How to prepare the skin for peeling worries most women who decide to tidy up their face with exfoliation. The effect of peeling and the likelihood of complications depends on proper and timely preparation. The choice of suitable pre-peeling measures is determined by the method of exfoliation (physical or chemical effects) and the depth of penetration of the peeling drug or technique (superficial, medium or deep peeling). What you need to know to get the desired result from peeling and not encounter side effects.
The essence of peeling
Medium peeling, based on the name, is something between superficial and deep intervention. The procedure affects not only the upper layers of tissue containing dead cells. The impact is aimed at part of the living, fully functioning epidermal structures.
During the intervention, a chemical burn of tissue occurs. The impact allows you to exfoliate the stratum corneum and renew some of the fully functioning cells. After successful recovery, a significant change in appearance occurs: minimizing or eliminating wrinkles, scars, tightening and strengthening the oval.
It will not be possible to achieve optimal results using herbal ingredients, as with superficial exfoliation. The intervention is performed using acids. At the same time, fruit options can only complement the composition. The basis is retinol, salicylic, trichloroacetic acid.
The medium peeling procedure must be performed by a professional cosmetologist. The intervention entails a more complex rehabilitation than after superficial exfoliation.
Attention! The impact does not exclude complications, the likelihood of which increases with low qualifications of the performer.
What is it needed for
Cell death occurs every month, so it is necessary to regularly remove dead particles. In another way, this can be called exfoliation, which means cleansing the surface layer - the epidermis. Nowadays there is such a huge selection of both cosmetic products themselves and methods of using them that you can easily make mistakes and even harm your skin. It is necessary to take into account its type, individual characteristics and contraindications.
Indications for use
It is not recommended to perform the procedure to prevent negative changes out of curiosity. Medium peeling should be carried out strictly according to indications. The intervention is performed for:
- eliminating small, minimizing medium and deep wrinkles of various origins (photoaging, strong facial expressions, age-related changes);
- if necessary, leveling the relief, whitening tissues (scars, post-acne, age spots, freckles);
- healing tissues, eliminating the tendency to rashes;
- regulation of sebum secretion (normalization of gland activity);
- improving tone and quality characteristics of the skin;
- lifting achievements;
- improving the internal functioning of the system (regulation of metabolic processes).
The procedure is not recommended until age 35–40. The possibility of intervention is determined individually. The impact is seasonal: it is best to do it from October to March.
Efficiency of the procedure
Performing a medium peel will not be a panacea for most “complex” defects. With the help of intervention, it will not be possible to permanently remove expression wrinkles or get rid of medium-deep folds. The picture may improve, but the changes will return.
The procedure has a beneficial effect on the condition of the tissues. Enhanced metabolism “awakens” regenerative, rejuvenating processes. The skin looks better in appearance and becomes thicker. The lifting effect becomes noticeable.
Medium peeling has a beneficial effect on the condition of scars, age spots, and post-acne. In rare cases, such defects can be completely eliminated. If the principles of care are violated, problems may return.
Performing the procedure always improves the condition of pores and normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands. Excessive fat content and dry skin disappear. The condition of acne improves. When eliminating the causes of rashes, you can forget about the defects.
What it is?
Medium peels differ from superficial peels in that they penetrate deeper layers of the skin. This type of peeling reaches the papillary layer of the dermis, which is located under the epidermis, i.e. it stimulates and rejuvenates not only the surface layer of the skin, but also the dermis. The skin acts as a barrier that protects us from environmental hazards and is renewed daily, but even it is not able to cope alone with the aggressive effects of the modern rhythm of life.
Stress, poor environment, improperly selected care - all this becomes additional obstacles to a healthy epidermis and leads to slower exfoliation. Then a procedure comes to the aid of our skin, helping to further stimulate exfoliation.
Medium peeling is created specifically for deep renewal of the skin and can not only smooth out the relief, but also eliminate serious cosmetic defects. Most often, peelings are recommended to be done in courses.
Important! Only a specialist can choose the right type of peeling and the required number of procedures.
Preparation for the event
The preparatory process is an important stage of medium peeling, affecting the quality of the result. You don't need to do anything complicated. Main:
- stop tanning;
- avoid drinking alcohol;
- stop taking medications that change the quality of the skin and inhibit recovery (antibiotics, hormones);
- postpone other intensive procedures on tissue (massage, exfoliation with scrubs, Botox, thread lifting).
Cosmetics with a low acid content are introduced into the “diet” of care. Before the main intervention, 1-2 superficial peels can be performed. This will help loosen and soften the surface, ensuring smoother, deeper penetration of the composition during the basic procedure with a median impact.
