Peeling

WHAT IS A PEEL
Despite being an english term, the peel is an aesthetic medicine procedure well known since ancient egyptians and roman empress Poppea, Nero’s wife, as her famous daily milk baths were nothing less than peels to “erase the wrinkles, soften and brighten the skin”( cit. Pliny the elder ). When using different actives sequentially, one after another in the same session, we are doing a combined peel. I instead different actives are blended together and used in a single administration, that’s a composite peel.

SUPERFICIAL PEELS
Superficial peels act on the stratum corneum, the outer layer of epidermis consisting of dead cells, reducing its thickness or erasing it completely. This makes the skin brighter and the shallower pigmentations smaller and lighter. These kind of peels help to reduce the excess of sebum ( seborrhea ), to treat the acne initial phase ( comedones and blackheads ), rosacea, dark spots as a consequence of acne, keratin plugs on hair follicles ( follicular keratosis ), epidermal spots and minor photo-aging. It’s a few minutes treatment while the feeling is a light tingling.

MID LEVEL PEELS
Mid level peels act deeper, through epidermis down to papillary dermis. With these kind of peels we treat actinic keratosis, sun spots, micro wrinkles and minor up to mid photo-aging. It’s a few minutes treatment while the feeling is a light-medium burning; for the following 1-2 weeks, the skin of the treated area continues to peel off until complete recovery.

HOW TO GET READY FOR AND RECOVER FROM A PEEL
15-30 days before you have some kind of chemical peel, it is recommended, to begin to thin the stratum corneum, increase the cellular renewal process and, last but not least, lead the melanocytes to decrease their production of melanin to avoid the skin reaction to chemical peel being stains. Peels, particularly the mid or deep level ones, are contraindicated on skins that are prone to heal with keloids and hypertrofic scars, that have recurrent herpes infections ( if this is the case, antiviral medication should occur before and after treatment to help prevent a viral infection ), that recently have had surgical treatments or radiotherapy, during pregnancy and breastfeeding. After the chemical peel you want to use professional hydrating and soothing cosmeceutics, avoid sun exposure and use a real professional sun protection 50+SPF. Exfoliating skin and possible scab should not be removed.

Frequently asked question (FAQ)

1. What is peeling? 

Peeling is an aesthetic medicine treatment that involves the application of chemical substances to the skin to exfoliate it and stimulate cell regeneration, improving its appearance.

2. What types of peeling exist?

There are different types of peeling, including:

– Superficial peels, which act on the outermost layers of the skin to improve brightness, superficial spots, mild acne, and seborrhea.

– Medium peels, which penetrate deeper to treat keratosis, sunspots, fine wrinkles, and moderate photoaging.

3. Is the treatment painful? 

During a superficial peel, you may feel a slight tingling sensation, while a medium peel can cause a more intense burning sensation that lasts for a few minutes.

4. How long does a session last? 

The treatment is quick and lasts only a few minutes.

5. Can I resume my activities immediately after the treatment? 

After a superficial peel, you can immediately return to your daily routine (Lunch Therapy). A medium peel, however, requires a few days of recovery, during which the skin may peel.

6. What are the main contraindications? 

Peeling is not recommended in cases of:

– Skin prone to keloid formation

– Active or frequent herpes infections (antiviral prophylaxis required)

– Recent surgical procedures or radiotherapy treatments in the treated area

– Pregnancy and breastfeeding

7. What precautions should be taken before the treatment? 

In some cases, a 15- to 30-day at-home preparation with specific products is recommended to thin the stratum corneum and reduce melanin production, preventing post-peeling spots.

8. How should the skin be cared for after peeling? 

– Apply professional moisturizing and soothing creams

– Avoid sun exposure and use SPF 50 sunscreen

– Do not manually remove peeling skin or any scabs

9. How long does it take to see results? 

The first improvements are visible within a few days, with a brighter and more even complexion. The optimal result is achieved by completing the treatment cycle recommended by the doctor.

10. Can peeling be combined with other treatments? 

Yes, it can be combined with other aesthetic medicine treatments for a more comprehensive effect, such as biorevitalization, laser treatments or Botox.