Rehabilitation after chemical peeling

Are you planning to start your life from scratch? Sign up for a chemical peeling - you will get renewed skin, and then a new life will not be far away. True, the skin after the procedure will require special care and special care.

1. What you need to know about chemical peeling
2. What rules should you follow after peeling?
3. How to care for your face after a chemical peel
4. Review of care products after superficial chemical peeling

What you need to know about chemical peeling

Many modern anti-aging techniques are based on targeted, controlled damage to the skin, which causes a strong response aimed at restoration: the necessary proteins are synthesized, cells are renewed, and the skin “starts all over again.” Chemical peeling is also in this category.

Peeling with fruit or alpha hydroxy acids (AHA)

Carefully selected ingredients from the above list destroy desmosomes - the connections between cells. This way they free the deeper layers of the epidermis from the stratum corneum and other superficial layers, giving way to “young” keratinocytes.

What is the beauty of such an update?

The complexion improves, because the “dust of centuries” is removed from the skin.

The activity of fibroblasts increases, which ultimately produces more collagen and elastin.

Wrinkles are smoothed out, facial contours are tightened.

Pigment spots disappear or decrease.

The skin becomes more hydrated due to the increased ability of young cells to form and retain natural moisturizing factor.

All these acids, which today can be found even in daily care products, contribute to superficial peeling.

Peeling with beta hydroxy acids (BHA)

These acids include:

It is believed that these substances are more active than fruit acids and provide a deeper exfoliating effect - but within the framework of superficial peeling.

Retinol peeling

Trichloroacetic (TCA) peel

This is a classic medium, that is, quite deep peeling. It makes sense to do it if we are talking about a fairly deep correction. And the procedure itself is at the intersection of cosmetology and medicine.

What rules should you follow after peeling?

The deeper the peeling, the longer the recovery process will take. Before the rejuvenating effect appears, you will have to put up with some unpleasant moments for some time, such as:

redness of the skin (from mild to very pronounced);

feeling of tightness and dryness;

burning and discomfort;

Recovery from a chemical peel © Getty Images

In general, after peeling and between procedures of the course, a regime quite close to sick leave is required. What does he mean?

Lack of serious physical activity (so you don’t have to sweat).

Refusal of baths and saunas.

A gentle diet (no spices and alcohol).

Reducing stress, because peeling itself represents stress for the body, and the skin has to work on its own recovery in an enhanced mode.

How to care for your face after a chemical peel

The skin's reaction to peeling depends on individual characteristics. For example, after a mid-peel, erythema (redness) may subside in a few hours for some, and after 3-4 days for others.

Proper care after a chemical peel will help achieve the best results. © Getty Images

Advice on skin care after superficial chemical peeling is given by Vichy medical expert Elena Eliseeva:

“First, keep your skin thoroughly moisturized.

An equally important task is protection from ultraviolet radiation. Before every trip outside, even if the weather is cloudy, apply a product with SPF 50+. This is the only way to prevent UV-induced hyperpigmentation, because even dense clouds allow 90% of UVA rays to pass through.

Products based on thermal water, hyaluronic acid, vitamins B3 and B5 will help reduce discomfort and redness after the procedure.

Avoid oily textures and attempts to reduce flaking with fatty creams: this can lead to comedones, as it is easy to clog open pores after the procedure.

Wash your face with micellar lotions, avoiding both rich milk and tap water. The former can clog open pores and “glue” back exfoliated keratinocytes. And the second, especially if the water supply is old, can greatly dry out already dehydrated tissues.

Do not rip off flakes of flaky skin, even if it comes off in layers and your hands reach out to rip them off.

Do not use scrubs: the epidermis is thinned and injured, and such actions can cause full-fledged abrasions.

Do not use cosmetics with retinol against the background of retinol peeling.”

Improper skin care after peeling can lead to an effect that is exactly the opposite of what you expected:

increased hyperpigmentation with insufficient sun protection;

the appearance of acne (this can result from infections or improper cleansing of the skin before and after the procedure).

Review of care products after superficial chemical peeling

After peeling, you will have to at least temporarily review your cosmetic supplies. Emphasis will have to be placed on such stages of care as:

gentle but thorough cleansing;

moisturizing with intensive, light-textured products;

reliable sun protection.

