Chemical peeling is an aesthetic medicine treatment used to combat various skin imperfections and affections: wrinkles, skin spots, scars, stretch marks, keratosis, melasma, psoriasis, warts, acne and seborrhoeic dermatitis.

How chemical peeling works

Applying a chemical peel means chemical exfoliation of the skin, which accelerates the natural exfoliation processes and stimulates cell turnover. Applied chemical exfoliants thus induce necrosis and inflammation in the deeper and shallower layers of the skin (epidermis, papillary and reticular dermis). Thanks to this mechanism of action, it is possible to

• Eliminate altered and damaged epidermis and dermis cells;
• Promote cell turnover, hence skin renewal;
• Stimulate the synthesis of new collagen and elastic fibres
• Favour the absorption of any active ingredients applied at the end of the treatment(moisturising, emollient, anti-wrinkle, etc.).

One or more chemical exfoliants mixed together are applied to the skin. Once the product has been applied to the affected areas, a setting time must be respected, after which the product is removed and the skin is thoroughly cleansed. Finally, after the treatment, moisturising products or specific products can be applied to increase the effect obtained with the peeling (anti-wrinkle, moisturising, etc.).

Depth of chemical peelings

We know that the skin consists of several layers. Depending onthe area to be treated, the type of problem and its severity, it is possible to choose between various intensities of the peeling, i.e. the depth at which it will be performed.

A very superficial peeling, for example, only exfoliates the outer, most superficial layer of the skin and is used to make the skin glow and thus reduce skin dullness.

A superficial pe eling acts at a slightly deeper level and reaches down to the base layer of the epidermis, creating necrosis there. It is used in particular for scars, hyperpigmentation and superficial lines.

A medium peeling goes even deeper into the epidermis and papillary epidermis. It is used for acne and chickenpox scars, melasma and medium-depth wrinkles.

Deep peeling reaches into the deepest layers of the skin and into the retricular dermis. It is used for particularly deep wrinkles and scars.

The effects

After peeling ,the skin immediately looks younger, brighter and smoother. After several sessions, superficial micro wrinkles are reduced, skin blemishes fade, even to the point of disappearing altogether.

At the end of a treatment, also depending on the depth and type of product applied, rather common side effects such as redness, burning and irritation may occur. These are normal reactions that tend to self-resolve over time.

Finally, it is important to remember that, both before and after chemical peeling, to avoid complications and unwanted effects, it is necessary to avoid exposure to sunlight or even artificial UV rays. This is therefore the best time of year for those wishing to treat skin blemishes with chemical peeling.