The essence of the procedure
The main difference between medium peeling and superficial peeling is its penetration into the deeper layers of the epidermis. This can be achieved in different ways:
- Mechanically. After several sessions of microdermabrasion, the cosmetologist almost completely removes the top layer of keratinized cells. But this is quite damaging to the skin.
- Hardware. It is carried out by procedures such as ultrasonic lifting, photorejuvenation or laser resurfacing. They give a good effect of tightening the skin, but only slightly affect its condition, mainly accelerating metabolic processes and collagen synthesis. And the cost of one session is high.
- Chemically. It affects the skin with biologically active preparations, often based on acids. It has a complex effect, while perfectly cleansing and rejuvenating the face. Helps eliminate minor cosmetic imperfections.
In fact, during chemical peeling, dead cells from the surface of the skin are first loosened and removed, and then the effect required for the patient is performed on the living layer, which is ensured by a competent choice of drugs.
Based on the depth of penetration of biologically active components, two types of peelings are distinguished: medium-superficial with an acid concentration of 20-25% and medium-deep - from 30% to 50%.
General definition of peeling
Getting acquainted with the methodology should begin with its general definition. Thus, the Russian term peeling comes from the English verb of the same name “to peel”, which literally translates as to cleanse, peel off. Such a free translation best characterizes the very principle of operation of this procedure. As a result of the use of external irritants, the specialist cleanses your skin, which, after a short peeling, appears in a truly renewed form.
The procedure is truly multifaceted and has several independent directions, however, the general classification of peelings is carried out according to the depth of their impact. Thus, it is customary to distinguish the following categories:
- Superficial peeling. A cosmetic procedure, the purpose of which is to affect the surface layer of the epidermis. It is carried out for easy correction and prevention, usually does not cause serious complications and is characterized by a minimal recovery period.
- Medium peeling . The procedure also belongs to the category of cosmetic rather than medical, but its effect is more pronounced and powerful, making it possible to solve severe aesthetic problems and rejuvenate the skin. The effect of its implementation extends not only to the surface layer of the epidermis, but also affects all its components, reaching almost to the beginning of the dermis.
- Deep peeling. It is a type of medical procedure and is a rather unsafe event. This technique is practiced in special centers not by cosmetologists, but by doctors. The recovery period after such peeling may involve hospital stay.
Indications
Most often, medium peeling is used to eliminate the first signs of aging. It is not effective as a treatment for deep expression lines or for tightening severely sagging skin. But it gives a pronounced positive result in the presence of the following problems:
- hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands;
- severely enlarged pores;
- uneven skin texture;
- acne marks and spots;
- multiple small wrinkles;
- decreased skin turgor;
- superficial and medium-deep pigmentation;
- pronounced signs of photoaging;
- slight swelling of the oval of the face;
- superficial keratomas, freckles.
People begin to use it as a rejuvenating agent at about 35 years of age. For therapeutic purposes, it is permissible to conduct sessions for patients over 14 years of age. But only in a beauty salon and with the hands of an experienced dermatologist. He may prescribe a procedure to eliminate acne or treat certain skin conditions.
You also need to understand that treatment with medium chemical peeling alone is ineffective, because in most cases it does not eliminate the source of the problems.
For example, acne can be a consequence of hormonal imbalances or poor bowel function. And any procedures will give only short-term results until the functioning of the whole organism improves.
Cost of procedures
How beneficial is a medium peel of one kind or another for patients? The price for it depends on a fairly large number of factors, namely: the method of implementation, the location and size of the problem area, and the availability of additional services. Let's compare the cost of the main technologies in the table below (the information is relevant for facial peeling):
Type of peeling | Retinol (chemical) | TCA (40% chemical) | Fraxel | CO2 Laser | Dermabrasion |
Price (rubles) | From 2500 | From 3500 | From 1000 per 1 sq. cm | From 1000 per 1 sq. cm | From 3000 |
Contraindications
There are not much more contraindications to medium chemical peeling than to superficial ones:
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- fresh tan (less than 14 days);
- individual intolerance to components;
- too dry, thin and sensitive skin;
- any damage to its integrity in the treatment area;
- some dermatological diseases (psoriasis, eczema, etc.);
- cardiovascular failure;
- oncology and blood diseases (including hemophilia);
- severe form of hypertension, diabetes mellitus;
- serious mental disorders;
- recent (less than 6 months) surgical interventions;
- severely weakened immunity;
- active viruses and infections;
- epilepsy and serious mental disorders;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Chemical peeling is not allowed while taking a number of medications: tetracycline antibiotics, retinoids, sulfonamides, antipsychotics. And also after treating the skin with Prosperin or Solcoderm.