The skin condition before the procedure must meet the following requirements: no fresh tan, no damage, no active rashes. This will help avoid complications. When carrying out the procedure in the salon, the cosmetologist additionally examines the skin, collects anamnesis, and may introduce additional points into the preparation process.
Home procedure
Medium peeling does not involve doing the procedure at home. The intervention is considered serious and requires professional attention. Although many, in the hope of saving money, decide to perform the session themselves. Several intervention options are popular.
Yellow exfoliation
Yellow peeling is considered a superficial-medium exfoliation option. The depth of penetration of the composition depends on the mixture used and the nuances of the effect on tissue.
Advice. To perform medium peeling at home, it is better to use formulations with retinoic acid. Standard vitamin A is more gentle and may not have the expected effect.
To prepare the composition, buy retinoic acid at the pharmacy. To get acquainted with the substance, a concentration of 5% is ideal; to perform a median effect, you will need a chemical marked 10%. Acid in an amount of 3 ml is poured into the same amount of distilled water. The components are mixed.
The composition, using a cosmetic brush, is evenly distributed over the skin, previously cleansed with a mild detergent, excluding the eyelids and lips. In 5–10 minutes the substance dries on the surface. This is a signal that the next layer can be applied.
For medium peeling, 2–4 layers of the composition are applied alternately. The substance is kept for 1–12 hours. During the period of exposure, unpleasant sensations may appear: itching, burning, tightness.
The exposure of the composition is determined individually. It may be necessary to neutralize the substance with a baking soda solution. Only an experienced cosmetologist can correctly determine the required period and rules of action, focusing on the condition of the skin and reaction to the composition. After the specified time, the face is washed with water. The covers are lubricated with moisturizing cream or pharmaceutical ointments (Solcoseryl, Bepanten).
Jessner exfoliation
The Jessner peel is popular among those seeking to quickly and effectively resurface the skin. This option, like yellow peeling, is classified as mid-superficial. The depth of penetration depends on the concentration of acids and the exposure of the composition to the surface.
To prepare the mixture, buy salicylic and lactic acids, resorcinol. The components are mixed in equal quantities, obtaining half the composition. The mixture will need to be supplemented with ethyl alcohol.
The resulting substance is applied with a brush, applicator or gauze pad in an even layer on the skin. The intensity of the mechanical impact depends on the type, thickness, and condition of the integument. For medium peeling, repeat the steps up to 3-4 times. Exposure is determined individually (from 15 minutes to 12 hours).
White crystals or frosting appear on the surface. A typical sensation is burning, tingling, and tightness. After the exposure time has expired, the mixture is neutralized and washed off with water. The skin is treated with a moisturizing cream or ointments with a regenerative effect (Solcoseryl, Bepanten).
Use of ready-made formulations
The safest option with a predictable result is to use ready-made products for the procedure. The only problem for those who want to perform medium peeling on their own: the lack of freely available options that are suitable in terms of characteristics for the expected depth of impact.
Cosmo peel and other products containing TCA are popular among cosmetologists. To carry out the intervention, it is recommended to contact doctors who have a certificate to work with the drug chosen for influence.
Varieties
Depending on the depth of impact, cleaning can be superficial or deep.
- In the first case, cleaning is carried out using products based on fruit acids or glycolic acid.
- in the second - with preparations of acetic (25-30%) or salicylic acids (20-30%).
Depending on the method of intervention, there are two types of medium peeling: physical and chemical.
Physical
This is a salon procedure using special equipment.
The methods may be the following:
- Fractional laser thermolysis . The laser beam affects a specific area without affecting neighboring tissues. The cells are destroyed and die, and a new layer of epidermis appears in their place.
- Laser resurfacing . The rays trigger the process of regeneration and restoration of the skin.
- Diamond dermablasia . A nozzle with diamond particles polishes the epidermis, resulting in renewal. Used to eliminate acne, reduce pigmentation and scars.
Hardware cleaning is done only in the salon; doing it yourself is contraindicated.
Chemical
Deep cleaning is performed using various aggressive chemicals.
- Peeling with trichloroacetic acid using special products : Easy TSA Pee l (15, TSA Peel Solution (20%) or Only Touch Peel (40%) for deep impact.
- Salicylic peeling . The product, which contains salicylic acid, can be applied to the skin using two methods: soft (lubricating the skin with a cotton swab) and hard (rubbing into the surface with a cotton pad).
- Jessner peeling . Consists of components with a concentration of 14%: resorcinol, salicylic and lactic acid, ethyl alcohol.
- Yellow peeling . It may contain different acids, but retinoic acid must be present among them.
Cost of a session in the salon
The price of a medium peel, like most procedures performed by a cosmetologist, is determined individually. The cost depends on the amount of work, the cost of the existing composition, the need to use additional means, and manipulations. Cosmetologists rarely prepare individual mixtures and are not inclined to use budget “cocktails” with highly unpredictable results.
