What is a facial peel?

What types of facial peels are there? What’s the difference between home remedies labeled Peeling and a procedure at a beautician’s office? And in general, why and who needs peeling? It’s time to finally find out.

What is a facial peel?

Facial peeling is a procedure whose name comes from the English verb to peel – “peel”, “peel”. Its meaning is to exfoliate the “old” cells of the epidermis and stimulate the formation of new ones.

Peeling always involves damage, which is perceived by the skin as a signal for regeneration. Despite the fact that in recent years there have been several new technological ways to “damage” the skin and start the renewal process (for example, using a laser), chemical acid peels are still popular.

They are well studied, they can be combined, individually selecting the composition and concentration, and achieve a variety of cosmetic effects.

Indications for facial peeling

The standard indications for peeling for the face are:

  • problematic skin (increased fat content, blackheads, acne);

  • tired, dull skin;

  • photo- and chronoaging (wrinkles, loss of elasticity, deterioration of relief and complexion);

  • scars, scars, acne marks (post-acne);

  • dark spots.

Only a professional can figure out what type of peeling your facial skin needs. If in youth facial peeling is a solution to aesthetic problems associated mainly with problem skin, then after 35 years it often becomes a routine event as an anti-aging therapy. After all, the natural processes of self-renewal of the skin of the face gradually slow down, and professional chemical peeling for the face can actively stimulate them.

Chemical peeling of the face is carried out due to acids

Result after professional face peeling

Rehabilitation after professional facial peeling in the clinic can take from 1 day to a week, depending on the depth of exposure to the skin. But after it, an excellent result will appear.

  • Smooth, fresh, well-hydrated skin as young facial skin cells come to the surface to produce natural moisturizing factor more efficiently.

  • Reduction of deep and elimination of fine wrinkles, scars, post-acne, age spots, because superficial damage and imperfections are removed by peeling along with the outer layer of the skin on the face.

  • Stimulation of collagen production with the help of peeling, which determines the elasticity, firmness of the skin, clear facial contours. This is due to the “awakening” and activation of young skin cells, which more effectively cope with such functions.

Take our quiz and find out what your skin wants to say.

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Advantages and disadvantages of peels

Facial peels in general, and chemical peels in particular, are considered almost a panacea for all aesthetic ills and are valued for their ability to literally transform the skin of the face. However, success depends on an adequately selected composition of acids and a well-planned course.

So, the indisputable advantages of peeling include:

  • a wide range of indications for use;

  • high efficiency (with the correct use of the method on the skin of the face);

  • clear mechanism of action;

  • knowledge of peeling as a method.

Peelings also have such shortcomings.
  • Inevitable redness and peeling on the skin, discomfort that almost always accompany peeling.

  • A fairly long rehabilitation (up to a week) may be required.

  • Side effects are possible, usually associated with violations of the technology of the procedure: acne after peeling, difficulties in exfoliating the stratum corneum, a subsequent tendency to hyperpigmentation.

  • Вмешательство человеческого фактора. От грамотности специалиста зависит как окончательный результат на лице, так и длительность реабилитации после пилинга, а также возможные побочные эффекты.

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Varieties of peeling

Depending on the depth of damage to the epidermis, there are three types of facial peels – these are:

  1. surface;

  2. median;

  3. deep.

The lower the pH of the solution and the higher its concentration, the deeper the effect of peeling. This means that the skin of the face will peel off stronger and longer, that is, the result will be more noticeable. Accordingly, the softer the impact, the less the skin reaction (redness, tightness, peeling) and the shorter the recovery period. But the cosmetic effect on the face is not so impressive. However, this does not mean that the best peels are the most aggressive. It all depends on the indications and individual characteristics of the skin of the face.

Surface peeling for the face

This is the lightest type of peeling, in which only the stratum corneum of the skin is damaged, causing slight peeling on the face. Fruit acids do an excellent job with this task, the most popular of them is glycolic.

A course of glycolic peels can be useful for problematic facial skin, in which the natural process of exfoliation of dead cells is slowed down. The task of glycolic acid is to speed it up, and in combination with salicylic acid:

  • open the sebaceous ducts;

  • lighten spots;

  • prevent breakouts and minimize post-acne.

The main competitor of glycolic acid is the more active malonic acid. Peeling with it tightens pores well and suits thick skin of the face.

Fruit acids are responsible for superficial peeling

Surface peels with a median effect include Yellow Peel, a complex of several acids (retinoic and ascorbic). The composition is good because, in addition to providing a smoothing and renewing effect, it increases the level of moisture in the skin of the face and indirectly affects the formation of collagen and elastin, therefore it is valued by women over 30 years old.

Medium Facial Peeling

При этом виде пилинга добиваются более серьезного повреждения эпидермиса с помощью все той же гликолевой кислоты, но в более высокой концентрации, или посредством TCA (трихлоруксусной кислоты).

On the third day after the median peeling, large-lamellar peeling appears on the skin of the face. In general, rehabilitation takes a week and is not very pleasant. But unlike surface peeling of the face, the result is noticeable after the first session, which can be limited if we are not talking about the correction of scars and deep wrinkles.

