06 · Microneedling, MMP and peels
Chemical peel: skin renewal, dark spots and acne
A chemical peel is the application of acids to the skin to remove the most superficial layers in a controlled way, stimulating cell renewal. It is used to even out skin tone, lighten dark spots and dark circles, control acne and oiliness and improve texture, on the face and body. The type of acid and the depth are chosen for each skin. At Yamagata Dermatologia, in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, peels are indicated by dermatologists after a medical evaluation.
- Duration
- About 1 hour
- Anesthesia
- Not needed
- Recovery
- Peeling for a few days, depending on the acid
- Care
- Strict sun protection
How it works
The acids used in peels cause a controlled exfoliation of the superficial layers of the skin. By removing the outermost cells, the peel stimulates cell renewal, lightens pigment and evens out the surface. Deeper peels also stimulate collagen production.
The depth depends on the type of acid, the concentration, the contact time and the skin preparation:
- Superficial peels, such as glycolic, salicylic and mandelic acid peels: act on the outermost layer, with little or no visible peeling.
- Medium-depth peels, such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels: act more deeply, with more intense peeling and a greater effect on dark spots and texture.
Indications
- Dark spots and melasmaDark spots, melasma and uneven tone.
- Dark circlesDark circles with darkened skin.
- Acne scarsSuperficial marks and uneven texture.
- Dull skin, texture and poresOiliness, pores, blackheads and dull skin.
- Dark spots on the bodyDarkening of the underarms, groin and other areas.
Treated areas
AreasFace · Body
Specific indicationsAcne · Dark circles
What a session is like
In some cases, the skin is prepared with creams in the weeks before. On the day, the skin is cleaned and degreased, and the doctor applies the acid, monitoring the time and the skin's reaction. The sensation is of stinging or heat, which passes within a few minutes. At the end, the acid is neutralized or removed, depending on the type. A session lasts about 1 hour.
Recovery
With superficial peels, the skin may be slightly red and peel subtly. With medium-depth peels, the skin darkens and peels for a few days.
Sessions and results
The number of sessions and the interval between them depend on the dermatologist's individual evaluation and on each patient's clinical concern. The improvement is progressive and varies according to the type of peel and each person's skin.
Contraindications
Chemical peels are not recommended during pregnancy (for some acids), over wounds, infections or active herpes, over tanned or irritated skin, or for people allergic to the acids. Recent use of isotretinoin, a tendency to keloids and darker skin, for deeper peels, require evaluation.
At the evaluation, the dermatologist reviews your health history, current medications and previous procedures to confirm the indication.
All procedures are recommended and performed after an individual medical evaluation. Results vary from person to person.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Does a chemical peel make the skin peel a lot?
It depends on the acid and the depth. Superficial peels cause fine, subtle peeling, or no visible peeling. Medium-depth peels cause more intense peeling for a few days. The type of peel is chosen at the evaluation, according to the skin and your availability for recovery.
Does a chemical peel treat acne?
Yes. Acids such as salicylic acid reduce oiliness, unclog pores and help control blackheads and pimples, as a complement to the medical treatment of acne.
Can I have a peel in the summer?
Superficial peels can be done with strict sun protection. Deeper ones are preferably done in the months with less sun exposure, because the skin becomes more sensitive.
Which acids are used?
Among the most used are glycolic, salicylic, mandelic, retinoic and trichloroacetic (TCA) acids, alone or combined. The choice depends on the concern, the skin type and the desired depth.
Team
Medical team
See also