Peels

Depending on its depth, a peel may be considered for uneven texture or skin tone, small areas of pigmentation, acne-related blemishes, certain superficial scars or mild signs of ageing. Deeper peels require more intensive medical care.

It replaces neither sun protection nor an injectable when volume is lacking. Active inflammatory acne or a rosacea flare may lead to postponing the procedure.

For someone whose concern is on the skin, and who can accept downtime suited to the depth. A peel is not a lunch-break treatment if the peeling is going to be visible.

Darker skin calls for particular attention to the pigment risk. An infection, an active cold sore, recent sun exposure, pregnancy or certain photosensitising medications may lead to postponing the procedure.

The face is the main treatment area. The neck, décolletage and other regions require separate consideration because the skin differs in thickness and healing capacity.

The logic of depth is as follows:

• Superficial peel: acts on the epidermis. Downtime is often short, peeling light or barely visible, effect gradual, sometimes over several sessions.
• Medium-depth peel: penetrates further into the skin. Redness and peeling are more noticeable, several days of downtime may be needed, and suitability is assessed more strictly.
• Deep peel: a heavy procedure, not described here as an offer of the practice, nor as a routine treatment.

Skin preparation may be requested in the days or weeks beforehand: stopping or adjusting certain irritating actives, sun protection, no tanning. Preventive treatment against cold sores may be discussed if there is a history.

On the day, the skin is cleaned and degreased. The agent is applied for a controlled time, then neutralised or left to act depending on its nature. A sensation of heat or stinging is common during application.

Depth is a medical decision, tied to the expected benefit and the acceptable risk.

A superficial peel may gradually brighten the complexion and slightly smooth skin texture. A deeper peel may have a greater effect on the skin surface, but involves longer recovery and more significant risks.

Spots, pores and fine lines do not disappear on demand. A partial improvement is an honest result.

Peeling, when it occurs, develops over the following days. After a superficial peel it may be light and brief. After a stronger peel, the skin may temporarily thicken or darken before peeling over several days. It remains more sensitive to the sun during healing, and the result is assessed only once healing and peeling are complete.

Repeating peels can make sense. Bringing them closer together without letting the skin recover does not.

Redness, tightness, peeling, mild swelling. More rarely: reactive pigmentation, infection, scarring, or a cold sore flare. These risks increase with depth and with unsuitable sun exposure.

Sun protection before and after is part of the treatment. Avoiding the sun during healing remains essential. Irritating treatments already in use, notably retinoids, must also be mentioned.

Afterwards, use a simple moisturiser and gentle skincare, without scrubbing. Picking at peeling skin or resuming exfoliation too soon prolongs irritation and may cause pigmentation changes.