What is Chemical Peeling?
Chemical peeling which is nowadays used both in cosmetics and treatment is a method of forming microscobic and macroscobic changes in skin surface and deeper skin by applying various chemical substances to the skin.
Shortly, chemical peeling is controlled peeling of the skin especailly with fuit acids by applying various chemicals agents. Consequently, it is ensured that the body has a younger and healthier appearance by accelerating the normal renewth speed of skin which is between 25 to 28 days. So bruises, burn and pimple marks and color changes which aren’t homogeneous will be minimised with new skin forming as well.
How is the Chemical Peeling Mechanism of Action?
A controlled chemical buen is formed after chemical peeling applications. After that the recovery phase starts and while the damaged layers are removed, they are replaced with newly-produced collagens. This recovery period is comleted around 7 days. Recovery in deeper layers take longer to heal. In tissue samples taken 3 months later it can be seen that the collagen which was dispersed and uneven before is now increased and turned into a more compact state. These changes which happen after peeling generally last 15-20 years but sometimes they last a lifetime.
What Are The Agents Used in Chemical Peeling Application?
- Alpha hydroxy acidsToday they are the most commonly used agents. Became recently popular, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) are non-toxic fruit acids. For example, Glycolic acid (sugarcane), lactic acid( sour milk), tartaric acid (grape), malic acid (apple), citric acid( various fruits) can be counted among those. And also among these the one which has the smallest molecular form and which is most suitable for the skin and so most commenly used is glycolic acid. Apart from its molecular structure, its another advantage is its superior ability to hold moisture and thus provides a high amount of moisture to the skin.Regular repeated applications help removing of superficial thin wrinkles and getting rid of changes which develop because of pimples and sun damage. To have the best results they should be used in 1-2 week intervals for 6 months.
- Beta hydroxy acidsThey generally do peeling softer and they are used as a preperation phase before starting treatment with alpha hydroxy acids.
- Retinoic acidsThey are generally used as supplementary treatment agents.
- Resorcinol
- Azelaic Acid
- Trichloracetic acid (TCA)They are very hard and powerful agents compared to AHAs and today they are practically no longer used. They are rather used for treatment. They have a high potential of side and unwanted effects.
- PhenolToday it is very rarely used. They are rather used to form aggressive peeling to treat deep lesions in 6 month intervals.
What Are The Areas Where Chemical Peeling is Mainly Used? ?
- Elimination of mild to moderate wrinkles,
- Cracks and scars,
- Dark spot treatment,
- Skin rejuvenation (for anti-aging),
- Removing various swollen lesions from skin that happen due to sun damage,
- Acne(pimple)treatment,
- Reducing marks and craters that are related to acne,
- Pilonidal sinus (dermoid cyst),
- Large pores,
- Lipoidosis problems
What are the Points to Consider Before and After Chemical Peeling Application?
- Before and after chemical peeling, protect the application area from the sun, avoid suntanning, don’t sunbathe and don’t use solarium.
- If you have to go out in the sun, you should use a product that is suitable for your skin and has a high factor.
- Because of the possibility of causing abnormal pigmentation (colour change in skin), before starting chemical peeling application if there is a medicine you use regularly especially like a birth control pill which contains ostrogen hormone or other medication( primarily pimple drugs like isotretionin(roaccutane), antibiotics in tetracycline group and stereoit hormones..etc. ), warn your doctor and don’t use them for a long time after the treatment. For every medication you may take, consult your doctor.
- After chemical peeling application, stay away from irritating your skin on the first day, don’t have a very hot bath and don’t use any cosmetic product(like soap, shampoo or cologne) except moisturizer. You can wash by warm water and use a moustirizer taht your doctor recommends.
- For itches and rashes that may emerge after chemical peeling application, you can use antihistaminic or stereoit creams by consulting your doctor.
- If you have influenza or you are suspicious of having it ( exhaustion, malaise, runny nose..etc) warn your doctor and delay your treatment if needed.
- Generally 1 or 2 weeks before the actual peeling application, it’s a good idea to prepare your skin with home products in low concentrations which may help reduce side effects of more sensitive skins.
- Dyeing hair and having a perm should be avoided for at least one week prior to the peeling application.