Everything you need to know about skin treatment with chemical peels from Bcn
Updated: Jan 4, 2022
What is a chemical peel?
It is a product designed and developed in a pharmaceutical laboratory, containing one or several chemoexfoliating acids, formulated in a certain concentration and level of acidity (indicated by the pH). It is used in medical-aesthetic treatments and comes in the form of liquid (alcohol solution), gel or mask. When it is applied on the skin, it exerts a controlled aggression, accelerating the desquamation of the most superficial cells of the skin, stimulating the natural process of cutaneous regeneration. This reactivates the division of the cells of the basal layer of the epidermis that continue their ascent to the stratum corneum. The chemical peels therefore promote a controlled cell regeneration, through which fibroblasts and other cutaneous adnexa increase their activity returning to the skin its maximum splendour.
What kind of chemical peels exist?
There are many and they are differentiated mainly by two factors: active principle (type of acid) and depth of skin penetration (which is also determined by the degree of acidity of the formula, the PH), although you must also take into account for other key elements that we will see later.
The active principle of each peel will determine its main action on the skin: seborregulation, stimulation of collagen through fibroblast activation, homogenization of skin tone, elimination of wrinkles and fine lines, improvement of acne and its marks (post-acne scars), etc. Some of the most common acids are the so-called hydroxy acids, among which are mandelic, glycolic, lactic… cataloged in &Hydroxy acids, or salicylic acid, which is a -Hydroxy acid. Others such as retinoic and trichloroacetic, also in different degrees of action, are frequently used in dermatology practices. In order to be more precise in the treatment of different indications, we find more and more formulations that mix different active principles that have similar properties; for example, the BCN Peel # 02 Anti-Aging that combines mandelic and glycolic acid. Here we leave a video that presents this and other peels of Institute BCN:
Let’s go to another factor. According to the penetration depth in the skin we find superficial peels, which act on the epidermis and offer a mild and moderate exfoliation; medium peels, which act at the junction of the epidermis and the superficial dermis, achieving a deeper exfoliation; and, finally, deep peels, which act in the middle and deep dermis and are those that achieve a higher level of exfoliation and skin regeneration.
When we talked about other key elements, we referred to the concentration (% of free acid) and the level of acidity (pH). The concentration of active ingredients in the formula is decisive: a 20% concentrated glycolic acid peel does not work in the same way as 70%. In reference to the acidity (pH), it must be taken into account that, the higher the acidity, the deeper the penetration of the peel. In the example of glycolic acid, this will have a deeper action if it has a pH close to 0.5 and more superficial if it has around 2.
What to expect from a chemical peel at Look Good & Feel Amazing
There are variations according to the type of peeling chosen. In general, skin should be prepared for one or two weeks before with some special dermoscosmetic. They usually include ingredients such as glycolic or salicylic acid in small amounts, and must be applied daily at night (eg, MesoPure). The use of a daily sunscreen then becomes a condition to avoid hyperpigmentation (BCN Solar).
In the previous moment of the treatment, after a deep cleaning of the skin, and to eliminate any rest of makeup, we proceed to apply a degreaser with the help of a gauze. It helps to unify the pH of the whole area to be treated so that the effect of the peeling is uniform.
Once this step has been done, the peeling will be applied by brush, gauze or swab in the area or extension of the skin to be treated. Also taking into account if the presentation of the product is liquid, or gelled.
Once the product has been applied to the skin we wait the time stipulated by the professional in charge, while monitoring the patient and visualizing the entire area to identify when the frosting occurs, which corresponds to the keratolytic effect, although it is only visible for some peels like those that include trichloroacetic acid in high concentration. If this is not the case, the stipulated time of exposure indicated by the product should be respected.
Subsequently, a neutralizer (based on a basic solution), usually a spray, is applied. While it is being applied, the patient will notice a sensation of acute itching/burning but very bearable and it will diminish in a few seconds. Visually, a whitish effervescence appears throughout the application, which is also limited to the moment of this neutralization. When finished, the patient feels his skin completely normal, (perhaps with a slight feeling of tightness) and can proceed to the application of a cream or mask post peeling (eg. BCN Epithel).
Before the patient leaves the clinic, the sunscreen is applied, informing them of the need to repeat this application on a regular basis throughout the day. In this regard, it is especially important to bear in mind that since the perioral area is a frequent rubbing area (due to the continuous use of napkins during meals, drying after brushing teeth, etc.), the application of cream and protector in that area should be repeated several times a day.
Who is a candidate for a chemical peel?
People with acne scars.
People with crow’s feet.
People with skin damaged by the sun.
People with scars.
People with wrinkles.
People with flaccid skin.
Who is not a candidate for a chemical peel?
Pregnant or lactating women.
People who took accutane (isotretinoin, a medicine for acne) in the last 6 months.
People suffering from psoriasis, rosacea, dermatitis or eczema.
People who took a prescription medication for skin care in the last 48 hours.
If you still have questions on this treatment please email us
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