The most common option is to carry out the procedure with ready-made drugs from well-known brands. Average price range for intervention: 2–10 thousand rubles.
Skin care rules
Rehabilitation after medium peeling is always harder and longer than after superficial exfoliation. The process takes at least a week, but may take 10–14 days. If you follow the correct skin care rules, recovery is simplified.
Photos of rehabilitation by day
Rehabilitation rarely proceeds without compromising the aesthetics of appearance. Usually there is noticeable redness of the skin, swelling and active peeling are possible. The doctor will warn you that you should not try to speed up tissue renewal (scratching, tearing off layers of skin). The skin should be treated generously with moisturizing cream or ointment. It is important to give up for 10–14 days:
- tanning, exposure to the sun without protective equipment;
- skin treatments;
- use of aggressive skincare medications;
- makeup;
- active lifestyle (sports, visiting the pool, sauna).
It is recommended to avoid intense insolation for 1–2 months. Cosmetics with SPF protection, especially if you are prone to age spots, are recommended to be used constantly. The doctor will determine how long to comply with other restrictions.
You need to take care of skin damaged by exfoliation. Washing is performed using cosmetics with a soft base. The skin is treated with cream up to 5 times a day.
To speed up and facilitate rehabilitation, it is recommended to lead a healthy, moderate lifestyle with proper nutrition, avoidance of alcohol, adherence to a drinking regime, and adequate sleep.
Expert commentary
“The result after almond peeling can be seen immediately. The face takes on a healthy appearance, the color, tone and texture of the skin are evened out, fine wrinkles and inflammatory elements disappear. But for the greatest efficiency and long-term effect, you need to carry out a course of procedures - from 6 to 10 sessions with a break of no more than a week,” Degtyareva said.
In addition, the cosmetologist noted that, despite the absence of a strict rehabilitation period, you still need to follow some rules so as not to harm your skin. Namely, for a while you will have to give up visiting bathhouses, saunas, solariums and going to the beach.
Precautionary measures
Medium peeling is called a fairly serious operation. The possibility of intervention is limited by a number of contraindications:
- wounds, inflammation, irritation at treatment sites;
- activation of herpes;
- profuse skin rashes;
- dermatological disorders;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- serious disturbances in the functioning of the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, liver, lungs;
- diabetes;
- oncology;
- acute course of any disease;
- pregnancy, lactation.
Important point! When determining the possibility of a procedure, an individual approach to the patient’s state of readiness is used. Skin type, tissue density, phototype, tendency to keloid scarring, rosacea may become important.
The likelihood of complications after medium peeling, especially when performed at home, increases. Redness, swelling, peeling, and general discomfort are normal. Complications arise when the technology is violated or the rules of care are violated. Can appear:
- damage, fibrosis, tissue necrosis;
- addition of infection;
- hyperpigmentation.
Strictly following the recommendations and having the procedure performed by an experienced cosmetologist will help reduce the likelihood of getting negative results..
Opinion of cosmetologists
Doctors use medium peels in their work and receive positive results and grateful reviews from patients. Cosmetologists pay attention to the fact that the method of exfoliation is serious, entails the need for certain behavior, brings positive changes, but does not always completely solve existing aesthetic problems. Doctors say that the option is not suitable for home use.
The cosmetologist offers an option along with other techniques to improve the picture, but not to completely solve the problem.
The cosmetologist does not recommend using the option at home.
Medium peeling price range
The average cost of such peeling also includes the price of the components included in the product. Medium peeling with trichloroacetic acid costs 3500-8000 rubles, and Jessner peeling costs 3500-7000 rubles.
You need to pay between 3500-6500 rubles for retinoic peeling manipulation. Cheaper - 2000-4000 rubles for a medium salicylic or glycolic peel.
In the price segment of the procedure, the clinic’s rating and the client’s skin type are taken into account. Also included are the application method and the percentage of acid in the product.
The price includes post-peeling care masks and creams, as well as substances from preparatory activities.
Patient reviews
There are different reviews about medium peeling. In most cases, patients see positive changes and are satisfied with the results. Sometimes the picture is clouded by complications.
The patient suffered complications.
I like the result of the treatment.
The patient sees an improvement in the picture, but the problem is not completely solved.
The patient sees the positive effect of exfoliation.
Professional opinion
I. Dorofeeva, cosmetologist
“Most peeling methods can be quite dangerous, sometimes leaving the skin feeling like paper thin. To prevent the situation from getting worse, you should contact an experienced specialist. For the first time, you should still think carefully and choose a less aggressive peeling procedure. Medium peeling should be neglected for now. Besides this, there are other very effective procedures that may be enough to achieve results.”
Not all doctors have a positive attitude towards this procedure
