Facial peeling for age spots - mechanical, hardware, chemical

Which peeling for age spots is better?

Women's skin is highly susceptible to the formation of age spots. There are quite a few reasons for the occurrence of such defects, or scientifically known as melasma. This is both a violation of melanin formation and internal problems. Often dark spots appear as a reaction to medications or cosmetics; a hereditary development of the deficiency is possible.

It is widely believed that the ideal option for getting rid of pigmentation is laser resurfacing. Perhaps this was the case at some point in time, but today cosmetologists are ready to offer many techniques that are more gentle and no less effective.

The choice of the best peeling largely depends on the condition of the patient’s skin, the causes of pigmentation, the woman’s age and the presence of contraindications. If you need to lighten and even out your face a little, you can resort to home remedies. More severe problems will require midline exfoliation, such as laser or chemical exfoliation, and perhaps dermabrasion.

Which peeling is better? This can be found out only by examining several of its varieties and comparing them. Let's get started?

PREVENTION

Cosmetic procedures are only half the way to uniform pigmentation. Do not forget about following the rules that will help prevent the appearance of age spots. There are only two of them:

1. Balance vitamin levels.
   It has been scientifically proven that vitamin A increases pigmentation, and vitamin C, on the contrary, reduces it. Nutrition must be thought out in such a way that the balance of vitamins is maintained. It is not recommended to limit yourself in this matter: vitamin deficiency worsens a person’s general condition and can lead to serious illnesses.
2. Use sunscreen
   and reduce exposure to the sun during the day during the summer. Melanin is produced to protect the body, and to reduce its synthesis, you need to use cosmetics that help the skin do without this pigment.

Text author: Olga Lapina

How do you deal with this problem? Leave your review.

The effectiveness of chemical peels against melasma

Chemical peels are most often used to combat age spots. The main ingredient of working solutions is an acidic enzyme of a certain concentration.

To eliminate small spots, apply a superficial effect to the skin. These are almond, pyruvic, salicylic, glycolic, lactic and retinoic peels. They exfoliate only the epidermal layer and are suitable for use from 18 years of age.

For more pronounced facial pigmentation, medium peels are performed. They penetrate somewhat deeper into the skin and reach the basal layer of the epidermis.

TCA peeling is considered a prominent representative of medial exfoliation. The procedure is performed with trichloroacetic acid and perfectly renews tissue, but has a long recovery period. An improved version of TCA is the PRX T33 exfoliant from the Italian brand WIQOmed.

The solution acts gently and sparingly at the middle level, without causing redness or irritation. It is often used to treat the body - neck, décolleté, arms and legs. The combined Jessner peeling is no less popular. The drug has many positive reviews from both cosmetologists and patients.

Pros of chemical exfoliation:

• high efficiency;
• low price for the procedure;
• short recovery period;
• minimum contraindications and complications.

A common point for all acid exfoliations is the time limit. They can only be made during the winter season, from November to March. During this period, exposure to sunlight is minimal, which is very important for full recovery.

Retinoic (yellow)

This peeling is called yellow because of its lemon color, which is given to it by the main active ingredient - retinoic acid. Exfoliation is ideal for delicate and sensitive skin, improves the production of elastin and collagen, brightens the face and has a pronounced lifting effect. The results of the manipulation last for six months.

Retinoic exfoliation has a small disadvantage that should be remembered - the procedure often causes allergies, so it should not be done on women with hypersensitivity to retinol.

Lactic

The main active ingredient of this type of peeling is highly concentrated lactic acid. Exfoliation with its help can be confidently called the mildest and least traumatic effect on the dermis. The procedure is indicated for women with dry, irritated and sensitive skin.

Milk peeling perfectly brightens the face and removes excess pigment, evens out tone, eliminates oiliness and tightens pores. Especially suitable for girls with unclean skin.

The advantage of lactic enzyme is its good compatibility with fruit acids. The ability to combine these compositions significantly increases the effectiveness of milk exfoliation and allows it to be used as a middle option.

Glycolic

It is the most popular among superficial peels. In addition to the fact that exfoliation perfectly removes age spots and freckles, during the procedure there is a deep renewal of the skin. As a result, the face becomes lighter, tighter and several years younger.

