Division of peels and their use
Peeling, also known as abrasion or, more figuratively, exfoliation, is a treatment involving the removal of dead skin . The intensity and depth of exfoliation depend on the choice of preparation and method suited to the type of skin. Peels are used to treat seborrheic skin, acne, discoloration, scars, calluses, but not only. Peeling is also used to thoroughly cleanse and improve the overall condition of the skin. With its help, you can regenerate the dermis, remove discolorations and the effects of photoaging, make the skin more elastic and firm, and smooth and reduce wrinkles. In other words, improve the condition and appearance of the skin.
A simple peeling can be prepared at home, e.g. using sugar or coarse salt. This type of peeling allows you to remove dead skin. However, advanced cosmetic or medical peeling works either at the level of the epidermis or both at the level of the epidermis and dermis. Peeling can be performed on all parts of the body. The intensity and type of treatment depend on the cosmetic or dermatological problem, age and skin type.
Types of peels
Taking these conditions into account, we can use various types of peels.
The criterion of professionalism and advancement
Due to the location, professionalism, intensity of treatments and the concentration of the preparations used, peels can be divided into:
– home-made – as the name suggests, carried out at home, based on ready-made cosmetics purchased in a drugstore or self-prepared products, e.g. based on salt, sugar or chopped almonds,
– dermatological – performed by a doctor when a skin defect is a clear indication for the procedure; based on preparations with a high concentration of active ingredients,
– cosmetic – they will be in the middle between one and the other version; they also use advanced active ingredients, but to a lesser extent than dermatological peels; are used to improve the overall appearance and condition of the skin.
Criterion of the technique and preparations used
A different division will take into account the technique of performing the procedure and the preparations used. In this classification we will distinguish:
– Mechanical peeling – involves mechanical removal of dead skin, e.g. using abrasive materials, e.g. corundum crystals, diamond discs, warm nitrogen, etc. Depending on the type of skin and possible defect, the material and, for example, the grain size of the abrasive particles are selected. A less invasive peeling will work well for dry and sensitive skin. In the case of oily skin with wide pores, deep exfoliation may be necessary, both at the level of the epidermis and dermis.
– Enzymatic peeling – a much more delicate alternative peeling method. It can be successfully used even by people with sensitive or vascular skin. This technique uses chemical or natural enzymes whose task is to soften and dissolve dead skin.
– Chemical peeling – based on a mixture of chemical compounds in a specific concentration. Most often, these are fruit acids, trichloroacetic acid or polyhydroacids (e.g. lactic or glycolic acid). Its task is not only to remove damaged epidermis, but also to stimulate the skin to increase the production of collagen and elastin. As a result, the skin becomes visibly smoother, firmer and stronger.
– Cavitation peeling – this treatment uses ultrasound to remove dead skin. Moreover, it stimulates circulation and improves cell oxygenation. It is a non-invasive treatment and can be successfully used on people with sensitive skin.
– Mixed techniques , e.g. a combination of peeling, microdermabrasion and ultrasound. This combination of several techniques using different mixtures, concentrations, etc. allows you to reach different layers of the skin and work in those places where problems occur. Thanks to this, the skin is regenerated, regains better condition, becomes fresher, radiant, smooth and firm.
Exfoliation depth criterion
The next criterion allows you to divide peels according to the depth of exfoliation. In this group we distinguish:
– Deep peels – as you can easily guess, they reach deep layers of the skin, above 0.6 mm. They are performed when the skin damage is really significant (III or IV degree). They can only be performed by aesthetic medicine doctors. An example of such a procedure may include:
- dermabrasion - the treatment is performed with a specialized device whose head is covered with an abrasive material that removes epidermal cells; allows you to remove deep changes such as acne scars, wrinkles, liver spots and skin damage.
- exfoliation involving the simultaneous use of various types of acids, selected to suit the changes in the patient's skin.
– Medium-depth peels – performed at the level of the epidermis and the upper layer of the dermis. However, the interference is so serious that the procedure should be performed by a doctor. TCA trichloroacetic acid (concentration from 25 to a maximum of 40%) is most often used to perform this treatment.
– Surface peelings – used only within the epidermis (maximum depth of 0.45 m). This type of treatment can be performed by both a dermatologist and a qualified beautician. TCA acid can also be used here, but in a lower concentration, or e.g. glycolic acid. An example of this type of treatment may be:
- scrub – based on coarse-grained products,
- brushing – using special abrasive brushes,
- peel-of masks, which are removed together with elements of dead skin.
To care for the appearance and condition of our skin, we should regularly cleanse our skin and get rid of dead skin. This treatment should be performed on average 1-2 times a week. We can successfully use products selected for the skin and the problem, purchased in drugstores or specialist stores. However, if we decide on a more advanced peeling, we should always make sure that it is done in a professional beauty or medical salon.