Peeling is a very ancient technique, with caustic preparations used in Egypt and described in the Ebers papyrus (3500 BC). Most of the substances used today have been in practice since the 1800s (Hebra’s work in Vienna).
A peel is an accelerated and controlled chemical exfoliation of the skin’s superficial layers to stimulate cellular activity and treat certain pathological or aesthetic concerns.
The depth of the peel’s action (depending on the active ingredient used) allows targeted treatment for the desired skin issue.
There are three main levels of peels :
The active ingredients used typically include :
These can be applied to all areas of the body, even the most sensitive regions such as the neck and chest. They are well-tolerated peels that do not require social downtime and can be used on almost all skin types and phototypes.
This type of peel usually requires 3 to 6 sessions, with intervals of 1 to 3 weeks between treatments (depending on the skin type, the active ingredient used, and the specific issue being treated).
Superficial peels focus on exfoliation at the epidermal level.
Medium peels offer a deeper exfoliation, reaching the papillary dermis. The active ingredient commonly used is trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in concentrations above 18%. This peel is particularly effective for treating skin aging issues such as loss of elasticity, thickened skin, wrinkles, dark spots, actinic keratosis, and soft acne scars.
Medium peels require a few days of social downtime, with redness and skin peeling expected. After the procedure, your doctor will recommend specific skincare and essential UV protection for several weeks.
Deep peels involve a more extensive exfoliation, reaching the reticular dermis. The active ingredient used is phenol, a highly toxic compound that requires cardiorespiratory monitoring due to significant risks of pigmentation and scarring. Given these risks, Dr. Aimé does not offer this treatment.
Over time, the skin loses its radiance and elasticity, and irregularities may appear.
Chemical peels are medical treatments designed to renew epidermal and dermal cells, depending on the active ingredient and peel depth. They help address skin issues such as wrinkles, revealing smoother and younger-looking skin.
The peeling procedure varies depending on the active ingredient used.
After thoroughly cleansing the skin, your doctor will apply the peeling solution using a brush, cotton swab, or compress. You will quickly feel a warming sensation, tingling, or itching, which can range in intensity depending on the peel’s depth.
After a few minutes, the solution will be removed and neutralized with an appropriate product, followed by the application of a soothing cream. In some cases, the solution must remain on the skin for several hours, and you will rinse it off at home.
Multiple sessions will be required. The interval between treatments and the number of recommended sessions will be determined during your first appointment.
Regardless of the peel’s depth, preparing the skin is essential. This step optimizes the peel’s results, checks the skin’s tolerance to fruit acids, and helps prevent side effects, particularly pigmentation rebound.
Avoiding sun exposure is crucial for several weeks before the peel, during, and for two months after the treatment.
You may experience a warming sensation or tingling for several hours, and redness will quickly appear.
In the case of a medium peel, the treated area will begin peeling a few days after the procedure.
There is no social downtime for superficial peels.
Your doctor will prescribe an appropriate skincare regimen. It is essential to avoid sun exposure and wear maximum SPF protection throughout the treatment duration.
You will begin to see the effects of the peel about one week after a superficial peel and one month after a medium peel.
The peel will give an immediate boost in radiance from the first session, with gradual correction of skin issues over subsequent treatments.
The most effective peeling depends on your specific needs. For skin showing signs of aging, medium peels using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) are recommended. Deep peels with phenol are even more intense but come with higher risks, including scarring and pigmentation changes.
Yes, certain peels can reduce wrinkles. Medium and deep peels are particularly effective in reducing wrinkles by exfoliating deeper layers of skin and stimulating collagen production.
Possible side effects include redness, skin peeling, bruising, and increased sun sensitivity. Deep peels can carry risks such as scarring, depigmentation, or hyperpigmentation.
Deep peels can be painful due to the intense exfoliation of the deeper layers of the skin. An anesthetic is often required to minimize discomfort during and after the treatment.
The effects of medium and deep peels can last from several months to years, depending on the initial state of the skin and post-treatment care.