After glycolic exfoliation, it is necessary to use special care products and avoid temperature fluctuations.

Pyrovinogradny

The peculiarity of pyruvic concentrate is that it combines the effectiveness of two acids at once - salicylic and lactic. The exfoliant penetrates well into the dermis and deeply cleanses it.

In addition, it moisturizes and brightens the face, eliminating even the darkest pigment spots, getting rid of greasiness and enlarged pores. Peeling is suitable for oily and sensitive skin that is easily irritated by any manipulation.

The disadvantages include the unpleasant, pungent odor of pyruvic acid, which can trigger an asthma attack. Therefore, exfoliation should be performed in a well-ventilated area or with open windows.

Almond

Very superficial, but at the same time quite effective peeling. Quickly eliminates melasma and acne, rejuvenates and tightens the face. The exfoliation procedure is usually well tolerated and does not cause negative reactions.

The advantage of almond exfoliation is all-season use and safety. Unlike other acid peels, the procedure is carried out at any time of the year. You can perform it from the age of 18.

Almond exfoliation is done not only on the face, but also on the hands, neck and décolleté. The manipulation does not cause irritation and copes well with uneven and pigmented skin.

Salicylic

This type of peeling has been used in cosmetology for a long time, however, despite this, it is still popular.

Salicylic acid exfoliates well, evens out the texture and tone of the face. With its help, you can get rid of age spots, freckles and post-acne, remove facial wrinkles and improve the condition of the skin.

The benefits of peeling include:

• antiseptic activity;
• pronounced cleansing properties;
• the ability to reduce sebum secretion and tighten pores;
• Possibility to combine with mechanical cleaning.

Exfoliation with salicylic acid is suitable for both girls with oily, acne-prone faces and women with the first signs of aging.

Causes of pigmentation

The shade of the skin depends on 3 pigments, the main one of which is melanin. It protects the body from overheating and burns by absorbing ultraviolet rays and reducing their harm. Therefore, if the concentration of melanin is normal, the skin acquires an even tan.

Excess pigment (its accumulation in certain places of the skin) leads to the appearance of individual pigment spots, which are also called melasma. Most often they occur in open areas: face, décolleté, hands.

A decrease in melanin in the skin is called hypopigmentation. Not dark, but light areas appear on the skin. A striking example is vitiligo.

Doctors believe that hyperpigmentation is caused by the following factors:

• disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, liver;
• diseases of the thyroid gland and nervous system;
• gynecological problems;
• hormonal changes, including those associated with menopause, pregnancy, and the use of certain contraceptives;
• metabolic disorders associated with a lack or excess of vitamins and microelements;
• prolonged exposure to sunlight;
• taking certain medications;
• age-related skin changes;
• genetic predisposition, etc.

Attention! Most often, age spots occur in pregnant women and women who sunbathe a lot.

Hyperpigmentation, not associated with diseases of the internal organs, is not dangerous to health. But many women are embarrassed by spots on their faces and seek to remove them in a cosmetologist's office. Before starting to eliminate a cosmetic defect, a specialist will order an examination, find out the cause of pigmentation, and also determine the type of melasma:

• lentigo is a benign dark brown spot that has a clear round or oval shape. There are 3 types, of which only one - juvenile (simple) lentigo - is not associated with sun activity;
• chloasma - yellow, brown and dark brown spots with jagged edges. They arise due to pregnancy, diseases of internal organs, and tanning. It is chloasma that is most often called pigment spots;
• ephelides are nothing more than freckles that most often appear on fair-skinned, red-haired people. Associated with pigment metabolism disorders;
• Nevi are raised growths on the skin, better known as moles. They are related to pigmentation because they are a collection of pigment cells. Under unfavorable conditions (including due to sunburn), melanoma (skin cancer) can develop from harmless moles;
• age spots. Appear on the face and hands after 35–45 years. To prevent this from happening, you need to protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation from your youth. Our compatriots call age-related changes “buckwheat,” and in France they came up with a synonym for this phenomenon: “death daisy.”

Sometimes dark spots (so-called stagnant spots) appear on the site of squeezed pimples. This is due to increased melanin production. Some peelings help to cope with the problem.