Aquafluid “Genius of Moisturizing” for dry and sensitive skin, L’Oréal Paris consists of 80% purified water and does not contain oils, which is important when caring for skin after peeling. Hyaluronic acid and aloe juice replenish moisture.

Sunscreen dry face spray “Expert Protection”, SPF 50, Garnier can be sprayed directly onto the face, it provides a high degree of protection against UVA and UVB rays while moisturizing.

Micellar gel for face and eyelids Rosaliac Gel, La Roche-Posay, in addition to micelles for gentle cleansing, it contains hyaluronic acid. Quickly removes makeup, refreshes the skin and gives a feeling of comfort.

Biocellulose soothing restorative mask Biocellulose Masque, SkinCeuticals designed specifically for use after invasive procedures such as peeling (both laser and chemical). Returns comfort to the skin, saturates it with moisture, improves recovery.

Hydrogel mask Advanced Génifique, Lancôme intensively moisturizes, energizes the skin for recovery due to probiotics in the composition.

Possible complications and methods for their correction

A significant number of dermatocosmetological procedures are associated with primary damage to the epidermis and dermis. Most complications that develop as a result of iatrogenic intervention are nonspecific and are formed both as a result of direct damage to the integrity of the skin and as a result of the development of an inflammatory reaction. Proper preparation of the skin and management of the rehabilitation period can significantly reduce the risk of complications. All expected reactions and complications that arise during the post-peeling period can be divided into the following:

1. immediate reactions occurring 1-14 days after the procedure
2. reactions that occurred during the regeneration period, appearing 2-6 weeks after the procedure
3. persistent changes formed after the regeneration period - 3-10 weeks of rehabilitation

A) expected reactions

The procedure of chemical peeling or microcrystalline dermabrasion is always accompanied by damage to the integrity of the epidermis, and as a result, the development of an inflammatory reaction, erythema, and pastiness:

Damage and removal of the stratum corneum of the epidermis, the main component of the epidermal barrier, always leads to dehydration of the skin.

The severity and duration of erythema can vary greatly depending on the depth of the chemical peel or resurfacing, the mechanism of injury, and the chemical agent. Thus, when peeling with alpha-hydroxyl, mandelic, and phytic acids, uneven erythema of moderate intensity will be observed, which lasts no more than 1-3 hours. At the same time, peeling with resorcinol causes the development of bright, uniform erythema that lasts up to 1-2 days, and when carrying out retinoic or medium peels, bright, persistent erythema is characteristic from 3 to 5 days.

Peeling is the most characteristic symptom after a chemical peeling procedure (peeling - from English to peel - peel off). The most comfortable are superficial peels with alpha-hydroxy acids, which cause microplate-like peeling 2-3 days after the procedure, which usually lasts no more than 1-3 days. All other types of peels (retinoids, resorcinol, salicylic and trichloroacetic acids) are accompanied by large-plate desquamation for 2 to 7 days.

Pastiness and swelling of the skin are the result of an inflammatory reaction in response to skin damage. The release of a huge amount of pro-inflammatory mediators (interleukins, histamine, bradykinin) leads to porosity of the vascular wall and the appearance of pastosity or tissue edema. Pastiness is most often observed in areas with thin skin (eyelids, neck).

To reduce the severity of “expected reactions,” post-peeling care should include:

1. hydration,
2. restoration of the epidermal barrier,
3. prevention of infection.

These are the main components necessary for normal regeneration and epithelization of the skin. In the first days of the rehabilitation period, cosmetic products in the form of liquid, gel or foam are most convenient - they are easy to apply, quickly absorbed, and do not require additional “rubbing” movements. And at a later date (at the time of peeling - days 3-5 of the rehabilitation period), preference is given to creams.

Hydration. Active hydration of the epidermis not only eliminates subjective sensations (skin tightness) after chemical peeling, but is also an important and necessary condition for normal epithelization and also reduces the risk of scarring. Hyaluronic acid has the most pronounced hydrating effect. Hyaluronic acid recreates a polymer network on the surface of the epidermis, not only helps retain water molecules, but also promotes cell migration, accelerating natural regeneration processes.

