Chemical peels consist of the application of agents that destroy the surface layers of the skin, followed by its regeneration, with an improved overall appearance. It is a way to exfoliate and accelerate skin renewal. It can be superficial, medium and deep.

Superficial peels need to be done in series, and their peeling is usually fine, while medium and deep peels are performed in single applications, with more intense peeling and crusting. Each patient must be evaluated by the dermatologist who will indicate the best treatment.

​

Some of the agents used to perform chemical peels are:

​

Phenol – used for deep peeling for approximately 100 years; intensely affects the skin; it is only indicated to treat the aging of the face when there are many wrinkles and the skin is very fair; the result is excellent and long-lasting, but a cardiological evaluation is necessary, due to possible side effects;

​

Trichloroacetic acid (ATA) – can be combined with other agents to perform a medium peel to treat wrinkles and scars;

​

Salicylic acid – used for superficial peeling, improving the appearance of the skin, reducing fine wrinkles and blemishes, in addition to helping to control acne;

​

Jessner's solution and glycolic acid – also used for superficial or medium peeling (in this case combined with ATA), mainly for the treatment of fine wrinkles, blemishes and acne;

​

5-Fuoruracil (5-FU) – combined with prior application of Jessner's solution or glycolic acid for the treatment of multiple actinic keratoses or cancerous field;

​

Retinoic acid – most used in cream for the home treatment of aging skin; For peeling, a yellowish solution or base color is used, with satisfactory results in the adjuvant treatment of acne, melasma and skin aging.

​

After a superficial chemical peel, the skin repairs itself in one to four days; medium and deep peelings constitute a wound whose healing begins in 24 hours and is completed within seven to 15 days.

​

Chemical peels should not be performed if there is sun exposure, during pregnancy, if there is an open “wound” in the area to be treated, if you are under physical and mental stress or if you have a habit of “picking” the skin. Expectations must be consistent with each treatment. Adequate sun protection is essential.

​

Recommendation

​

They are used to reduce wrinkles, blemishes and scars; in the reduction of pre-malignant lesions such as actinic keratoses and in the treatment of acne.