What mechanical peeling can do

Mechanical peeling is indispensable for defects associated with age and hyperpigmentation. It will also cope with post-acne, small scars and cicatrices. After cleansing, the face is transformed: expression lines and melasma disappear, the skin tightens and becomes more youthful and elastic.

Mechanical exfoliation should not be performed on women with thin, dry and sensitive dermis. The procedure is contraindicated in cases of severe inflammation in the treatment area. Open wounds or exacerbation of herpes will also become an obstacle to cleaning.

Coral peeling is an excellent alternative to acid peeling

This type of peeling has recently appeared in beauty salons, but has already earned considerable popularity. The procedure is a medium grinding and is performed with natural abrasives, does not require a long recovery period and gives a lasting result. Thanks to these factors, coral cleansing is considered a worthy alternative to chemical exfoliation.

The peeling composition includes powdered crystals, a vitamin complex, Dead Sea salt, essential oils and valuable herbs. The natural mixture cleanses pores, gently exfoliates and polishes the skin. After exfoliation, the face becomes bright and clean, age spots and facial wrinkles disappear. The results obtained last for at least 6 months.

Dermabrasion: refining skin tone

Probably everyone has heard about dermabrasion. This procedure has been used for quite a long time to combat skin imperfections and is the deepest and most traumatic of the medium peels.

Cleaning is carried out with special abrasive nozzles rotating at a speed of 40–50 thousand revolutions per minute. As a result, the top layer of the epidermis is removed down to the basal level.

Mechanical dermabrasion is a painful procedure that requires local anesthesia. Recovery after it is long, with the obligatory application of regenerating and anti-inflammatory ointments.

However, the effect of mechanical cleaning is also pronounced - it helps remove deep wrinkles, scars, and age spots. In addition, manipulation starts the process of skin renewal and activates the production of elastin and collagen.

By the way

When and who most often gets age spots:

• among those who like to “roast” in the sun, among skiers and mountain tourists;
• those who neglect protective measures against ultraviolet radiation;
• in women taking hormonal contraceptives;
• for some endocrinological diseases;
• after taking photosensitizing drugs (tetracycline antibiotics, sulfonamides, antipsychotics) and infusions of some medicinal plants that contain furocoumarins that increase sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation (parsnip, St. John's wort, psoralea drupe);
• after chemical, laser peelings and dermabrasion during the active sun season;
• when applying cologne, eau de toilette or cosmetics containing bergamot and some other essential oils to the skin in sunny weather.

Hardware methods in the fight for face whitening

If you choose the best peeling for melasma among hardware methods, then cosmetologists will unanimously name laser cleansing. Next in effectiveness is carbon exfoliation, and then other peels. However, despite this division, all hardware cleaning is used in practice, which means it has a right to exist.

Laser

Laser radiation is considered the fastest and most effective way to get rid of age spots. However, its effect on the skin does not end there. The main purpose of laser exfoliation is age-related changes in the dermis. The procedure starts the rejuvenation process and simultaneously destroys the accumulation of melanocytes.

Peeling advantages:

• melasma no longer appears in place of the destroyed ones;
• cleaning is quick and relatively painless;
• manipulation rarely leads to complications;
• short recovery period (from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the type of laser).

Before signing up for exfoliation, make sure that you have no contraindications to it: purulent rashes on the face, exacerbation of herpes, neuropsychic disorders.

Ultrasonic

Ultrasonic peeling is based on the introduction of bleaching agents into the layers of the epidermis under the influence of ultrasound. The procedure can be done all year round; it gently and quickly cleanses the face of age spots, evens out the tone, eliminates fine wrinkles and unevenness.

Ultrasonic exfoliation is suitable for young, not too problematic skin. This type of cleaning is also convenient before an important event, when you need to get yourself in order quickly and without consequences.

Gas-liquid

This type of peeling is a relatively new procedure, although it is aimed at solving old problems - eliminating dull complexion, getting rid of age spots and unevenness, and reducing wrinkles.

Exfoliation is carried out in a non-contact manner. The skin is treated with a powerful jet of gas and air, capable of removing layers of the epidermis down to the basal level.