Restoring the epidermal barrier — allows to reduce transepidermal water loss, reduce increased skin sensitivity. That is why it is recommended to use shea butter, phospholipids, ceramides, omega-6, and waxes in cosmetic skin care products during the post-peeling period.

Regenerating substances (placenta, panthenol, retinol, bisabolol, zinc, etc.) - accelerate wound healing, recommended for superficial-medium, medium and deep peels.

Antioxidants (selenium, zinc, tocopherol, ubiquinone, pycnogenol and other bioflavonoids) - must be included in cosmetic products recommended during the post-peeling period. Antioxidants significantly reduce the severity of the inflammatory response, prevent lipid peroxidation and, most importantly, reduce the risk of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

b) not expected reactions

Exacerbation of herpes infection is most often observed during chemical peeling with retinoids or trichloroacetic acid (25-30%). The danger of this kind of rash is the likelihood of the formation of atrophic or, less commonly, hypertrophic scars. That is why specific antiherpetic therapy (Acyclovir, Valtrex) is mandatory for patients who experience an exacerbation of herpetic infection 2 times a year or more often. If preventive antiherpetic therapy has not been carried out, then in case of rashes appearing after the chemical peeling procedure, pulse therapy is recommended: Acyclovir or Valtrex 1 g once a day for 1-5 days (depending on the rate of regression of the rashes).

The cause of infection is most often non-compliance with the rules of asepsis and antisepsis both at the time of the procedure and in the post-peeling period. The most common mixed infection is streptostaphyloderma. In this case, standard antibacterial therapy is prescribed (Baneocin ointment, systemic antibacterial therapy - according to indications: Kefzol, Tavanik, Oxycort, etc.).

An extremely rare complication during a chemical peel procedure. As a rule, it is observed only for additional components (kojic and ascorbic acids) included in the peeling.

Inflammation is an expected skin reaction when undergoing a chemical peel. But in case of severe erythema, persistent (more than 2-3 days) swelling of the skin of the face, eyelids, neck, it is recommended to use antioxidants and anti-inflammatory drugs containing zinc, 18-glycyrrhitic acid, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances (Voltaren, indomethacin), Traumeel.

Reactions that occurred during the regeneration period (2-6 weeks)

This complication is most often observed during medium, deep peelings and laser resurfacing in patients with rosacea and telangiectasia.

In case of persistent erythema development, it is recommended:

1. Avoid sun exposure, physical activity, and sauna use. It is necessary to exclude the use of alcoholic beverages (especially red wine), hot, spicy foods, and marinades.
2. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids - significantly increases the elasticity of the vascular wall and prevents the appearance of new telangiectasias. Recommended for use both during pre-peeling preparation and during the rehabilitation period.
3. “Vascular drugs” are also a necessary component in the treatment of persistent erythema. The most effective are Hepatrombin ointment or gel, Lyoton gel, Arnica cream.
4. Photocoagulation. Laser treatment is recommended no earlier than 2-3 months after peeling. The intensity of the light flux is selected individually, based on the phototype and sensitivity of the skin. The number of sessions is at least 3, frequency – once a month.
5. Microcurrent, biocybernetic therapy - improves microcirculation and lymphatic drainage, reduces the severity of erythema, activates tissue regeneration after chemical peeling and skin resurfacing. Microcurrent therapy is possible and recommended from the first days of the post-peeling period.

The reason for the development of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is increased synthesis of melanostimulating hormone by keratinocytes. The initiating factor for this reaction is inflammation that occurs during chemical peeling or dermabrasion, and not excessive sun exposure during the rehabilitation period. The most typical development of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is during midline chemical peeling and laser resurfacing in patients with hyperpigmentation or with IV-V skin phototypes.

To reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation formation, it is recommended:

1. Careful selection of patients. When correcting hyperpigmentation, chloasma, etc., preference should be given to peelings with retinoic, azelaic, lactic, citric, and glycolic acids.