What are the contraindications?
Before going to a salon or thinking about performing a medium facial peel at home, be sure to familiarize yourself with the list of contraindications:
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- viral diseases (herpes, molluscum contagiosum);
- use of retinoids in the form of internal preparations or ointments;
- damage to the skin (abrasions, scratches);
- exacerbation of acne;
- elevated temperature;
- skin diseases such as eczema and dermatitis;
- diabetes;
- oncological diseases;
- taking certain medications;
- mental disorders, epilepsy, heart problems.
This is not a complete list of contraindications, so before deciding to undergo this procedure, you should definitely consult with a cosmetologist.
Cleaning process
Since the effect of drugs during medium peeling is quite intense, the skin must be prepared for it. It is also very important to choose the right product and strictly follow the technology for its application and neutralization.
Everything is described in detail in the instructions, but it is better if the procedure is performed by a professional cosmetologist. He will be able to correctly determine the exposure time and react quickly if something goes wrong.
Preparation
First of all, two weeks before it you should abandon all irritating procedures: depilation, scrubbing, etc. After microdermabrasion, at least a month should pass.
It would be a good idea to take care of strengthening the immune system, since the protective layer of the epidermis will be almost completely destroyed. You can drink “Immunal” or its analogues.
If the herpes virus is already present in the body, a medium chemical peel will almost certainly provoke an exacerbation of it. Therefore, for prevention, it is advisable to take Acyclovir, Gerpevir, etc. 2-3 days before it. To avoid severe drying of the skin, you should avoid alcohol-containing cosmetics.
For those who need preliminary mechanical facial cleansing, this is done 2-3 weeks before peeling. And then at home they use cosmetics containing acids from 5% to 10%. This guarantees an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, and also slightly loosens the top layer of the epidermis. You can buy such products from your cosmetologist or in professional stores.
Choice of product
Not all types of acids are suitable for medium peeling. Ideally, the doctor should determine which drug will be used, taking into account the existing problems, the type and structure of the skin, and even the age of the patient.
The most popular types are:
View | Description |
Salicylic | It is widely used for medicinal purposes, as it has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. After a course of procedures, it is possible to get rid of not only acne, but also deep subcutaneous pimples that cause a lot of trouble. Can be used in adolescence. To enhance the effect, it can be rubbed into the skin, after which frosting is formed - a hard crust, which subsequently peels off in layers. |
Retinol | The yellow color of the solution applied to the face is given by vitamin A derivatives. This is a rather mild option, which is rather superficial-medium. Intended mainly for aging skin that has lost its elasticity, as it stimulates metabolic processes and regeneration well. Depending on the type of drug, it can remain on the face from 15 minutes to 12 hours. Long-term exposure provides an excellent therapeutic effect when you need to get rid of acne, fine wrinkles and comedones. |
TCA peeling | Its main component is triacetic acid. Under no circumstances should it be used independently, as it can penetrate deeply and cause severe burns. This is a medium-deep peeling, quite unpleasant in sensation. But it is super effective and allows you to get rid of some skin diseases. Has a strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, exfoliating effect. Stimulates metabolism. |
Jessner Peel | The drug for it is a mixture in equal proportions (14%) of three biologically active components: acetylsalicylic and lactic acids, resorcinol. This combination allows you to have a comprehensive effect on the epidermis, cleansing it and at the same time healing it. Depending on the number of layers and exposure time, peeling can be superficial or medium. |
All these drugs are professional and are not sold in regular cosmetic stores.
For those who still decide to do medium peeling at home on their own, it will not be easy to get quality products. Even through the Internet, self-respecting companies sell such drugs only after the buyer has confirmed their qualifications.
Execution technique
Although the medium peeling procedure cannot be called pleasant - the solution will burn and sting, but the pain during it is moderate. Therefore, even local anesthesia is not needed. Schematically, the execution technique looks like this:
- The patient is placed on the couch with his hair tucked under a bandage or cap.
- The face is thoroughly cleansed of cosmetics and residual sebum.
- The so-called “pre-peeling” is applied to the skin - a composition with a weak acid concentration (up to 5%).
- The area around the eyes, lips and large moles are smeared with Vaseline or other protective ointment.
- The face is quickly and evenly treated with the selected preparation (some of them are applied in layers).
