What is a peel?
A peel is a deep skin-cleansing procedure that uses cosmetic products containing acids to remove the layer of dead cells from the skin's surface. The technology is simple: the acid exfoliates old epidermal cells and stimulates the formation of new ones. In English, "to peel" means to strip off the outer layer, which is exactly what happens to the skin during this procedure.
How safe is this procedure?
Exfoliation is a completely natural process for our skin. It has been established that it takes about 28 days: some cells die and new ones take their place. This natural self-renewal slows down over time; a chemical peel stimulates it and makes it more effective: the skin is deeply cleansed and quickly restored. The result is beautiful, radiant, smooth skin.
There are several types of peels, depending on how intensely and how the skin is exfoliated, and each type solves its own problems: superficial, medium or deep peels. Young skin usually gets a superficial peel to refresh the complexion and remove fatigue and dullness. Deep peels are meant for mature or aging skin.
After the age of 30, the procedure is recommended as an anti-aging therapy, but it should only be done by a qualified specialist who can help you choose the right peel for your skin type.
A peel has the following effects:
• reduces wrinkles;
• tightens and cleans the pores;
• is used as a complementary therapy in acne treatment
• removes small scars and/or acne scars
• removes pigment spots and age spots;
• reduces excess sebum;
• smooths skin texture
Chemical peels are the most popular; they use chemicals such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid or trichloroacetic acid to dissolve dead cells and stimulate collagen production in the skin. They can be superficial, medium or deep, depending on how deep the chemicals act.
Enzyme peels use proteolytic enzymes, such as papain or bromelain, which help dissolve dead cells on the skin's surface.
Before having a peel, it is important to consult a dermatology or cosmetology specialist to determine the right type of peel for your skin and to avoid any unwanted side effects. It is also important to use sun protection after a peel, because the skin is more sensitive and more vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV radiation.
The following types of peels are available at the Sancos Clinic:
• BioRePeel
• 4Ever Young 35% peel
• Glycolic peel
• Mandelic peel 50%
• Mandelic peel 40%
• Mandelic peel 30%
• Laser carbon peel
• AHA 12% peel