A superficial light peeling can be applied once or twice a week after cleansing. This removes the dead skin scales from the top layer of skin (epidermis).Some peeling products contain small abrasive particles and glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) for this purpose. The combination of mechanical peeling (fine abrasive particles) and mild biological peeling (glycolic or alpha-hydroxy acid and enzymes) results in uniquely smooth skin. Peeling not only removes excess and dead skin cells, but also impurities of the skin. The excess, dead skin cells that collect on the surface of the skin are often responsible for a sallow complexion.After exfoliation, your skin feels exceptionally smooth and is more receptive to subsequent skin care products. Another effect of exfoliation is that after dead skin cells are removed, subsequent younger cells can more easily reach the skin surface. The skin gets a better cohesion, the pores are refined. At the same time, the water retention of the skin is increased, keratoses (cornifications) of the skin are reduced and the surface structure of the skin is improved. The cosmetic result is fresh and vital skin.
Tips and tricks about peeling
Mechanical exfoliation – Apply your scrub directly by hand or with a massage towel, massaging the scrub in with small circular motions. Consider rough areas such as on the knees and elbows. Rinse the scrub generously with water and use the palms of your hands to check that all particles have been washed off. A good scrub will loosen small hairs and straighten them, making epilation easier. Chemical peeling – Before peeling, thoroughly degrease your skin with the help of alcoholic solution. When applying alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), treat the insensitive areas of the skin first and only then the sensitive areas. Start with low AHA concentrations and increase them gradually.Don’t forget the neutralizer! For mild exfoliation, neutralize the acid as soon as mild erythema (area redness of the skin) and tingling appear.
Frequently asked questions about peeling
Is it okay to use a peel on sensitive skin? Yes, but at longer intervals – circa every 14 days. Use a gentle exfoliant such as an enzyme peel, which removes horny flakes without grit. Ask your beautician for advice on which peeling is best for your skin. Can regular peeling not wear out the skin, make it age faster? No, because exfoliation only rids the skin of the dead skin cells that are already in the process of shedding. When these skin cells accumulate, they form a “gray haze” on the skin. Why is exfoliation recommended before using a self-tanner? A self-tanner works by tinting the top layer of skin. The more the skin is covered by excess, dead skin cells, the less even the tint will be. The smoother and cleaner the skin surface is, the more even the tint will be. Please use the peeling approximately 12 hours before applying a self-tanner. Does peeling also help with pigment disorders? A simple trick will help you to assess whether your pigment spot can be treated by a superficial biological peeling: Pull the skin around the discoloration apart. If the pigmentation becomes pale in the process, there is a good chance that it can be removed by a superficial peel such as glycolic or alpha hydroxy acid.You can repeat a superficial peel every one to four weeks – until the desired result is achieved.Pigment spots that cannot be treated with a superficial peel can be safely and painlessly removed by laser therapy treatment.Attention!
- A medium superficial peel as well as a strong peel should only be performed by an experienced physician.Proper aftercare and consistent sun protection are crucial for long-term cosmetic results.
- In mature skin, as well as recurrent (recurring) herpes infections, peeling treatment should be performed with caution.
- Note: Prophylaxis of herpes reactivation in infected individuals (400 mg of aciclovir three times daily starting 24 hours before peeling for six days until complete re-epithelialization).