- After the time indicated in the instructions, the acid is neutralized with a special composition.
- After 3-5 minutes, its remnants are washed off with cool water.
- A soothing mask or gel is applied to the skin.
- After 15-20 minutes the patient can go home.
It is important to understand that each of the drugs listed above has its own characteristics. Cosmetologists study them at closed professional seminars. But the average person may not know about them, which sometimes leads to serious complications after an improperly performed procedure.
Recovery
Immediately after the procedure, the skin turns slightly red and shiny, as if covered with an invisible thin film. Therefore, some patients ignore the recommendations of cosmetologists and go about their business. This is not worth doing. The protective layer of the epidermis is completely destroyed and any external influence: sun, wind, heat, frost can lead to unpleasant consequences. So it's better to go straight home.
Already on the second day, the redness goes away, but a feeling of strong tightness appears, and a more or less dense crust forms. To prevent it from cracking, it is very important to be careful with facial expressions during this period.
The wounds may become infected, and pigmentation or scars may remain in their place. A moisturizing spray or cream, which can be applied up to several times a day, will help prevent this and soften the skin.
From about 3-4 days, active peeling of the crusts begins. Most often they come off in layers, and the face does not look very attractive during this period. This should be taken into account and not plan important events on such days. You cannot speed up the process to avoid scars. After about a week, your face will become smooth and pink again.
But the hydrolipid layer will be completely restored up to 28 days. During this period you cannot:
- steam in a sauna or steam bath;
- sunbathe and visit the solarium;
- swim in pools and open water;
- use long-lasting foundations;
- actively engage in sports;
- do other types of peelings;
- stay in the cold or wind for a long time.
It is important to carefully protect your face from ultraviolet radiation so as not to provoke hyperpigmentation. When going outside on sunny days, you need to apply cream with UV filters 30-50. On cloudy days – 15-20.
General post-peeling care tips
There is nothing complicated about how to care for your face after a medium peel. In many ways, recommendations for proper care depend on how deep the facial cleansing was. Also, a lot depends on the individual characteristics of the skin, because we all react differently to irritants. But there are universal tips that are suitable for most women planning to do peeling.
In the first 12 hours after the procedure you cannot:
- to go out,
- touch your face with something,
- wash,
In the next 2 days after the procedure:
- try not to go outside so that aggressive external factors such as wind, frost, ultraviolet radiation do not affect the skin for as long as possible;
- for application to the skin, it is better to choose products with a light texture, such as foams and gels; heavier creams are best used in later periods, giving preference to those that contain lanolin.
Care for 2 weeks after medium peeling:
- the cosmetologist should try to select care products depending on the client’s skin type; most often preference is given to those products that have protective, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties;
- All cosmetics that are applied directly to the skin remain prohibited, while mascara and lipstick are allowed for use;
- you need to touch your facial skin as little as possible, ideally not touch it at all;
- if crusts form on the face, then it is strictly forbidden to rip them off; after some time they will disappear on their own;
- When caring after a mid-peel, you should not change the brand of cosmetics you use; give preference to proven products;
- It is advisable to spend as little time as possible outside, applying protective equipment to your face and putting on a hat before each exit; tanning is strictly prohibited;
- visiting saunas, baths and similar establishments is also prohibited;
- swimming in open water, including the sea, is contraindicated;
- the use of various cosmetic masks is a rather controversial issue: on the one hand, they moisturize and nourish the skin well, but on the other hand, there is a risk of infection.
The rehabilitation process usually lasts 2 weeks, which is why cosmetologists focus their recommendations on this period.
Complications
When the procedure is performed correctly using high-quality cosmetics, complications are rare. But if a non-professional performs a chemical facial peel, the following problems are possible:
- Burn. The most common complication. Occurs when the recommended exposure time of the drug is exceeded or its concentration is chosen incorrectly.
- Scars. Most often, this is a consequence of the patient’s impatience, who tore off the resulting crusts. Microtraumas became infected and scars formed after a purulent-inflammatory process. Scars occur even after a well-performed procedure in people with a tendency to form them.
- Herpes or ulcers. Appear against a background of reduced immunity. With proper preparation for the procedure, they are not observed.
- Severe irritation. It happens when patients ignore the recommendations received from a cosmetologist in the first days after the procedure: they wash their faces with hot water, use decorative cosmetics, and touch their face unnecessarily with their hands.
- Lack of result. Also an indicator of unprofessionalism. The drug or its concentration was selected incorrectly, the number of procedures or exposure time was insufficient.