With the help of a medium peeling for the face, you can:

  • improve the quality and color of the skin;

  • even out the relief of the skin and increase its elasticity;

  • reduce the depth of wrinkles.

The depth of peeling depends on the concentration and type of acids

Deep professional face peeling

This type of facial peel involves the removal of the entire epidermal layer of the skin of the face and is a serious, traumatic operation. Phenol acts as a chemical agent. The result, with a successful outcome, is fundamental and long-term. But there are not many doctors who will undertake to do a deep peel, and even fewer patients who will decide on it. In addition, there are safer and non-toxic alternatives for facial skin, such as lasers.

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Home peeling for the face: the best recipes

All gradations according to the specialization of this or that facial peeling: from acne, from wrinkles, from pigmentation – are very arbitrary. Since peeling is peeling – the removal of dead cells of the stratum corneum of the skin (this is if we talk about home peels for the face: both homemade and ready-made cosmetic ones). And then, depending on the additives to the main exfoliant (fruit or other acids), the emphasis is either on the whitening components of the peeling, or on the rejuvenating and restoring facial skin, for example, antioxidants.

Whitening Facial Peel

Ingredients:
  1. half a cucumber;

  2. protein of 1 egg;

  3. 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

How to cook:

  1. grate the cucumber with the peel on a fine grater;

  2. beat protein with lemon juice;

  3. mix the ingredients thoroughly.

How to use:

  1. wash your face and wipe with tonic;

  2. Apply the resulting mixture on completely dry skin, bypassing the area of ​​​​the lips and eyes;

  3. leave for 15-20 minutes;

  4. rinse with water at a comfortable temperature;

  5. wipe the skin with tonic and apply a moisturizer;

  6. Be sure to use sunscreen when you go outside.

Editorial opinion. And cucumber, and lemon, and even egg white are really famous for their whitening properties. But if we talk about the real problem of pigmentation, then the “pliability” of spots on the skin of the face depends on the depth of their formation, and not even any salon procedure with a deeper effect can cope with them. So it is best to consult a doctor before using peeling.

Home peeling for the face from wrinkles

Ingredients:
  1. 1 tablespoon of cottage cheese;

  2. ½ tablespoon of honey;

  3. ½ teaspoon turmeric;

  4. ½ teaspoon nutmeg.

How to cook:

перемешать все ингредиенты до однородной консистенции.

How to use:

  1. wash your face and wipe with tonic;

  2. нанести смесь для пилинга, обходя область губ и глаз;

  3. leave for 15-20 minutes;

  4. rinse with water at a comfortable temperature;

  5. Wipe the skin with tonic and apply a moisturizer.

Editorial opinion. Although the Internet has declared cottage cheese, along with all dairy products, peeling, since they contain lactic acid, in our opinion, these dairy cosmetic superpowers for facial skin are somewhat exaggerated.
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Peeling for the face at home: a review of cosmetics

В формулы косметических средств и пилингов, направленных на обновление кожи лица, также включают различные кислоты, но в очень небольшой концентрации, как правило, комфортной даже для чувствительной кожи. В основном такая косметика адресуется проблемной, жирной и возрастной коже. Все эти типы объединяет замедленное обновление клеток и утолщение рогового слоя.
Unlike professional facial peels, the use of homemade cosmetics with acids does not require special preparation. Such peels are easily integrated into the daily care regimen and have a gradual effect with a cumulative effect.

Cosmetic formulas for facial peels that can be safely used at home use mainly salicylic and lipohydroxy acids, as well as the ubiquitous glycolic. They can be found in:

  • cleansers and tonics for oily and problem skin;

  • day creams for mild care for oily and aging skin;

  • masks for deep cleansing;

  • scrubs combining acid peeling and mechanical exfoliation;

  • serums for non-aggressive skin renewal and smoothing of its texture.

Below are the most striking examples.

Micro-exfoliating cleansers

Intensive cleansing gel for washing, reducing oily skin, Normaderm Phytosolution, Vichy

Clears skin prone to oiliness and imperfections, prevents rashes. Contains several acids.

Cleanser Normaderm 3-in-1, Vichy

Содержит кислоты и частицы белой глины. Может использоваться как скраб и очищающая маска.

Scrub cleansing and giving shine “Apricot”, Garnier

The formula with organic apricot oil and exfoliating particles (perlite and apricot kernel) gently cleanses the skin, softens and revives a healthy glow.

Daily care products that renew the skin

Ампулы «Ревиталифт Лазер х3», пилинг-эффект, L’Oréal Paris

For 7 days, the serum with 10% glycolic acid effectively renews the epidermis, restoring freshness and radiance to the skin. The contents of the ampoule are applied in the evening, and in the morning they supplement the care with an SPF protection product.

Cream-gel for problem skin with signs of aging Normaderm Anti-Age, Vichy

Eliminates oily sheen. Vitamin C helps increase collagen synthesis.

