Face peeling is an aesthetic treatment in which special creams and acids are used to exfoliate the skin and which must be applied by a dermatologist or specialist in this technique.
Depending on the case and the specific needs of each person, this procedure destroys the superficial, middle or deep layer of the skin, which tries to eliminate dead cells that affect the skin and give way to a healthier, new and clean one with a much better appearance and fewer spots and wrinkles.
There are several types of face peeling, and the most common is the superficial one, which is done in the outer active layer and whose objective is to stimulate cell renewal, leading to deep changes such as the decrease of the melanin that accumulates in the skin, the increase of the epidermal thickness or the blood supply. Likewise, the permeability of the skin and the production of collagen fibres is favoured, being the most suitable for cases of superficial spots, freckles, and tired, dull or dry skin, as well as in cases of very large pores.
The medium peeling is applied in cases of fine wrinkles, pronounced expression lines, scars and marks left by acne, deep spots, fine wrinkles and skin aged by the sun.
The deep face peeling is applied after having analysed the person’s skin very carefully to then decide the type of acid to be applied, as well as the intensity level of the treatment. It is generally applied on very blemished or aged skin, skin with deep scars caused by acne, with many wrinkles or affected by the sun.
Face peeling can be chemical by using different chemical products, physical through the application of the laser; and mechanical by using natural products that are applied manually by the same people. However, we will emphasize the chemical peeling applied by a professional or dermatologist through chemical exfoliation. Some types of chemical facial peeling are:
Peeling with retinoic acid: It is the most effective against stretch marks since it causes a constant peeling of the superficial skin that renews the skin and favors the formation of collagen, which improves the appearance of these.
Peeling with glycolic acid: Generally it is used for the treatment of the face, neck and hands, being applied with care on the area affected by wrinkles or damaged by the sun, with acne or stretch marks.
Peeling with phenol: This product has the ability to produce intense facial rejuvenation. It is about sessions that last about 30 minutes that eliminate or smooth deep marks or wrinkles.
Peeling with resorcinol: This compound is very useful when it comes to cases where there is a post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, as well as deep acne and dyschromias. It is considered the most suitable for darker skin tones.
Peeling with salicylic acid: A 35 percent alcoholic solution is applied for 5 minutes, to then give way to neutralization with water, aiming to reduce wrinkles, whiten skin and smooth spots. It can be applied for about 10 consecutive days, and be repeated after 3 to 4 weeks.
These effective treatments also require care after having been applied, and one of the main ones is the skin hydration for one week after; it is recommended to use moisturizer that has been recommended by the attending physician.
In addition, it is recommended washing the face or treated area with mild soap during the first week after treatment, as well as using thermal water which softens the skin. Nor should the application of any acid be taken up again, but after seven days, since the skin is in a state of regeneration.
Another important care that must be taken is using sunscreen that protect from UVA and UVB radiation with a minimum factor of 30, applying it every 4 hours, and also putting cold compresses of chamomile infusion in the area where the face peeling was applied. But the most advisable thing is not to expose yourself to sunlight or fluorescent light, or to sudden changes in temperature.
Once a week, it is recommended having a professional hydration to promote the reduction of edema, promote the elimination of residual skin and facilitate re-epithelialization.
But, if you cannot undergo a chemical peeling, you can use natural products; that is why we present some alternatives that can provide positive effects such as skin whitening, improvement of acne and oily skin, the opening of pores, and even the reduction of superficial wrinkles, which you should not apply more than three times a week.
Facial peeling for wrinkled skin: Mix a tablespoon of sugar with one of extra virgin olive oil and apply it on moistened skin, giving a gentle circular massage. Avoid applying it for more than two minutes in the area around the eyes and neck, and do not use soap in those areas when bathing. Dry yourself very well, and apply sunscreen every other day.
Illuminating face peeling: The only peeling that can be applied every day is done by mixing a tablespoon of plain yoghurt with a tablespoon of oatmeal until a homogeneous paste is obtained. It is applied on the face for about three minutes, giving soft and circular massages.
Face peeling for oily and acne skin: Mix a tablespoon of oatmeal with crushed papaya and another tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to apply after washing with mild soap, and leaving the skin slightly moist. It is applied by giving smooth, circular and uniform movements throughout the face.
ALFA