As you can see, not everything depends on the doctor. Much also depends on how the patient behaves at home and whether he cares for his skin correctly.
Recommendations for care for medium peeling
After a mid-peel has been done, how should you care for your facial skin afterwards? After all, it is clear that general recommendations are not always suitable for the middle type of procedure, since even the rehabilitation time varies.
To reduce the number of consequences and complications, try to choose a good cosmetologist. You should also choose the right time of year when ultraviolet radiation is not so active. Medium peeling is usually recommended in late fall or winter.
With medium peeling, the layers of the epidermis are injured quite severely, and therefore take a long time to recover.
- The care products used should be soft and have a calming effect;
- If side effects occur, you can take medications only after the permission of the cosmetologist;
- You need to wash your face once a day with plain water at room temperature.
Summing up
According to patient reviews, there are no particular inconveniences during skin restoration after the mid-peel procedure. With constant use of a good moisturizer or emollient cream, there is no itching, and peeling and peeling of crusts occurs smoothly. After just a week, the face looks quite presentable.
Sometimes swelling is observed in the first days of rehabilitation. This is the body’s individual reaction to the procedure. Usually it goes away in 3-4 days. You can speed up the process using dry cold, but you cannot massage your face or expose it to hardware.
The result should be assessed no earlier than a month after completing the entire course. During this time, the skin will have time to completely regenerate, and positive changes will become clearly visible. Proper skin care and regular superficial peeling - at least once a season - will help maintain the effect for up to 2-3 years.
Care for standard consequences
In addition to general advice, care after a medium peel should be carried out taking into account all the consequences that often occur after this rather stressful procedure for the skin. A good cosmetologist should warn about possible consequences and give recommendations for care for such manifestations. If all procedures are performed correctly, then there should be no problems with the skin and face, only a feeling of slight discomfort may accompany you during this period.
What to do after a mid-peeling to mitigate the popular side effects that may appear and common complications?
- Peeling. This is a natural reaction of the facial skin to peeling, which occurs quite often. If rehabilitation proceeds normally, then peeling should appear on day 2 and disappear after day 7. To reduce skin flaking, you should use moisturizing skincare products containing hyaluronic acid. After 3 days, to reduce flaking, you can use products with grape seed and shea oils, as well as fatty acids. This type of care will help reduce peeling after medium peeling, reduce the feeling of skin tightness and protect your face from the appearance of scars.
- Edema. They can appear in two cases: either the patient’s skin is very thin, or the procedure was performed using trichloroacetic acid. When swelling occurs, skin care consists of intensive moisturizing and accelerating the regeneration of the barrier layer that was damaged during peeling. The cosmetics used must contain antioxidants; decongestant ointments Troxevasin and Lyoton-gel are most often used. Sometimes Eufillin tablets may be prescribed.
- Flushing or redness of the face. This side effect is usually observed with medium or deep peeling. In order for the skin to return to normal as quickly as possible, excessive physical activity, stress and any other situations that can provoke a strong flow of blood to the face should be excluded. A special diet is also recommended that excludes alcohol, pickled and spicy foods. But the consumption of foods containing polyunsaturated acids is encouraged - this will help strengthen the walls of blood vessels. For the same purpose, you can use Arnica cream or Lyoton-gel, but only after consultation with a cosmetologist.
- Pimples. This skin reaction to medium peeling is abnormal. Most often, acne appears due to insufficient or improper skin care after the procedure. If such a reaction does occur, then you need to contact the cosmetologist who performed the peeling. Depending on the size, number and degree of spread of acne, he will prescribe one of the anti-inflammatory, sebostatic or antibacterial drugs.
- Allergy. Such a skin reaction should not occur if the mid-peel is carried out according to all the rules and before starting the procedure, a test is done to determine the body’s reaction to the drug. In addition, to avoid allergies, you should give preference to those skincare products that are hypoallergenic. If this complication cannot be avoided, then you should consult a doctor, who will prescribe the drug.
- Hyperpigmentation. Most often, those who have undergone mid-peeling during ultraviolet activity suffer from this side effect. If this happens, then care will consist of protecting the skin from tanning and sun exposure.
When doing a medium skin peel, you should remember that for some period of time you will not be able to lead your normal lifestyle. Skin care after peeling requires the use of special products and also involves many different restrictions. But if you follow all the cosmetologist’s recommendations, you will soon see your skin beautiful, elastic and renewed.
The article was verified by an expert - beauty blogger @lil4olga.
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