Chemical peeling is the process of applying one or more chemical agents to the surface of the skin to create controlled damage, thus promoting renewal. It can be used to address unwanted spots and acne, rejuvenate, and revitalize the skin. The procedure can also be preferred for areas such as the hands and neck in addition to the face.
What is Chemical Peeling?
Chemical peeling is a procedure applied for various purposes such as rejuvenating the skin, removing unwanted scars, and improving skin appearance. During the procedure, a chemical acid is applied to the skin. After creating controlled damage at the desired depth, the wound healing mechanism of the skin is triggered, increasing the production of collagen and elastin. This increase allows the skin to renew and achieve a more vibrant appearance. While there are numerous chemical peeling agents, some frequently used ones include Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA), Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), and Jessner's solution.
What Are the Types of Chemical Peeling?
The chemical peeling procedure can be applied at different depths depending on the desired results;
Mild Chemical Peeling, also known as superficial peeling, aims to exfoliate the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). It is preferred for complaints such as skin tone unevenness, skin dryness, and fine wrinkles. Medium Chemical Peeling targets the exfoliation of the upper (epidermis) and middle layers (upper dermis) of the skin. It helps erase wrinkles and acne appearance and balances skin tone unevenness. Deep Chemical Peeling is applied to the depth affecting the epidermis, dermis, and mid-skin cells. It can be applied for deep wrinkles or scars.
What Should Be Considered After Chemical Peeling?
One of the most important points to consider after chemical peeling is to protect the skin from the sun. Moisturizers and sunscreens recommended by your doctor should be used. Any crusts that may form on the skin surface should not be peeled to prevent skin damage. Precautions may vary depending on the depth of the procedure. Therefore, the information conveyed by your doctor after the procedure should be carefully listened to and followed.
Things to Know About Chemical Peeling
Although chemical peeling procedures offer effective results, they should be done with caution and evaluated under expert control to ensure they are suitable for the individual's skin structure. Especially home chemical peeling applications may lead to burns, irritations, or permanent marks on the skin due to incorrect product usage or uncontrolled applications. To avoid such situations, it is recommended that the procedure be performed under the supervision of a professional dermatologist.
Even though most products used at home are at lower concentrations compared to professional applications, factors such as incorrect usage, exceeding the allowed duration, or insufficient skin preparation can result in serious problems. The most common chemical peeling damages include redness, burning sensation, peeling, and increased sensitivity on the skin. Although these effects are generally temporary, in some cases, they may lead to long-term discolorations or disruptions in the skin barrier.
How Safe is Chemical Peeling in Skin Renewal?
Chemical peeling is a popular aesthetic procedure in skin renewal methods that has been applied for many years, offering effective results. This method is particularly successful against skin tone unevenness, acne scars, fine lines, sunspots, and dull skin appearance and can be applied safely under certain conditions. As with any skin procedure, careful attention should be given to chemical peeling.
When applied correctly and under appropriate conditions, chemical peeling is an effective and safe skin renewal method. It may not be suitable for everyone, and incorrect product usage or unawareness in application can adversely affect skin health. Therefore, prior to the procedure, dermatological approval should be obtained and professional support should be sought throughout the treatment process.
How to Heal a Chemical Peeling Burn?
If a chemical peeling burn occurs, the area should not be interfered with, the skin should not be peeled, and irritation should not be increased. Initial relief can be achieved with a cold compress, but it should definitely be evaluated by a dermatologist. After a burn, the soothing creams, antibiotic ointments, or moisturizers recommended by the doctor should be used regularly, and the skin must be protected from the sun. During the healing process of the burn, using products containing the restorative substances the skin needs (e.g.; hyaluronic acid, panthenol) can be beneficial.
Changes that occur on the skin following a chemical peeling procedure become noticeable within a few days. To ensure this process progresses healthily, extra care should be taken in skin care. Moisturizers, sunscreens, and products that support the skin barrier should not be neglected. Otherwise, the desired vibrant and renewed skin appearance after peeling may be replaced by dryness, irritation, or color changes.
What Should Be Considered for Safe Application?
For chemical peeling to provide safe and effective results, several considerations should be kept in mind:
- The procedure must be performed by an experienced professional.
- Skin should be properly prepared before the procedure and protected from the sun.
- The recommended post-application care products should be used regularly.
- Sunscreen should not be neglected. The skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight after peeling.
- The frequency and type of procedure should be determined according to the skin type, and a personalized plan should be created for each individual.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should chemical peeling be done?
The frequency of chemical peeling applications varies depending on the type of application, the strength of the chemical agent used, and the individual's skin type. Superficial, or light chemical peels, can typically be applied at intervals of 2-4 weeks and are planned in courses of 4-6 sessions. This application is effective for superficial problems such as skin tone unevenness, blackheads, mild acne scars, and dullness.
Medium-depth peels can typically be repeated every few months and are preferred for individuals with more intense skin problems. Deep chemical peeling procedures are much more invasive, usually limited to a single session, and recommended to be repeated annually.
Every skin is different. Therefore, skin analysis should be performed to determine the appropriate frequency, and a personalized treatment plan should be created in consultation with a dermatologist.
Is it safe to perform chemical peeling at home?
Home chemical peeling applications can be somewhat safe with the correct products and adherence to instructions. However, it entirely depends on the individual's skin type, sensitivity, and the content of the product used. Products containing low-concentration AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) or BHA (beta hydroxy acid) can provide mild exfoliation with regular use, cleaning pores and evening skin tone.
However, the duration and quantity of use are critically important. Leaving the product on the skin longer than recommended can cause chemical peeling burns or discoloration on sensitive skin. Especially in individuals with a compromised skin barrier, unwanted side effects such as redness, irritation, and excessive dryness may occur.
Individuals planning to perform peeling at home should be well-acquainted with their skin, carefully review product contents, and provide post-application support with moisturizers. The safest route is to first consult a dermatologist and seek guidance regarding suitable products.
Can makeup be applied after chemical peeling?
After chemical peeling, a controlled peeling process begins on the skin, during which the skin becomes much more sensitive than usual. Therefore, it is important not to apply makeup for the first 24-48 hours after the procedure. As the skin is attempting to renew itself during this period, products like foundation or concealer can clog pores, increase irritation, and negatively affect the healing process.
If there are signs such as redness, crusting, or peeling on the skin, makeup applications can make this condition more apparent. Therefore, only skincare products such as moisturizers and sunscreens should be used until healing is complete.
If makeup is to be applied, it is recommended to opt for mineral-based, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free products after the skin has completely healed. Prior to applying makeup, it is important to moisturize the skin and use clean products to ensure skin health.
Can chemical peeling be applied to every skin type?
Chemical peeling is a procedure that can be adapted to different skin types and skin issues. However, not every skin type can tolerate this procedure in the same way. For example, oily and acne-prone skin may achieve favorable results with peels containing salicylic acid (BHA), whereas, in dry, sensitive, or atopic-prone skin, AHA derivatives should be used more cautiously.
Chemical peeling is not recommended if there is active eczema, rosacea, open wounds, infections, or severe sensitivity on the skin. Individuals with darker skin tones have a higher risk of post-peeling hyperpigmentation (dark spots). Therefore, the skin type and tone should be assessed beforehand to determine the appropriate agent and peeling depth.
In all cases, peeling applications conducted under dermatological supervision offer safer and more effective results when tailored to the individual.