Chemical Peeling (Part One)

Chemical peeling is a procedure where a chemical agent (exfoliant) is applied to the surface of the skin, which triggers a chemical reaction with the surface cells of the skin and leads to their removal from the skin and consequently its regeneration. Chemical peeling is a dermatological procedure that is applied to problematic skins such as: Acne, facial spots, melasma, actinic keratoses, helps in the elimination of wrinkles, and the renewal of facial skin.

The chemical agents used for peeling are alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid, which depending on their concentration are used to perform, superficial peeling or deep facial peeling.

Chemical peeling is a procedure that generally should be performed by a dermatologist, or specialized medical personnel for performing such procedures. The first step in treating a patient with chemical peeling is the exclusion of possible complications.

Patients with herpes infections of the face or other bacterial infections should not perform deep facial peeling but only superficial peeling and during the rehabilitation phase should be appropriately treated with antiviral or antibiotic, the concentration of the chemical agent should also be determined depending on the skin type (there are 6 types of skin according to Fitzpatrick), and the amount of fat on the face (dry, normal, mixed, oily).

Classification of chemical peeling.

• Superficial chemical peeling
• Medium chemical peeling
• Deep chemical peeling.

Treatment of the face with 70% glycolic acid, deep peeling, before and 1 week after treatment.

The major indications for chemical peeling are.

- Rejuvenation of the face.

During treatment.	After treatment.