Chemical peel is a procedure that removes surface, dead layers of skin, thereby restoring it. By the application of a solution of certain chemical exfoliants, a trained physician makes the appearance of a “superficial burn”, creating a controlled, partial “wound” on the skin. Subsequently, in the process of wound healing, the surface layer of the skin regenerates and new connective tissue is created.
Based on the depth of injury, chemical peels can be divided into superficial, medium deep and deep. Numerous chemical exfoliants are used for chemical peels. The most popular among them are fruit acids: alfahydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, citric, tartaric, malic, almond, gluconic) and beta-hydroxy acids (salicylic). In addition to fruit acids, bionic acid (lactobionic), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and high retinol concentrations can be used.
Chemical peels can be done on the face, neck, hands, arms and legs. They are used for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, sun-damaged skin, moderate forms of acne, enlarged pores, acne scars, keratosis, keratosis pilaris, benign lentigine.
After treatment, redness, peeling and flaking occur, the severity of which depends on the type of chemical peeling, the type and concentration of chemical exfoliant used. After chemical peel, the skin must be protected with an antisolar cream with a high protection factor (SPF 50+), as otherwise it can damage the new skin exposed to UV radiation after exfoliation.