2. Before medium peeling or laser skin resurfacing in patients with skin phototype IV-V, it is recommended to carry out pre-peel preparation for 1 month. For this purpose, tyrosinase inhibitors are used: retinoic acid (0.025-0.05%), kojic acid (3-5%), azelaic acid (5-30%), arbutin, glabridin, ascorbic acid (L-ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl-2-phosphate), N-acetylcysteine, furfuryladenine.

During the post-peeling period, it is necessary to use:

• anti-inflammatory therapy (zinc, bisabolol, traumeel, etc.)

In case of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, it is recommended for whitening:

• Superficial chemical peeling with retinoic, azelaic, lactic, etc. acids

• Cosmetics and medications containing hydroquinone (2-4%)

• Phonophoresis with ascorbic acid (10-20%)

More often, this complication is observed during medium and deep peels, dermabrasion and laser resurfacing in patients with oily skin.

Treatment, as a rule, is not required, because in 90% of cases, a decrease in sebum production is observed 2-3 months after the procedure. If necessary, it is possible to prescribe sebosuppressants: Aevita (1 caps - 2 times a day for 1-3 months), Zincteral or Zinquit (1 tablet - 2 times a day for 1-2 months). When inflammatory acne elements appear, depending on the severity and extent of the rash, antibacterial (vibromycin, vilprafen, zinerit), anti-inflammatory therapy (Curiosin gel) and sebosuppressive drugs are recommended. Please note that during the post-peeling period, it is not recommended to prescribe medications containing azelaic, retinoic acids, or benzoyl peroxide.

Increased skin sensitivity

It is most often formed in patients with thin skin with reduced regeneration. Increased skin sensitivity may persist for 6-12 months. For recovery, it is recommended to carry out microcurrent therapy, long-term use of cosmetic creams, which include shea butter, borage, kukui nut, black currant, evening primrose, grape seed, as well as omega-6, ceramides, phospholipids, waxes, reparants and hydrating substances ( hyaluronic acid, placenta extract, panthenol, etc.)

The demarcation line is a complication when performing medium-deep and deep peels, dermabrasion and laser resurfacing in patients with thick, porous skin. It is in this case that a clear boundary between the two zones is formed. To smooth the border, superficial-medium peelings and microcrystalline dermabrasion are performed.

A common complication in patients with seborrhea during laser resurfacing or dermabrasion. It is not subject to cosmetic correction.

Persistent changes formed after the regeneration period (3-10 weeks of rehabilitation)

This complication is typical during deep phenol peels, and is extremely rarely possible during laser skin resurfacing. The only method of correction is the use of concealing decorative cosmetics. Permanent makeup is possible only with a highly professional specialist and high-quality dyes.

The risk of scar formation is higher when performing deep chemical peels, laser resurfacing, as well as with an individual tendency to hypertrophic and keloid scars, with the addition of a secondary infection, or exacerbation of herpetic infection.

1. Bukki therapy
2. Triamcinolone injections are carried out once every 10-14 days.
3. Cryodestruction can effectively reduce the volume of scar tissue. A combination of cryodestruction and administration of triamcinolone is recommended (once every 3-4 weeks)
4. Ozone therapy
5. Silicone patches, Contratubes and other preparations for external application reduce the likelihood of the formation of hypertrophic and keloid scars. Recommended as a complement to the above methods
6. Ectropion

A rare complication typical of deep chemical peels. If formed, surgical correction is recommended.

Expected reactions and possible complications after a number of cosmetic procedures

Modern cosmetology allows you to quickly and effectively resist the aging process of the skin. Cleansing and rejuvenating procedures have a restorative and nourishing effect on the epidermis. Since the skin of the face is most exposed to negative factors such as the use of decorative cosmetics, excessive exposure to sunlight and cold, the dermis needs maximum care and protection.

One of the unique and effective ways to restore skin is chemical peeling. The Clinic of Professional Cosmetology and Medicine on Komarova provides a wide range of cosmetic services, including cleansing and moisturizing procedures, peelings and individual restorative complexes.

Features and types

Chemical peeling is one of the most effective methods of dermatocosmetology, in which the effect on the skin is carried out through chemical reactions of components on the upper layer of the epidermis. Skin after chemical peeling acquires an even color, becomes more delicate and soft. The renewal effect is achieved due to the fact that chemical components dissolve the dead layer of cells, stimulating the regeneration of the epidermis and restores the protection of the skin.

