Controlled damage to the outer layers of the skin with chemical agents is called chemical peeling. Various acidic and basic chemical agents are applied to the skin for peeling. The purpose of chemical peeling is to cause damage to the desired depth in the skin layers and to treat various lesions by taking advantage of wound healing during skin regeneration. Chemical peeling is applied in three ways: superficial, medium and deep. Superficial chemical peeling with fruit acids, Deep chemical peeling using phenols and trichloroacetic acids (TCA).
Superficial chemical peeling can be applied with glycolic acids obtained from sugar beet and lactic acids found in milk. More commonly known names are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Since these are very small molecules, they can easily pass through the epidermis (the uppermost layer of the skin). However, they cannot pass into the dermis, which is the lower layer. By triggering the regeneration of cells in the epidermis, they increase their tolerance to external factors. Apart from cell renewal, it is also successful in the treatment of superficial stains of epidermal origin.
Another superficial peeling is peeling made with salicylic acids (BHAs). This substance affects the epidermis (the uppermost layer of the skin) more superficially. It is mostly preferred in the treatment of acne, black and white spots and secondarily in the treatment of spots.
We apply superficial chemical peeling processes containing both AHA and BHA in our clinic. While peeling the top layer of the skin, we start the reduction of fine lines (also the skin renewal process).
However, we strengthen the effect of the procedure by giving similar cosmetic products containing glycolic acid to our patient to use at home. As the peeling time increases, the pH level of the skin decreases and the peeling concentration increases, the effectiveness of the procedure also increases.
During and after the peeling process, it is necessary to be protected from the sun and solarium for a certain period of time. Peelings made for peeling the lower layers of the skin can be used in the treatment of deep spots and scars, as well as in the treatment of wrinkles. For this purpose, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and phenol are applied. The depth of the process is determined by adjusting the TCA concentration.
It is appropriate to analyze the skin and determine its needs before applying chemical peeling, as it is before any procedure to be applied to the skin. In our clinic, detailed skin analysis is performed and all treatment methods that can be applied to the patient are determined by our expert dermatologist.
