Peeling is among the most widely practiced procedures in aesthetic medicine for facial care or maintenance care, because it is so easy and effective . But this commonness should not make us forget that it is also a medical act, the main goal of which is to exfoliate the skin, regenerate it and enhance its radiance.
In fact, there are three different types of peels, categorized according to the depth of their action (superficial peel, medium peel or deep peel). The degree of abrasion determines both the indications, but also the side effects and possible social consequences. A gentle peel aligns effectiveness and absence of unwanted after-effects, unlike a more aggressive peel, such as a deep peel with formaldehyde.
The principle: The purpose of a gentle peel
The main aim of a gentle peel is to make the complexion more luminous while boosting the cellular regeneration of the epidermis, without creating side effects or socio-professional effects. It is therefore usually a superficial peel or a perfectly balanced medium peel.
A gentle peel will thus not cause significant erythema, exudate, crusting or desquamation. It respects the skin, so it can be done at any time, even before a personal or professional meeting.
As a result, gentle peeling will focus on the least irritating active ingredients possible, such as certain fruit acids.
Your esthetic doctor knows, for example, that a 10% mandelic acid solution allows for a lighter AHA peel than a superficial peel with other kinds of fruit acids. Mandelic acid, in fact, has a greater molecular weight, which slows its spread through the depths of the epidermis. The duration of the peel, or the concentration of the peel, can also be controlled. A medium peel like Mela Peel can also be recommended by your facial expert. This special peel for dark skin provides two formulas, a gentle one and a stronger one.
The strong formula contains a keratolytic desquamant agent, while the mild peel formula employs depigmenting acids to illuminate the skin's complexion.
Your esthetic doctor will thus work with three elements to conduct a gentle peel:
- The choice of the active substance and its acidity (pH).
- Its duration of action, which may be neutralized at any time before any tingling occurs: the longer the product acts, the deeper it penetrates.
- Acid concentration, dilution which makes it possible to decrease the strength of any product.
Indications: who are gentle peelings meant for?
A gentle peel is suitable for all individuals, men or women, irrespective of their skin phototype.
It is advised if you want effective treatment, without any social or professional impact, or if you have fragile or reactive skin, as is often the case with dark skin or, on the contrary, with skin phototype I.
Course of a gentle peel session
This gentle peel follows the standard protocol of any other peel. It takes place in the medical room of the Clinique des Champs-Elysées in Dubai.
Before the gentle peeling session
Preparation at home is crucial to optimize the gentle peel. It is designed to exfoliate the tissues and limit the pigment reaction so that the peel acts as well as possible on the day of the session. This preparation can take up to 3 weeks.
During the gentle peeling session
Your face specialist will choose the right acid, its concentration and duration of action. A buffer solution enables to stop the action of the AHA peel at any time.
Your doctor will apply an emollient moisturizer at the end of your treatment. The average duration is between 15 and 20 minutes.
After a gentle peeling session
The primary objective of a gentle peel is to prevent any side effects. For this purpose, it may be coupled with other procedures, such as medical LED phototherapy.
The patient should keep taking restorative care and sun protection at home.
Results of a gentle peeling session
Gentle peeling gives the skin a brighter, younger, more toned glow. It reduces the small imperfections of the skin.
This light peeling can be done on your face, neck or cleavage.
To maximize the results of the gentle peel, a complete protocol suggests performing 3 to 4 peels, spaced about 3 weeks apart. It can be repeated several times a year in order to keep the skin fresh and beautiful.