Chemical Peeling

What Is Chemical Peeling?

It is an effective treatment method that aims to peel off the uppermost layer of the skin and replace the damaged skin with new, healthy skin. It is based on the application of one or more chemical agents at different depths of the skin.

Peeling of the skin creates a scarring effect on the cells and the skin begins its natural healing (regeneration) process. Collagen synthesis in the deeper layers of the skin is stimulated due to the peeled off skin. This results in a more radiant, brighter and healthier skin.

Among the most frequently used chemical agents in this procedure are salicylic acid, Jessner’s solution, glycolic acid, trichloroasetic acid (TCA), alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and their combinations.

Which Conditions Can Be Treated With Chemical Peeling?

• Acne and acne scars,
• Sunspots,
• Age spots,
• Scars,
• Melasma,
• Fine wrinkles under the eyes and around the mouth,
• Uneven skin tone,
• Freckles.

How Many Different Types of Peeling Can Be Performed?

Chemical Peeling applications are carried out in 3 different categories according to the severity of injury and effectiveness of the application. These can be listed as follows:

• Superficial Peeling
• Medium Depth Peeling
• Deep Peeling

Superficial Peeling

Superficial peeling, which is a simple procedure, is based on the principle of peeling the epidermis, which is the most superficial layer of the skin, using chemical agents such as glycolic acids obtained from fruits with low acid concentrations such as sugar cane, or lactic acid found in milk.

Superficial peeling triggers the regeneration of cells in the epidermis, helping to reduce fine wrinkles on the skin and giving the skin a bright appearance. Another superficial peeling method applied to the uppermost layer of the skin is the peeling carried out using salicylic acids (BHA). This application is mostly preferred in the treatment of acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and dark spots.

It is applied in 4 to 8 sessions at intervals of 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the skin type and specific condition of the person. No pain is felt after the procedure. The person can easily resume their daily routine. A slight redness and peeling may occur on the skin, but these side effects resolve within 2 to 3 days.

Medium Depth Peeling

Medium-depth peeling, performed using acids with slightly higher acidity such as trichloroacetic acid-TCA (10% – 35%) and glycolic acids, affects both epidermis and dermis, which is one of the main layers of the skin just below the epidermis.

This application is an effective treatment method in rejuvenating the skin and providing vitality, removing mild to moderate wrinkles, pigment changes, superficial acne scars and sun spots.

In order to yield effective results from the procedure, it is applied in 2 to 4 sessions at intervals of 2 to 4 months. After the procedure, which takes about 45-60 minutes, redness occurs on the face. This redness then turns light brown and the skin begins to peel off within a few days. The average recovery period of the skin is 7 days.

Deep Peeling

Deep peeling, which is performed with a more severe peeling process by affecting the epidermis and the deeper dermis layer, is a very successful treatment method for removing acne scars, deep wrinkles and many types of skin spots. Generally, one session is sufficient to get an effective result from the deep peeling application.

Who Can Not Get Chemical Peeling?

• Pregnant or breast-feeding individuals,
• Those with an cold sores or a skin infection,
• Those who have undergone moderate or deep peeling in the past 3 to 12 months,
• Patients who have undergone surgery within the last 6 months,
• Those who received acne treatment in the last 6 months,
• Those undergoing radiotherapy,
• People at risk of excess sunlight exposure,
• Those who have undergone facial surgery,
• Patients with a history of abnormal scar formation and delayed wound healing.