What are chemical peels? Types and contraindications

Chemical peeling is an innovative cosmetic treatment that uses special chemicals to cleanse and revitalize the epidermis. It primarily involves applying a chemical preparation to the skin, which exfoliates dead skin cells and aids in the regeneration process.

Who is chemical peeling for? Indications for the treatment

Chemical peels are used in many different cases—they are dedicated to people with various skin problems. First of all, they are especially recommended for people with skin problems, including acne vulgaris with blackheads. It is also an excellent treatment for people who want to bring out a healthy, natural glow from their skin and get rid of fine wrinkles. Speaking of indications for the treatment, what are the contraindications for chemical peels?

Who should not use chemical peels?

Chemical peels are invasive procedures that can bring many benefits to the skin, but there are certain contraindications to their use. Please read about them below:

Pregnancy and breastfeeding — hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and breastfeeding can lead to serious problems with skin healing after the procedure;
Active skin inflammation — chemical peeling can worsen skin inflammation and increase the risk of spreading infection. Wait until the skin has healed before undergoing the procedure;
Herpes — chemical peeling can cause irritation and contribute to the development of herpes;
Skin irritation/damage — chemical peels are invasive procedures, so applying them to irritated or damaged skin can lead to undesirable side effects in the form of worsening problems;
Skin allergies — people prone to skin allergies or allergic to chemical ingredients should avoid this type of treatment to prevent allergic reactions. 

Types of chemical peels. What is the strongest chemical peel?

There are three main types of chemical peels. These include:

Superficial peels — the mildest, as they do not damage the living cells of the epidermis. Can be performed at home;
Medium-depth peels — affect the epidermis and the papillary layer of the dermis;
Deep peels — the most intense, completely destroy the epidermis, reaching the reticular layer of the skin. 

Recommendations after chemical peeling. How to care for your skin?

After chemical peeling, proper skin care is extremely important to achieve the desired results and minimize any adverse reactions. What are the key recommendations after chemical peeling?

Regular moisturizing of the skin — after the treatment, the skin may be dry and tight, so it is very important to use highly moisturizing creams regularly; 
Avoiding exercise for 24 hours after the treatment — any activities that may increase microcirculation in the skin are not recommended after chemical peel treatments;
Avoid sources of heat — to reduce the chance of irritation and reactions, it is recommended to avoid hot baths, saunas, and tanning beds.
Avoid sun exposure — after peeling, the skin is susceptible to damage caused by UV radiation. It is recommended to avoid the sun in the first few days after the treatment and to use SPF creams.