Do you want to remove those pimples, wrinkles and marks from your face? Find out more about peeling and which type best suits your case.
In principle, peeling is a treatment that removes all the most superficial layers of the skin. In fact, depending on the product used – that is, whether it is chemical, physical or laser – it may destroy part or all of the epidermis. In a sense, it will wear down your skin on different levels.
“But why would I do a treatment that wears out my skin?” You probably asked yourself that, right? After all, peeling, as you noticed, is an English word. Basically, it originates from the word “to peel”, which means to peel off. And that already says a lot about the procedure and its advantages.
In other words, in fact, “peeling” aims to peel, renew, restructure and regenerate your skin. Did you understand better? In general, it is a treatment that seeks to exfoliate and remove superficial skin lesions. In fact, skin blemishes, acne scars, sagging skin or other skin problems are among treatable lesions.
Above all, after peeling, the part of the skin that received the procedure rebuilds itself with new dermal and epidermal tissue. Therefore, peeling can provide you with more rejuvenated, blemish-free skin. Furthermore, it can also stimulate the production of collagen, which is a substance that makes the skin firmer.
Types of peeling
Above all, it is important to highlight that the results of the peeling will vary depending on the type and depth of the treatment. Basically, it is possible to differentiate three different types of peeling: superficial, medium or deep.
Superficial
A priori, the main difference between these peels is the depth. Above all, superficial peeling, as the name suggests, removes the most superficial layer of the skin with discreet or no visible peeling. Basically, it seeks to act on the stratum corneum and also stimulate the formation of collagen in the skin.
Therefore, this type of peeling can improve the appearance and turgor of the skin, it can also hydrate, lighten the tone a little and help improve superficial wrinkles. What’s more, it helps dry out pimples, speed up the skin’s response to cream treatment, improve blemishes faster, and so on.
Above all, in this type of procedure it is normal to use hyaluronic acid, low concentration glycolic acid, compounds with trichloroacetics, retinaldehydes, salicylic acids. In addition, aesthetic ultrasound, aluminum hydroxide jets and others are also often used.
Average
The medium peeling aims to destroy and exfoliate the epidermis and the horny layer. In fact, it can help reduce fine and medium wrinkles and also more superficial blemishes on the skin. Furthermore, as it destroys the epidermis to a certain level, it also ends up stimulating the formation of collagen.
Above all, one of the promised effects of this treatment is skin rejuvenation for one to five years. However, it is important that you know that the result will depend on the indication, the technique chosen and the prior preparation of the skin.
Therefore, the medium peeling is done with trichloroacetic acid and glycolic acid. The latter, in greater concentration. Regarding the devices, laser, radio frequency, among others, are used.
Deep
A priori, this type of peeling is considered the most complex, dangerous and complicated. Because it causes a wound to the dermis, that is, a deeper layer of the skin. However, if everything is done correctly and with due care, the result could be rejuvenation of 5 to 15 years.
However, this type presents a greater risk of infection and complications. Therefore, it is recommended that even removing the dressing be done by experienced people.
Basically, this procedure also uses acids and specific devices. In fact, the most common is phenol peeling.
The results
At first, the result will vary depending on the type of peeling you did. Therefore, on the surface, you can have a result in improving the tone and texture of the skin. In addition to finding fewer fine wrinkles and blemishes.
However, the medium can result in an improvement in actinic keratoses. In other words, those rougher spots on the skin caused by sun exposure.
Meanwhile, the result of the deeper procedure may be the improvement of superficial and deep wrinkles. In addition to improving blemishes and the general appearance of the skin.
5 processes used in peeling
In addition to the degree of depth, the peeling can also be differentiated according to the material used. For example, you can use physical, chemical, biological, laser or vegetable peeling.
1- Physical peeling
Basically, this type is done with physical methods. In other words, in this procedure, it is necessary to exfoliate the skin to refine its layers.
Above all, crystal peeling, diamond peeling and microdermabrasion are often used.
2- Chemical peeling
Basically, this type of peeling is done with specific acids to attack and peel the skin. For example, it is hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, retinoic acid and/or others.
3- Biological peeling
A priori, this type of peeling is not approved by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA).
Above all, it is a more superficial type of peeling. In fact, it is made with fruit enzymes.
4- Peeling com laser
Initially, as you can see, this type of peeling is done with a laser. In fact, the types of laser that are normally used are those that heat the skin from the inside out.
Basically, this stimulates cell turnover without peeling or irritating the skin.
5- Peeling vegetal
In principle, this type is also known as gumming. It is, therefore, a superficial peeling. Thus, he uses plant-based and natural methods to peel the skin.
Indications
Above all, peeling is best suited for people who are looking for rejuvenation treatments. Or for people who want to remove blemishes on their skin, such as melasma, acne scars, sagging skin, and other skin problems.
Basically, as it is a somewhat complex procedure, we recommend that you look for qualified professionals. Because, using this method, it is possible to restructure and renew your skin.
In fact, medium and deep peels can only be done by dermatologists. The superficial, on the other hand, can be done by beauticians.
Necessary care
Before peeling
Firstly, if you are going to carry out this procedure, consult a specialized professional. Basically, the dermatologist will be responsible for evaluating your case.
Consequently, he will see what level of procedure should be yours, what methods are necessary and what precautions should be taken.
Additionally, milder acids are typically used to prepare the skin. The use of creams with retinoic acid, glycolic acid, hydroquinone and sunscreen are also usually associated with the preparation of the procedure. In fact, the latter is essential for any type of case, even for those of you who are not thinking about undergoing aesthetic procedures.
After peeling
A priori, care will not be the same for everyone. Because each case is different. Therefore, it is important to follow all your doctor’s instructions.
Above all, after all the peels, the skin will be more sensitive. Therefore, in all cases, sunscreen will be recommended. Furthermore, it is highly recommended to use products with vitamin C, such as ascorbic acid.
Basically, care after the procedure also varies depending on the type of peeling performed. Especially because, in the most superficial cases, the skin normally begins to regenerate within five days. Deeper ones can take 30 to 45 days for the skin to recover.
Contraindications
Not recommended for:
- People who do not have adequate photoprotection (athletes, fishermen).
- Who are or have been taking isotretinoin in the last six months.
- Those who use medications such as oral contraceptives, tetracyclines or corticosteroids. As they can increase the risk of inflammation.
- People with skin conditions that affect collagen. For example, lupus and dermatomyositis.
- Pregnant women cannot undergo medium and deep peels. Lighter peeling can be done, but only if the doctor authorizes it.
Possible complications
A priori, it is important to highlight that complications only occur when patients do not follow the necessary care after treatment. Therefore, it is common to experience skin discomfort, irritation, burns, or edema.
Other more serious complications
- Loss of skin barrier and tissue damage. This can even cause bacterial, herpetic and even candida infections;
- Abnormal scarring, milium and texture changes;
- Pigmentary changes, such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation and demarcation lines;
- Adverse reaction to chemical agents, such as acneiform eruptions, allergic reaction and toxicity;
- Spots and the appearance of spider veins.
Before and after peeling
Anyway, what did you think of this article? Come check out more articles in the Women’s Area: Skin cancer – Types, prevention, signs and when to see a doctor
Source: My life
Featured image: Healthy Clinic
