What is Chemical peels?
A chemical peel is a treatment that consists of applying a liquid to the skin in order to remove some of the more superficial layers of the skin to give it a more youthful appearance, while also improving some of the sagging, porosity, fine lines, blemishes, etc. Depending on each individual's phototype and the desired results, the type of product to be used must be chosen. The most commonly used are superficial peels, such as those with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, etc. As the depth of the peel increases, so do the results; however, the deeper the peel, the longer the recovery time.
Who it's for
Chemical Peeling?
Good candidates for a facial peel usually have one or more of the following complaints:
- Blemishes caused by sun exposure;
- Presence of small wrinkles (“barcodes” and “crow's feet”, “smile wrinkles”, etc);
- Sagging;
- Dull, porous skin;
- Acne scars;
Depending on the type of skin and the severity of the symptoms, there are 3 types of chemical peel that can be carried out: superficial, medium and deep.
Superficial peeling - causes mild peeling, acting only on the most superficial lesions of the epidermis. It attenuates small wrinkles and blemishes and makes the skin more even and radiant.
Medium peeling - cause more intense peeling than a superficial peel and is used to treat acne scars, deeper wrinkles, skin blemishes as well as rough and porous texture.
Deep Peeling - leads to the formation of scabs, which means recovery time. It treats deeper and more obvious skin changes such as acne marks, blemishes, deeper wrinkles and more pronounced sagging. Deep peels are often combined with facelifts to improve skin texture and give a more rejuvenated appearance.
In which areas can you do a Chemical Peel?
Although peeling can be carried out on various areas of the body, the most common areas are:
- Face;
- Neck;
- Colo;
- Hands.
Procedure
Chemical peels
Superficial/medium facial peels take an average of 30 minutes and are carried out in the office without anaesthetic.
Treatment involves
- Skin cleansing;
- Application of a chemical solution;
- Application of a soothing and regenerating solution.
Type of Chemical Peeling
Treatment varies from patient to patient and must be always carried out by a specialised and experienced professional in the technique.
The 3 types of chemical peels have different characteristics, advantages and recovery periods.
1. Superficial peeling:
Advantages: With no recovery time, it gives you brighter, more even and moisturised skin. Disadvantages: It doesn't treat deeper changes.
2. Medium peel:
Advantages: Very effective on acne scars and moderate ageing. Improves the appearance of fine wrinkles, lightens blemishes and tones the skin. Disadvantages: It is insufficient for the deeper layers of the skin.
3. Deep Peeling:
Advantages: It treats skin with a lot of wrinkles and sagging, especially when there are significant changes around the eyes and mouth. Disadvantages: It requires recovery time and is associated with a higher risk of complications than superficial or medium peels.
1. Superficial peeling
O superficial peeling only acts on the superficial layer of the skin.
- It takes about 30 minutes;
- It is done in the office without anaesthesia;
- A few days after treatment skin peeling, discreetly and fully compatible with social life;
- One to several sessions may be necessary depending on the initial condition of the skin and the desired result.
2. Medium peel
O medium peeling produces a peeling of the skin that can reach the superficial part of the dermis.
- A few weeks before the procedure, it may be necessary to prepare the skin with creams for a quicker recovery without complications;
- It takes about 30 minutes;
- It is carried out in the office, without anaesthesia;
- Although it doesn't stop you from going about your daily routine, the skin will take on a brownish hue and the peeling will be deeper and more visible than with a superficial peel. Recovery can take around a week and you should take extra care on a daily basis, especially in the sun;
- One or more sessions may be necessary depending on the initial condition of the skin and the desired result.
3. Deep Peeling
No deep peeling, In this type of peeling, the product applied goes deeper into the skin. In this type of peeling:
- It takes about an hour;
- It is performed in an operating theatre under sedation and local anaesthesia;
- Prevents daily routine after the procedure;
- Recovery time is around 15 days.
What results can I expect
After a Chemical Peel?
The results of the peel are not visible immediately after treatment. The skin will be sensitive and will undergo a process of peeling and cell regeneration that may last a few days, depending on the depth of the peeling. Once the peeling phase is complete, you can expect the following results:
- Improvement of brown spots;
- Improvement of fine wrinkles;
- Smoother, brighter skin;
- Improves enlarged pores and irregularities.
The results depend on the depth of the peeling and the number of sessions carried out.
Chemical peels step-by-step
Skin Cleansing
Thorough cleansing to prepare the skin and remove oil.
Protection
Protection for eyes, hair and sensitive areas.
Treatment Administration
Application of the chemical solution to the skin.
Removal
Removal of the chemical solution and cleansing of the skin.
Moisturising the skin
Application of a soothing and regenerating solution.
Preparation for Chemical Peeling
Depending on the depth of the peel, it may be necessary to prepare for it in order to achieve better results and reduce the risk of complications. Preparation for a facial peel can include some of the following steps:
- Avoid sun exposure;
- Use sunscreen;
- Application of depigmenting agents;
- Use of glycolic acid creams or lotions to promote uniform peeling.
Benefits Chemical Peeling
The benefits of chemical peels go far beyond aesthetics.
Some problems, such as acne marks, skin blemishes, etc., can have serious consequences for self-esteem, quality of life and social life. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, the result of treatment also improves the psychological component.
