Peeling
What?
Various types of peeling exist, depending on the acid used. These acids stimulate cell renewal and remove dead skin cells. This causes the skin to tighten.
Indications?
- Acne: mainly if you suffer badly from comedones (clogged pores)
- Hyperpigmentations: melasma (‘the mask of pregnancy’), pigment patches
- Skin rejuvenation
Purpose of peeling?
To remove the uppermost, damaged layer of skin so that a new, fresh, healthy layer of skin can develop.
Which type of peeling?
‘Soft’, ‘medium’ or ‘deep peels’ are available, depending on the indication. The doctor will discuss with you which peeling is the most suitable. The decision will be based on your skin type and the desired effect.
‘Soft peels’ can safely be combined with micro-dermabrasion. This technique involves removing the surface skin using micro-crystals in order to prepare the skin for the peeling to ensure an even result.
Interval?
Ideally you should undergo four peeling procedures with an interval of two to four weeks between each one.
One treatment session takes 30-45 minutes.
Complications?
Always ask your dermatologist for advice about a peeling procedure. ‘Deep peels’ can cause unwanted pigment patches on darker skin types and are therefore not suitable for such skins.
There are sufficient other safe options for darker skin types such as micro-dermabrasion and fruit acid peeling (a peeling procedure that softens the uppermost layer of the skin).
After peeling, the skin will look red. The deeper the peeling, the longer the redness will persist and scabs may form. This lasts an average of 7-10 days. The redness and the scabs then disappear.
Precautions?
- If you suffer badly from cold sores, anti-herpes medication will be started two days before the peeling.
- Avoid exposure to the sun for four weeks before and after the peeling and apply sunscreen factor SPF50+ when you go outside.
- If you suffer from acne, the acne treatment should be discontinued two weeks before the peeling.