This process helps remove dead cells, bacteria, and dirt deep within the pores, promoting the replacement and regeneration of new skin.
The mechanism of action for skin peeling involves the removal of dead skin cells on the surface with strong intensity. Consequently, the accumulated keratin layer will begin to peel and renew. You may notice your skin becoming drier or feeling itchy for a few days to a week.
Skin peeling procedures use benign acids that have quite a strong effect on the skin. Therefore, some sensitive skin types may experience redness. This is not a cause for concern and is commonly seen when performing medium or superficial peels.
There are three common types of skin peeling:
1. Superficial Peeling
Superficial peeling is considered the lightest level of skin peeling. This method removes the entire epidermis down to the basal cell layer between the epidermis and dermis. The process completes in 7-10 days and can be repeated multiple times, at least 2-3 weeks apart.
Superficial peeling is indicated for cases of skin rejuvenation and smoothing, improving darkened skin, and sun-damaged skin.
2. Medium Peeling
Medium peeling typically uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA) at concentrations of 20%-35% for a medium-depth peel, affecting from the papillary dermis to the reticular dermis of the mid-dermis. The peeling process lasts several days and completes after 10-14 days.
This method can be repeated monthly. Medium peeling can help fade light blemishes, improve shallow wrinkles, and reduce some mild pigmentation disorders.
3. Deep Peeling
Deep peeling reaches the reticular layer of the dermis. Currently, deep chemical skin regeneration is less popular due to the long recovery time and increased risk of complications, including infections, scarring, hypopigmentation, and loss of skin texture.
Deep peeling can be used to treat pigmentation disorders, wrinkles, and deep acne scars. For example, phenol (at a concentration of 88%) creates a controlled injury to the skin down to the mid-reticular dermis.
The skin redness subsides a few hours after peeling, and subsequent peels may be repeated without causing a burning or uncomfortable sensation. To reduce these conditions, you can enhance moisturization and skin care to soothe and improve recovery quickly.
Those with hidden acne, scars, or pigmentation, whose skin is not sensitive, can undergo skin peeling. However, skin peeling is not the only optimal method that can safely "cleanse" all skin conditions such as acne, scars, or pigmentation.
To better treat skin problems, it is advisable to combine other measures such as topical medications, oral medications, and laser treatments.