Some of the benefits of peels include
- Improves spots caused by sun exposure;
- Improves acne scars and other irregularities;
- Fades expression lines;
- Treats enlarged pores;
- Uniformises the skin;
- Improves sagging;
Medical Specialists
About
Dr Catarina Correia / Dermatologist
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 63759, specialising in Dermatology.
Dr Catarina Correia completed her Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto and completed his Medical Internship in Dermatovenereology at the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Lisboa Norte.
He complemented his specific training in Dermatology with internships in Aesthetic Dermatology and LASER, as well as in Trichology (Hair Diseases), at the Dermatology Department of the University of Lisbon. Ramón y Cajal Hospital in Madrid, and in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at the Pedro Hispano Hospital.
Her clinical activity encompasses general dermatology - including acne, rosacea, eczema, screening and assessment of pigmented and non-pigmented skin signs, spots and lesions - hair and nail diseases, dermatological surgery and laser therapy. It is also dedicated to skin rejuvenation procedures, including LASER CO₂, LASER Fotona, microneedling radiofrequency and Ultraformer, among others.
About
Dr Joana Alves Barbosa / Dermatologist
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 64457, specialising in Dermatology.
Master in Medicine from the Institute of Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences.
He completed his medical training in Dermatovenereology at the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Lisboa Central, and complemented his training in Dermatology with internships in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho and in Cutaneous Oncology at the IPO do Porto.
His main areas of interest include General, Surgical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
About
Dr Nélia Cunha / Dermatology
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: ballot paper no. 52765.
He completed his Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon and the Medical Internship in the Speciality of Dermatovenereology at the Lisbon Central Hospital and University Centre.
She complemented her specific training in Dermatology with internships in Aesthetic Dermatology and LASERs at the Dermalas Clinic of the Teknon Medical Centre in Barcelona, in Hair and Nail Diseases at the Dermatology Service of the University Hospital Centre in Brussels, and in Cutaneous Oncology at the IPO in Lisbon. He has attended courses in various areas including Dermoscopy, Cosmetic Dermatology, Peelings and LASERs.
Its activity encompasses General Dermatology (acne, rosacea, eczema, screening/evaluation of “signs”, pigmented and non-pigmented skin spots and lesions, among others), Hair and Nail Diseases, Dermatological Surgery and Laser Therapy, including skin rejuvenation procedures such as Fractional CO2 LASER.
He is a regular participant in national and international courses and congresses in the speciality and areas of differentiation. She collaborates in the training of doctors in the field of Dermatology. She is also a lecturer in Dermatology at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Universidade Nova de Lisboa and a researcher in Multicentre Clinical Trials. She has authored and co-authored articles in scientific journals and book chapters in the field of Dermatology.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Chemical peels
How much does a chemical peel cost in Lisbon?
The cost will depend on the type of peel and the number of sessions required. For example, while a superficial peel is carried out in an office, a deep peel can be performed in an operating theatre, which is associated with other costs. The exact cost of the peel will be confirmed after the diagnostic consultation.
Is peeling a safe treatment?
Any treatment has associated risks and peels are no exception. However, in order for the treatment to be carried out safely and to minimise the risk of complications, you should choose an accredited professional with several years' experience in carrying out peels and with proven results.
What kind of peeling should I do?
An assessment of the skin by a dermatologist is essential for deciding which type of peeling is best. Some factors, such as skin phototype, the type of alterations and the severity of the tables, are extremely important when choosing the type of peeling.
How many sessions are needed?
You may need one or several sessions. The number of peeling sessions required will depend on the depth of the peeling, the severity of the changes and the desired results. During your medical consultation, you will be given a treatment plan with the number of sessions indicated for your case.
Is chemical peeling a painful treatment?
Generally speaking, peeling is not a painful treatment, but you may feel some discomfort depending on the depth of the peel. Superficial peels are well tolerated; you'll only feel a few mild stings that disappear once the product has been removed. In the case of medium peels, you may feel some discomfort or a burning sensation, but this is usually brief. In the case of deeper peels, these are usually performed under anaesthetic, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.
Can wrinkles and other signs of ageing be treated with a peel?
Fine wrinkles, some irregularities and dull skin, common features of ageing skin, can be improved with a peel. Peels are particularly useful for treating fine wrinkles such as the “bar code” and wrinkles around the eyes. However, peels do not treat deep wrinkles such as nasolabial folds. To improve the appearance of deeper wrinkles and improve facial contour, you can combine a peel with other treatments such as hyaluronic acid fillers.
Can men also have this type of treatment?
Anyone can benefit from a peel. Currently, 1 in 4 peel patients are male.
Can any health professional carry out peels?
As this is a procedure in which chemical substances with damaging effects are used, it should only be carried out by dermatologists or doctors specialising in aesthetic medicine with experience in carrying out this type of treatment. When performed improperly, peeling is associated with risks such as skin burns.
What can I expect after a peel?
Returning to normal activities is a personal matter. Although superficial/medium peels don't require rest as surgeries do, not everyone feels comfortable returning to work the next day as the skin may be red and peeling. In the case of deep peels, they require recovery time, usually 1 to 2 weeks. Regardless of the type of peel performed, you should take extra care when it comes to sun exposure. You should not expose yourself to the sun and you should use high protection.
