Peeling involves the application of one or more chemical substances to the skin to induce a more or less significant exfoliation and the consequent cellular regeneration process.
What is a peel
Despite the name (from the English ’to peel'), it is a treatment of Aesthetic medicine already known to the ancient Egyptians and by Poppaea, who practised it by immersing herself in donkey milk to “erase wrinkles, make the skin more delicate and maintain its fairness” (Pliny the Elder). When several different products are used in sequence, i.e. one after another in the same session, it is called a combined peel. If, on the other hand, a single solution containing different exfoliating agents is applied, it is called a compound peel.
superficial peels
Superficial peels act on the stratum corneum, the outermost part of the epidermis made up of dead cells, reducing or eliminating its thickness. This makes the skin brighter and reduces superficial pigmentation and blemishes. They are used to combat excess sebum (seborrhoea), the’Acne in its initial comedogenic phase (blackheads and whiteheads), the Rosacea, acne scars, keratin plugs on hair follicles (keratosis pilaris), epidermal blemishes and mild photo-ageing. The treatment lasts a few minutes during which a slight tingling may be felt. It is one of the aesthetic medicine treatments that generally allow you to immediately return to your daily activities (Lunch Therapy).
Peeling medi
Medium peels act more deeply, in the epidermis and down to the papillary dermis. They are used to treat actinic keratoses, sunspots (age spots), fine lines, and mild to moderate photoaging. The treatment lasts a few minutes during which an intense burning sensation can be felt. In the following days, for up to 1-2 weeks, the treated area will peel until full recovery is achieved.
Preparation and post-recovery
It is advisable to prepare for certain types of peels with home treatment for 15-30 days to begin to reduce the thickness of the stratum corneum, increase cell turnover, and, very importantly, condition the melanocytes to produce less melanin so that the skin’s response to the peel is not the formation of blemishes. Peels, especially those that act more deeply, are contraindicated for skin that tends to form keloids, which is prone to herpes infections (it is advisable to implement targeted preventive antiviral prophylaxis), in the case of recent surgical procedures on the area to be treated or radiotherapy, and also during pregnancy and breastfeeding. After the peel, moisturising and soothing professional products are used, sun exposure should be completely avoided, and a high SPF 50 sunscreen must be used. Do not remove any exfoliating skin or scabs.
Domande frequenti (FAQ)
1. What is a peel?
Peeling is a cosmetic medicine treatment that involves applying chemical substances to the skin to exfoliate it and stimulate cell regeneration, improving the skin's appearance.
2. What types of peels are there?
There are different types of peels, including:
– Superficial peels, which act on the outermost layers of the skin to improve radiance, superficial blemishes, mild acne, and seborrhoea.
– Medium peels, which penetrate deeper to treat keratosis, sun spots, fine lines, and moderate photoaging.
3. Is the treatment painful?
During a superficial peel, you may feel a slight stinging, 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 a few minutes.
5. Can I return to my activities straight after treatment?
After a superficial peel, you can immediately resume 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 interventions or radiotherapy treatments on the area to be treated
– Pregnancy and breastfeeding
7. What precautions should be taken before the treatment?
In some cases, 15-30 days of home preparation with specific products is recommended to thin the stratum corneum and reduce melanin production, thus avoiding the formation of post-peeling marks.
8. How to care for skin after a peel?
– Apply professional moisturising and soothing creams
Avoid sun exposure and use SPF 50 sunscreen
– Do not manually remove skin during exfoliation or any scabs
9. After how long will results be seen?
The first improvements are visible after just a few days, with a brighter, more even-looking complexion. The optimal result is achieved by completing the course of treatments recommended by your doctor.
10. Can the peel be combined with other treatments?
Yes, it can be combined with other aesthetic medicine treatments for a more complete effect, such as biorevitalization, laser treatments, and Botox.
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