What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is an exfoliation technique, by applying certain chemical products to the skin, in which a number of different skin layers are peeled off, to remove old and damaged cells and stimulate the production of new skin cells. As a result, the skin becomes smoother, fresher and more beautiful.

Depending on the number of skin layers that are peeled off, a peeling can be superficial, medium or deep. For rejuvenation purposes we only perform superficial and medium peels.

Superficial peel

With superficial peeling, we use glycolic acid, salicylic acid Jessner solution and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) 20%, to peel off several layers of the epidermis. 

The peeling is used to treat skin problems such as blemishes linked to oily skin (blackheads, microcysts, dilated pores), superficial pigmentation or to refresh the complexion. It is an ideal treatment for dull complexions due to fatigue or smoking.

Superficial peels give the best results when repeated sessions are performed with a 2 to 4 week interval (usually 4-6 sessions). The procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes and you should experience little to no pain.

After a superficial peel, the skin will flake slightly for a few days and will need extra hydration, but there is no downtime and you can continue your social and professional activities.

Medium peel

Medium deep peels use TCA >30% that is applied in several layers, sometimes combined with other acids to enhance the effect. With a medium peeling, the epidermis and also a superficial part of the dermis is peeled, so the effect is deeper compared with a superficial peels. This allows to improve skin texture, skin tone, shallow wrinkles and sun damaged skin.

Usually a single treatment is sufficient, it can be repeated with a few months interval. The procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes and a burning sensation is experienced. However, cooling with cold air during the peeling make this procedure absolutely tolerable.

There is usually 7-10 days of downtime after a medium peel The skin peels off very visibly, starting from day 2-3 until 5 to 7 days later. It should therefore be taken into account that social and professional activities might need to be interrupted for 7-10 days.

What should you know if you are considering a peel?

What is very important with a peeling, both superficial and medium, is the preparation. After all, both the recovery after the peeling and its result will be better after adequate preparation. Depending on the type of peeling, the skin should be prepared between 2 to 4 weeks before the treatment with products intended for this.

It is also very important to avoid the sun after the peeling and to use sun creams with a high protection factor, both between the sessions and several weeks to even months afterwards.

During a preliminary consultation will  determine which peel is most suitable for you. It will also discuss which preparation and aftercare the treatment will require.