basins) that help to exfoliate it. Afterwards, the tissue regenerates and the new skin is smoother and firmer than before.

The chemical peel is used to treat wrinkles, scars and spots that appear mainly on the face. The procedure can be performed on its own or combined with other cosmetic techniques, such as Vampire Therapy.

Chemical peels can be used to treat various dermatological problems. Depending on your needs and following a specialist consultation, three types of peel may be recommended: superficial, medium or deep with or without an abrasive protocol. For all types of peels a chemical called TCA (trichloroacetic acid) is used in combination with phenols.

In principle, it takes four sessions for the procedure to take effect, but everything is personalised, so it depends very much on your own needs. Then, it is important to understand from the beginning that once you have done these four sessions, you do not have to repeat them, but follow maintenance procedures once or twice a year. In this respect, chemical peeling can be combined with Vampire Therapy, the latter being used as a recovery procedure. It should also be mentioned that no anaesthetic cream is used.

Chemical peeling is not recommended in summer. At this time of year you may instead be recommended a needle-free biorevitalizing therapy such as PRX-T33. The procedure is also not applicable in areas where the skin is very thin, such as the neck or eyes. There are, however, other situations where chemical peels have contraindications.

Chemical peels are not recommended for everyone. Here are some situations where such a procedure is not indicated: 

• if you have been taking medication to treat severe acne containing isotretinoin for the past six months;
• if you have a dark complexion;
• if you have keloid scars (scar tissue - which is formed for the skin to regenerate following an injury - grows excessively and forms growths, called keloids);
• the skin shows abnormal pigmentation;
• if there are herpetic lesions.

In addition to the above, there are also some skin conditions such as bumps, very deep wrinkles, severe forms of sagging skin for which chemical peels are not effective. In these cases the specialist may recommend other therapies, such as laser or facelift.

Sometimes, but not necessarily so, chemical peels can have certain side effects, which may include: 

• rosette - it is normal for the skin to be red after chemical peeling, but in the case of medium or deep peeling it is possible for the redness to last for several months;
• scar - Very rarely, peeling can cause scarring, especially on the lower face; antibiotics or steroid medication may be recommended to improve the appearance of scars;
• skin colour change - peeling can cause skin pigmentation (hyperpigmentation) or discoloration (hypopigmentation); hyperpigmentation is more common with superficial peeling, while hypopigmentation may occur more often with deep peeling;
• infections - chemical peels can, in some cases, activate the herpes virus; rarely, bacterial or fungal infections may occur;
• damage to the heart, liver and kidneys - deep chemical peeling can damage the heart, liver or kidneys due to exposure to phenol; therefore, the procedure requires breaks at 10-20 minute intervals.

The chemical peel is applied to the hands, décolleté and especially the face. Before you are recommended a particular type of peel, it is very important to find out what the procedure entails.

At Cronos Med, the medical specialists will give you all the explanations you need. Basically, you should know that you will need a shorter or longer period of recovery and that you will feel less or more discomfort during this time, depending on:

• type of peeling;
• skin type;
• how many of these procedures have you done;
• if you suffer from other conditions;
• the age you are.

Before undergoing such a procedure, at Cronos Med, you benefit from special training. Basically, it is essential that you have all the information you need and understand exactly what the procedure is about, so that you don't have unrealistic expectations or get scared of the immediate effects after such a procedure (the skin looks as if it has been burnt, but these wounds are not permanent and if you use the post-procedure treatment exactly as the doctors tell you, then you have nothing to worry about). This is what the preparation before the procedure consists of:

Other recommendations that your doctor can give you before and after the chemical peel:

• antiviral drugs - if you frequently get various forms of herpes around the mouth, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral before and after treatment to prevent them;
• use of retinol creams - If you have a superficial or medium peel, your doctor may recommend using retinol cream to shorten the recovery period and speed up healing;
• use of a bleaching agent - Before and after the procedure, your doctor may recommend the use of a bleaching agent and a retinol cream to prevent pigmentation.

The procedure is basically the same, but there are some differences depending on the type of chemical peel recommended: 

After any type of chemical peel, your doctor will recommend certain measures to prevent complications or infections. Here are some of them:

• avoid unprotected exposure to the sun - it is important to use sunscreens with SPF 50+; discuss with your doctor which products you can use to be effective for you;
• uses nourishing creams - after treatment it is not advisable to use moisturizing creams, but nourishing ones because we are talking about regenerating tissue, not moisturizing it; do not choose any kind of cream, but only the products that your specialist recommends;
• avoid using exfoliating creams - before and after the procedure it is not advisable to use exfoliating creams or depilatory waxes;
• get ready to stay home - Regardless of what type of peel is recommended, consider that during the recovery period you will have to stay at home for a few days.

Different types of peeling can bring you many benefits, but it is very important to take into account all the recommendations of medical specialists both in terms of preparation for such a procedure and in the post-procedure period.

Superficial peeling can improve the texture of your skin, giving it more firmness and can help slow down the appearance of fine lines. The results will be subtle at first, but will be visible with repeated use. Note, however, that after the peel it is recommended to avoid exposure to the sun until the newly formed skin covers the entire treated area.

In the case of chemical peeling, the skin will be visibly smoother. In order for the effects to be what you want or expect, keep in mind that it is advisable not to expose yourself to the sun for a few months after the procedure.

After a deep chemical peel, the effects are spectacular, but you need to pay close attention to post-procedure measures. Depending on your skin type or other considerations that only your specialist can tell you, it may be necessary to permanently avoid direct sun exposure. This is especially to avoid skin discoloration.

Regardless of the type of chemical peel, keep in mind, however, that the results may not be permanent and by no means immediate. As you get older, new expression lines will appear, for example. There is also the possibility that, due to exposure to the sun (even involuntary), the results of the procedure may not be the same and, over time, changes in skin colour may occur. Therefore, it is very important that after the chemical peel you follow certain maintenance therapies, use nourishing creams and go for regular check-ups so that your specialist can recommend what to do next.

At Cronos Med, before determining the right therapy for you, you will be given a proper health assessment and state-of-the-art medical means and technologies guarantee your safety.