peelings
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel consists to apply one or more active ingredients to the skin in order to exfoliate one or more layers of the skin, thus regenerating the epidermis and stimulating the dermis (thickness and elasticity). The depth of the peel is determined by the chemical agent and its concentration: each type of pathology has its own optimum depth of treatment.
For superficial peels, we use glycolic acid combined or not with other active agents, or trichloroacetic acid in low concentrations.
For medium peels, trichloroacetic acid is used in concentrations of over 18%.
What are the indications?
> A superficial peel is a good indication for :
- A " glow boost",
- Thick oily skin with large pores and smokers' skin.
- It is a complementary treatment for acne, particularly microcystic acne.
- Hyperpigmentation such as pregnancy mask (melasma).
- To prevent photo-ageing.
> A medium peel is a good indication for :
- treating photoageing (sun-induced spots) and fine lines
- fade some acne scars
What are the contraindications?
- Pregnancy, breast-feeding.
- Allergy to any of the active chemicals.
- Inability to follow post-treatment recommendations such as regular sun protection.
- Certain peels should be avoided in cases of chronic dermatosis such as psoriasis, eczema or chronic urticaria.
- Some peels are contraindicated if you are taking photosensitising medication or isotretinoin.
- If the skin is dark, medium peels should be avoided because of the risk of pigmentation disorders.
How does a session at the doctor's practice work?
Careful make-up removal is carried out́ before the session. It is best to remove jewellery and piercings.
The peeling session: This consists of applying the product using a brush, a cotton bud, a compress or a gloved finger.
What is the treatment before and after the peel?
Preparing the skin for the peel is recommended. This enables the skin's tolerance to the active ingredient to be tested, the skin to be conditioned to receive the chemical active ingredient, and the skin surface to be homogenised for optimum effectiveness.
The use of depigmenting cosmetics prevents pigmentation rebound on certain skin types.
The pre-peel treatment should be carried out for at least 2 weeks, and stopped 1 week before the peel.
It is essential to apply an SPF50+ sun cream every morning for several weeks before and after the pee.
What happens after a peeling session?
- After a superficial peeling:
A tingling sensation may persist for the first few hours, with erythema (redness) and sometimes oedema appearing within a few hours. Scaling (peeling skin) is variable, usually mild to moderate. For this superficial peel, there is no social eviction.
Moisturising and healing creams are recommended several times a day during the peeling phase. Sun protection using SPF 50+ sun creams is essential to obtain good results. The local pre-peel treatment should be resumed as soon as the erythema and desquamation have disappeared.
In all cases, a follow-up visit every 2-3 weeks will be necessary to check the result obtained and optimise it by prescribing suitable cosmetics.
To be effective, this type of superficial peel, which limits social and professional exclusion, must be repeated on average every 2-3 weeks. A series of 3 to 6 sessions is desirable.
- After a medium peeling:
More or less severe erythema and oedema appear within a few hours.
In the days that follow, the skin turns brown and then peels. It is essential not to remove any dead skin.
For a medium peel, social eviction is needed for 7 to 10 days. The regenerated skin appears pink and make up can then be applied. A maintenance treatment may be reintroduced as soon as the erythema and desquamation have disappeared.
A follow-up visit will be planed to assess the results, adapt the cosmetic prescription and, if necessary, a new session will be scheduled.
What are the complications?
- Oedema, redness, excessive desquamation or exfoliation. Epidermolysis (detachment of the epidermis), resulting in temporary whitening specific to glycolic acid.
- Hyperpigmentation (darker spots) or hypopigmentation (lighter spots).
- A skin infection such as impetigo or a recurrence of herpes.
- A contact allergy.
- Changes in the texture of the skin making the areas where the peel was applied visible.
- Scarring after skin manipulation in the case of medium peels.
What is the cost?
A consultation is essential before any aesthetic treatment to:
- check the correct indication and prepare a personalised treatment plan
- inform you about the expected result and possible side effects
- give you an informed consent form (legal obligation)