Cosmetologists distinguish four types:

1. Superficial - affects the upper layer of the skin - the horny layer, the most gentle procedure that requires minimal facial care after chemical peeling;
2. Conditional or superficial-median - affects living cells of the epidermis, stimulating their regeneration and restoring the lipid barrier;
3. Medium – a procedure that allows you to penetrate the skin to the dermis level for a restorative and rejuvenating effect, skin care after chemical peeling the middle action requires more time and effort;
4. Deep is a cosmetic procedure that is carried out in hospital treatment, since the chemical components affect all layers of the epidermis.

Regardless of the type of peeling procedure, the restoration process requires time and compliance with special rules to ensure that how to care for your face after a chemical peel.

Indications and contraindications for chemical peeling

The deep impact of active chemicals makes peeling a special procedure that helps prevent the appearance of skin imperfections.

The main indications for the procedure are:

1. the appearance of wrinkles;
2. uneven skin texture;
3. age spots;
4. acne;
5. rosacea and rosacea;
6. welts and scars on the face.

To get rid of skin imperfections and bring the dermis to an ideal appearance, a cosmetologist prescribes a certain number of procedures to the client, prescribing individual care after chemical surgery peeling and recommendations in preparation for the procedure. To carry out peeling procedures, you can contact the doctors of the clinic on Komarova for consultation and recommendations.

The deep impact procedure has contraindications for:

1. Pregnancy and lactation period;
2. Individual allergic reaction to the peeling composition;
3. The presence of inflammation or infection on the skin of the face;
4. Taking certain medications.

Consequences of chemical peeling

The most unpleasant consequence is peeling after chemical peeling. The chemical peeling procedure results in a skin burn, through which the renewal and regeneration of epidermal cells is carried out. Regeneration of skin cells increases the synthesis of collagen and elastin.

A cosmetic burn creates redness after chemical peeling any level. The degree of redness depends on the activity of the chemicals and the depth of exposure of the composition.

The most unpleasant consequence of peeling is the appearance of age spots. They can arise due to insufficient qualifications of the cosmetologist or neglect of recommendations after the peeling procedure. In order to no pigment spots appeared after chemical peeling, the doctor prescribes an individual program for post-peeling care.

Post-peeling rehabilitation

Chemical peeling is a very popular procedure, both among cosmetologists and our patients. After a procedure or course of peeling, the effectiveness and positive effect on the skin continues for several weeks or months (depending on the type of peeling). To prevent negative consequences and prolong effectiveness, you should follow all doctor’s recommendations and do not neglect careful skin care after chemical peeling.

The rehabilitation period, in other words, How long does it take for skin to recover after chemical peeling?depends on the type of procedure and the individual characteristics of the patient. Recovery time after chemical peeling can take from several days to several weeks, during which the skin continues to recover and renew itself. During this time, other procedures should be postponed, as they relate to contraindications after chemical peeling. You can learn about contraindicated procedures from professional cosmetologists at the clinic on Komarova.

Home care after chemical peeling is to moisturize and nourish the skin, as well as protect against sun exposure.

A characteristic feature of chemical peeling is peeling. Over time this goes away. Cosmetologists will tell you during your consultation: How does peeling go after chemical peeling? and what can be done to ensure that this process goes as quickly as possible and does not cause you discomfort. For cleansing, it is necessary to use special alcohol-free cosmetics that have an additional moisturizing effect and provide a soft facial care after chemical peeling.

It is important to avoid exposure to sunlight as thoroughly as possible in the post-peeling period. To do this you need to use sunscreen after chemical peel with a high SPF protection factor.

Recovery after chemical facial peeling is based not only on the use of special cleansers and creams, the procedure requires adherence to a diet and rest. It is recommended to exclude alcohol, spicy and pickled foods from the diet, and consume more fortified foods rich in beneficial microelements.

You can learn about the positive effects and features of each procedure by contacting the cosmetologists of the clinic on Komarova. Professional specialists will conduct an individual consultation, help you choose the most suitable procedure for your skin type and tell you how to restore skin after chemical peeling.