The advantage of the procedure is the combination of exfoliation with a deep facial massage and pronounced detoxification. According to reviews from women who have undergone manipulation, oxygen peeling does not cause discomfort or pain. It can be called a pleasant procedure.

Radio wave

Radio peeling is performed using high-frequency radio wave rays and belongs to the category of superficial exfoliation. The procedure is considered the mildest of the hardware methods, has virtually no contraindications or side effects, but at the same time copes quite well with age spots and evens out the complexion.

Carbon

Another new method of cleansing and rejuvenating the skin. Exfoliation combines chemical and laser exfoliation and is performed in several stages. First, a special mask with hydrogen dioxide is applied to the face, and then the dried mass is treated with a laser, as if tearing its molecules from the inside.

This complex effect destroys the accumulation of melanocytes well, so melasma is a direct indication for carbon facial cleansing. The procedure has a minimum of precautions and a short recovery period.

Opinion of cosmetologists

Skin whitening is one of the most common reasons why women turn to a cosmetologist. The specialist will recommend the type of peeling to solve the problem.

Many cosmetologists adhere to the traditional opinion that pigment spots should not be lightened in spring and autumn.

At the same time, there are many supporters of another point of view, which claims that peelings are not contraindicated all year round.

The key to success in this case, according to professionals, is compliance with all rehabilitation rules.

But regarding freckles, as one of the types of skin pigmentation, experts are almost unanimous. Cosmetologists advise not to fight ephelides, since the result will be short-lived and a lot of effort and money will be spent.

Peeling for age spots at home

Peeling carried out at home, of course, is far from being effective in the salon version. However, with regular and correct use, it can solve many problems - remove age spots, cleanse pores, even out tone, erase signs of fatigue from the face.

Homemade peelings are prepared from natural products that are found in every kitchen, or ingredients purchased at the pharmacy. You can also purchase professional exfoliation kits, since their prices are low. But in this case, be sure to consult with a cosmetologist about the rules for using a particular exfoliant and strictly follow the instructions.

Homemade peeling options are practically harmless and easy to use. In addition, there are many recipes for natural abrasives, so you can easily choose the right composition for yourself.

Peeling with vinegar

Vinegar is considered a cheap and effective remedy for exfoliating the epidermis. Most often, a natural apple product is used for these purposes, diluted with water to a 5% solution.

On an oily, unclean face, apply a cleansing composition every other day; dry skin is treated with liquid 2 times a week. To get rid of age spots, apply pure apple cider vinegar only to a dark area and leave until dry.

Dairy based

No less popular and effective is peeling from lactic acid products. There are many options for its use. You can use powdered milk mixed with ground bran or almonds, but kefir or curdled milk removes pigment much better.

Apply fermented milk products to your face in pure form or soak gauze in them and apply to the skin. After 15–20 minutes, remove the mask and wash with cool water. Do these compresses twice a week until the spots fade.

With parsley oil

To get rid of pigmentation and freckles, prepare a mixture of parsley and lemon juice. Wipe your face with this mixture twice a day.

The following mask gives an excellent whitening effect:

• Rinse the parsley along with the root and chop in a blender;
• mix the vegetable mass with the juice of 1 lemon;
• Apply the resulting mask to your face and cover it with a layer of gauze;
• After 20 minutes, wash your face.

The result of your labors will be fresh, rejuvenated and rested skin. Do the whitening procedure 1-2 times a week.

With bodyaga

Badyagi powder has long been used to exfoliate the epidermis. For oily skin, mix it with hydrogen peroxide, for dry skin - with oil or sour cream. Apply the composition to your face and do a light massage. After 10 minutes, rinse with acidified water.

After the procedure, redness, burning and tingling sensations may appear. This is normal for exfoliation with badyagi.

Wine

Many people are familiar with wine peeling, which not only cleanses the face of age spots, but also strengthens blood vessels, eliminates redness and unpleasant mesh. The active component in this case is grape wine, which is a fruit acid.

Use the product in its pure form, applying locally to the stain, or mix with water and make twenty-minute compresses.

Survey. Women's attitude towards injection techniques

There are 70,965,000 women in Russia, of which:

• 7% - 5 million are already using;
• 8% - 5.7 million plan to use;
• 33% - 23.4 million are considering the possibility of use;
• 52% - 36.9 million do not use and do not plan to use.

