Chemical peeling uses carefully selected acids to create controlled exfoliation of the skin. The type and depth of the peel should be chosen according to the skin condition, treatment goal and individual response.
The concept of using natural substances to improve the skin surface goes back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian medical texts describe early skin treatments, and sour milk was traditionally used on the skin. Today, we know that sour milk contains lactic acid, an alpha- hydroxy acid (AHA). Modern chemical peeling has developed into a controlled medical procedure using standardized peeling agents.
A chemical peel, also called chemexfoliation, involves
appiying a selected chemical solution to the skin to
produce controlled exfoliation and subsequent renewal.
Depending on the agent and depth used, chemical peels
may help improve acne, post-acne marks, uneven
pigmentation, rough texture, dull-looking skin and selected
signs of photoageing,
The aim is not simply to make the skin "peel." A good treatment begins by deciding what needs to be treated and how deeply the skin needs to be affected.
A selected peeling agent is applied to the prepared skin.
The solution produces a controlled effect at a planned depth in the skin.
As treated layers recover, epidermal renewal occurs and skin texture may improve.
Examples include glycolic and lactic acid. Depending on formulation and concentration, they may be selected for texture, dullness or uneven pigmentation.
Salicylic acid is commonly used in acne-prone and oily skin because of its keratolytic properties.
TCA can be used at different strengths and depths and requires appropriate patient selection and professional application.
The clinical effect depends on several factors, including the peeling agent, concentration, pH, formulation, application technique, number of layers or contact time, skin preparation and individual response.
Selected peel types may complement an acne treatment plan.
May help improve some superficial post-inflammatory colour changes.
Selected peels may help improve uneven skin tone and superficial pigmentation.
Controlled exfoliation may improve surface texture.
Removal of accumulated superficial cells may give the skin a fresher appearance.
Certain peels may be considered for selected signs of sun-related skin change.
There is no single peel that is appropriate for everyone. Before selecting a chemical peel, we consider:
The skin and treatment concern are assessed and relevant history is reviewed.
The skin is cleansed and prepared. Some patients may require a pre-peel skincare plan.
The selected peeling solution is applied while the skin response is observed.
The peel is removed, neutralized or allowed to self-neutralize according to the product protocol.
Appropriate skincare and sun-protection instructions are provided.
The response depends on the type and depth of peel. A superficial peel may cause temporary redness, dryness, tightness or light flaking. More intensive peels can produce more visible peeling and require longer recovery.
Moisturise
as advised
Use sun
protection
Do not pick
peeling skin
Pause irritating
actives when advised
A chemical peel may not be appropriate when the skin is actively irritated, inflamed, infected or damaged. Other factors can include relevant medications, recent procedures, tendency to scar, previous isotretinoin use and a history of recurrent cold sores. Assessment matters because sometimes the safest choice is to treat the underlying skin problem first and peel later.
The first step is understanding what you want to improve and whether chemical peeling is appropriate for your skin.
Common questions about chemical peel treatment, treatment selection, recovery and expected downtime.
There is no single peel that is best for everyone. The choice depends on your skin type, concern, current skin condition, previous treatments, medications and expected downtime.
The number of sessions depends on the concern, selected peel and individual skin response. A treatment plan is determined after assessment.
Peeling varies according to the type and depth of treatment. Some superficial treatments produce little visible flaking.
Sensations vary according to the peel. Some patients experience warmth, tingling or temporary stinging during application.
Selected chemical peels may complement an acne treatment plan. The appropriate peel depends on your current skin condition and treatment goals.
Certain superficial marks and texture concerns may improve with selected peels. Deeper scars may require another or combined treatment approach.
Selected peels may help improve some forms of superficial pigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Chemical peels can be considered for different skin tones, but treatment selection and technique should be appropriate for the individual.
Downtime depends on the type and depth of peel. Superficial treatments generally have less visible downtime than deeper treatments.
This depends on the treatment and your skin's condition afterwards. Your clinician will advise when makeup can safely be resumed.
