16/08/2021
💥What is Chemical peeling?
Also called exfoliation treatment, it is a technique of skin regeneration, thus having an “anti-aging” effect. An evaluation before treatment as well as the treatment itself must be done by a physician experienced in dermatology.
Different chemical substances can be used.
By this technique, skin is exfoliated followed by cutaneous regeneration. The “new” skin is smoother and appears “healthier”.
💥What are the indications for a chemical peel ?
🔹️Acne: closed comedones and black spots, superficial scars.
🔹️Pigmented lesions: sun spots and age-related spots, freckles, melasma (chloasma, pregnancy mask)…
🔹️Fine wrinkles, especially around the eyes, which are related to cumulative sun damage.
💥What are the types of chemical peels ?
Several are available including the following 3:
🔹️Glycolic acid (alpha-hydroxy acid)
🔹️Trichloroacetic acid
🔹️Jessner’s solution (salicylic acid and lactic acid)
💥How does the treatment take place ?
🔹️Discussion with a dermatologist of the depth of treatment and the substance to use.
🔹️Stop using some drugs (e.g. vitamin A-based creams).
🔹️The number of treatments needed (may vary):
➡️2-4 sessions for acne, more if there are scars.
➡️1-3 sessions for freckles but more if pigmentation is deeper.
🔹️The dermatologist applies the substance for 5-10 minutes and a sensation of burning may be felt. Deeper peels are more painful and require the use of anesthetic creams.
🔹️For a few days following the treatment, the face is red. Deeper peels carry the important risk of hyperpigmentation following the treatment and the skin may only exfoliate (=peel) up to two weeks after the treatment session.
💥What to do after the treatment session ?
🔹️Apply emollient (moisturizing) creams often after the treatment.
🔹️Do not touch the treated area.
🔹️Avoid sun exposure and apply sunscreen (or sunblock).
🔹️Do not apply anti-aging creams for a week.
💥What are the complications ?
They depend on the depth of the treatment and include:
🔹️Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, reversible within 4 months, more frequent in dark skin types. Also more frequent when taking isotretinoin.
🔹️Scarring
🔹️Herpes simplex infections
🔹️Allergies
💥What are treatment limitations ?
🔹️It doesn’t affect pore size.
🔹️It doesn’t improve the appearance of broken vessels.
🔹️It doesn’t improve deep scars and deep wrinkles.
🔹️It doesn’t affect skin tone.
Also discuss with the dermatologist of alternate possible treatments.