Answers on questions

What are the contraindications to using peeling for pigmentation?

Any salon peeling, be it chemical, hardware or mechanical, is based on damage to the skin, which means that not always and not everyone can do it.

Acid peeling is prohibited in the following cases:

• hypersensitivity to exfoliant components;
• presence of moles in the treatment area;
• exacerbation of the herpes virus;
• open wounds and abrasions on the skin;
• inflammatory processes on the face;
• spring-summer season.

There are also contraindications for mechanical cleaning. Dermabrasion is prohibited in the same cases as acid peeling. In addition, the procedure is not performed for central nervous system disorders, fever, or exacerbation of chronic pathologies. Contraindications include pregnancy and lactation. The same applies to hardware facial cleansing.

In any case, before exfoliation, you should discuss with your cosmetologist all the features of the chosen procedure, find out about possible complications and tell about contraindications, if any.

How to get rid of melasma during pregnancy?

There are two ways to remove dark spots from your face - undergo a salon peeling course or try homemade whitening products.

What professional procedures can pregnant women do? During this period, all chemical and mechanical peelings are strictly prohibited for women. You cannot use hardware procedures either. Alternatively, you can try milk or almond exfoliation, but only after consulting your doctor. But these exfoliation options are also unsafe for pregnant women.

Therefore, during the period of bearing a child, it is better to use homemade peelings from natural products. The ideal option would be masks made from yogurt or parsley.

How many procedures will it take to get rid of pigmentation and how long will the effect last?

The number of sessions depends on the chosen peeling, the number of melasmas, their size and shade saturation. For some, one exfoliation is enough, while another woman will need to undergo a course of 4–6 procedures. Everything is very individual and is decided on the spot together with a cosmetologist.

The results of whitening usually last six months. New melasmas may then appear on the face. This happens especially often after active tanning on the beach or in a solarium.

Sunscreen and a reasonable attitude towards ultraviolet radiation will help reduce the likelihood of pigmentation.

Further care

The main rule of skin care after any peeling is: touch the treated area as little as possible. On the first day, do not wash your face; forget about decorative cosmetics for a few days. Moisturize the skin, but not excessively, so that this does not interfere with the process of exfoliation of the dermis. Do not remove loose flakes of dead skin. The process of skin regeneration should occur naturally.

Protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation, frost and strong wind. Do not go outside without sunscreen cosmetics, do not sunbathe or visit a solarium. It is also worth temporarily avoiding swimming in the pool and physical activity.

Main contraindications

Like any procedure, peeling has a number of contraindications. These include:

• pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• malignant neoplasms;
• chronic pathologies of the endocrine and digestive systems;
• immunodeficiencies;
• infectious diseases (bacterial, viral, fungal);
• inflammatory and pustular processes on the skin;
• allergy to the components included in the peeling composition;
• fever (increased temperature).

It must be remembered that hardware cosmetology is an intervention in the functioning of the body, therefore all procedures should be carried out only in trusted salons and only after consultation with the attending physician.

Treatment of age spots is a long and labor-intensive process, which sometimes drags on for months and years. Hardware cosmetology and peelings performed at home should not be the main method of treatment. It is better to combine such procedures with the use of other treatment methods - then the result can be achieved as quickly as possible. Learn about facial pigmentation in this article.

Precautionary measures

Before performing any peeling for the first time, both in the salon and at home, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with all contraindications and undergo an examination by a dermatologist, which will reduce the risk of complications. It is recommended to avoid any type of peeling during menstruation, pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Contraindications

The main contraindications to the use of any peeling to remove dark spots:

• active form of herpes;
• oncological diseases;
• dysfunction of the liver, stomach or heart;
• increased body temperature;
• chronic diseases in the acute stage;
• the presence of ulcers, moles or unhealed wounds on the treated areas;
• disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system;
• individual intolerance to the components contained in the selected cleansing composition.

Side effects and complications

The first days after exfoliation you may experience redness, a feeling of tightness, itching and minor pain. If the listed symptoms worsen after a few days, you need to visit a dermatologist or cosmetologist who did the cleansing.