Retexturing Activator Moisturizing Serum, SkinCeuticals

Evens out skin texture thanks to hydroxyethyl urea and HEPES, moisturizes due to hyaluronic acid.

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Профессиональный пилинг у косметолога

In addition to acid peeling, there are other ways to rejuvenate the skin of the face in a cosmetology clinic.

Microdermabrasion

This is a mechanical peeling, which is carried out with the help of abrasives.

С применением диоксида титана в виде порошка, который подается на кожу лица под давлением через специальную насадку. Силу воздействия и глубину повреждения регулирует косметолог. Этот способ давно применяется для шлифовки рубцов и является довольно агрессивным.

Diamond Dermabrasion осуществляется с помощью насадки с покрытием из алмазной пыли. Применяется как подготовительный этап во время процедур по уходу за кожей лица. Отшелушивает лишь ороговевшие клетки эпидермиса. Воздействие очень мягкое.

Laser dermabrasion

The skin is damaged by the laser. The depth of impact of such facial peeling depends on the individual settings that the beautician selects depending on the problem (wrinkles, acne, post-acne).

Fractional thermolysis

Multiple laser beams, like microneedles, pierce the skin, damaging it at a given depth. The recovery time after peeling and the intensity of facial skin peeling are similar to those after a median peeling, but the result is much brighter. The range of problems to be solved is wide, ranging from dull skin to wrinkles and scars.

Gas-liquid peeling

Dead skin particles of the face are removed using a powerful jet of a “cocktail” of oxygen, carbon dioxide and a liquid (just saline or a vitamin cocktail). Gas-liquid peeling is very easily tolerated and has an immediate effect due to high-quality micro-peeling and oxygenation of the skin.

Mechanical exfoliation of the skin

Brossage

Род аппаратной чистки лица, которая проводится с помощью чистящих насадок разной степени жесткости, отшелушивающих мертвые клетки кожи лица.

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Stages of facial peeling at home

Home peeling is a facial skin procedure for the most sophisticated virtuosos of home cosmetology. This is not for you to put a cucumber or a tea bag under your eyes. And there are slight differences from homemade scrubs (with sugar, salt, oatmeal, etc.). So, for those who want to do peeling at home.

  • We choose the time. Peeling for the face at home is desirable to carry out in the evening for several reasons. Firstly, at night the processes of renewal and restoration of the skin of the face are more active. Secondly, after it it is desirable to make a moisturizing mask. Thirdly, any peeling – exfoliation of the surface layer of the skin – increases photosensitivity, that is, sensitivity to the sun, and in the evening it does not threaten us.

  • Cleansing. The face should be washed with the usual means or the skin should be cleansed before peeling in any other usual way.

  • Application If almost any cosmetic treatment is recommended to be applied to slightly damp facial skin, then creams and other products with exfoliating acids should be applied precisely to dry skin, in no case affecting the area of ​​​​the lips and eyes.

  • Withstand peeling and exfoliating agents on facial skin strictly not longer than the time indicated by the manufacturer. In home remedies, this is perhaps the weakest link. Because if there is no trouble from the cottage cheese, no matter how much you keep it, then you can get a chemical burn from pure lemon juice.

  • After home peelings (homemade), you need to wash your face water and wipe the skin with tonic. If a purchased facial peel is used, then this is not required.

  • Aftercare — нанесение сыворотки и крема или увлажняющей маски, поскольку кожа после пилинга наиболее восприимчива к активным ингредиентам.

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Recommendations for further skin care

Protect yourself from the sun and practice good hygiene

The best recommendation will be given by a doctor who has developed a scheme and compiled a course of peels specifically for the patient and his facial skin. But there are general rules of conduct after the procedures.

  • Avoid exposure to the sun after facial peeling and do not leave the house in any weather without first using a cream with the highest possible protection factor.

  • After peeling, you must strictly observe hygiene, sleep on clean pillowcases and do not touch the skin of your face once again, even with clean hands.

  • Cleanse your face and wash your face only with products recommended by your doctor.

  • For softer exfoliation and regeneration of the skin, use products created specifically for post-procedure care.

  • Не трогать корочки, образующиеся после срединного пилинга лица. Если они сами не отпали, значит, процесс восстановления еще не завершен.

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Safety measures

Please read this section of the article carefully.

  1. Any peels are seasonal procedures. They are not carried out in the summer and they complete the course a month before traveling to sunny countries – the risk of hyperpigmentation is too high.

  2. Холодное время года — тоже не лучшая пора для пилинга лица: снег и резкий ветер могут вызвать раздражение обновленной кожи. Плюс постоянный переход из холода в тепло плохо сказывается на еще не оправившихся после травмы сосудах, и покраснение может держаться гораздо дольше.

  3. The best time to visit a beautician is mid or late autumn, early spring, when it is cloudy outside and the temperature outside is around zero.

  4. There are delicate peels for people with thin sensitive skin and blood vessels close to the surface. These are, for example, peels based on mandelic acid. They act more gently, but provide visible results with course use.

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