Facial peel: types, benefits and features of the cosmetic treatment

Many factors affect the condition of the skin, including diet, daily routine, habits and external factors such as polluted air and ultraviolet radiation. The delicate dermis requires careful daily care, consisting of essential treatments — cleansing, moisturising and nourishing. A facial peel helps to renew the top layer and improve the skin's structure — a cosmetic treatment during which dead epidermal cells, impurities and excess sebum are removed. As a result, cell regeneration processes are triggered, and the use of other skincare products becomes more effective.

What is a facial peel: indications for the treatment

The history of this effective skin renewal method goes back many hundreds of years. The controlled “damaging” of the dermis with particles of alabaster was practised as far back as ancient Egypt, while in medieval Europe tartaric acid played the role of the active ingredient. Today, a facial peel is a popular treatment involving the exfoliation of the upper layers of skin, as a result of which it becomes fresh, firm and taut. The main indications for carrying out the treatment:

• post-acne marks;
• enlarged pores;
• loss of elasticity;
• pigmentation spots;
• a grey complexion;
• blackheads, comedones, breakouts;
• wrinkles;
• ptosis (sagging tissue);
• uneven skin texture.

After a peel, the skin becomes hydrated, soft and velvety, the complexion improves and the facial contour is tightened.

Peels: main types and characteristics

According to how they are carried out, cosmetic treatments are divided into manual and device-based. The former are performed by hand, the latter using special equipment. They are usually distinguished by the composition and formulas of the products, as well as by the depth at which they act. Superficial manual treatments can be done yourself, while device-based ones are best left to specialists. Let's take a look at an overview of the main types of peels.

Mechanical

A popular type of peel for home use, also known as scrubbing. The exfoliation of the skin takes place through the physical removal of the keratinised layer using products with abrasive elements such as sea salt, sugar crystals, ground fruit stones or coffee grounds. The method is effective and convenient, but it's not suitable for inflamed, sensitive or dry skin. Usually, this kind of facial cleansing is carried out on oily or combination skin with an uneven relief, enlarged pores and comedones.

Enzymatic

A superficial enzymatic facial peel is an excellent choice for those with sensitive, dry or problematic skin showing signs of broken capillaries and redness. Enzymes gently loosen the epidermis and dissolve dead cells. The cleansing works gently, speeds up skin regeneration and improves its complexion and structure. Formulas usually contain fruit enzymes that are activated by ordinary water. The Green Pharm Cosmetic catalogue features high-quality products with enzymes of plant origin: bromelain, papain and actinidin. The recipe also includes liquorice extract and kaolin.

Acid

The most popular type of chemical peel for post-acne scars and discolouration. The effect is achieved thanks to acids: fruit, lactic, salicylic, succinic and glycolic, which dissolve the dead cells of the dermis. The preparations penetrate into the deep layers of the skin, which helps to even out the relief, improves regeneration, reduces pigmentation and removes post-acne marks. The Green Pharm Cosmetic website features these cosmetic products:

• an antioxidant ferulic peel with the addition of malic and citric acid;
• an anti-acne product with azelaic, mandelic and lactic acid;
• a year-round chemical preparation, SkinGlow, with AHA acids and natural pearl powder.

Additional benefits of the treatment include stimulating collagen production and smoothing wrinkles.

Ultrasonic

A painless option for facial care using high-frequency ultrasonic waves. Device-based treatments are carried out by a specialist who selects products with various effects, such as moisturising, nourishing, improving microcirculation or lymphatic drainage. The treatment stimulates blood circulation, renews cells, removes greyness and improves the skin's complexion.

What a facial peel does: the beneficial properties of the cosmetic treatment

Specialists advise doing a home peel from the age of 25, with a frequency of 1 to 3 times a week — depending on your skin type. Let's list the main reasons for the treatment's popularity:

1. Evening out the relief. Mechanical and chemical peels increase firmness and even out the structure of the skin. Effective preparations perfectly cleanse the upper layers of the dermis, tighten enlarged pores and smooth out creases.
2. Skin regeneration. Thanks to the removal of dead particles, dirt and sebum residue, the cells are more intensively saturated with oxygen and regenerate. Blood circulation improves, so the skin takes on a natural colour.
3. Brightening. The products are able to cope with age-related and genetic pigmentation spots, as well as brightening the skin well. It's worth choosing peels for discolouration with acids, in particular salicylic and glycolic.
4. Removing post-acne symptoms. Unsightly marks can be removed with medium-depth or deep treatments. It's better to use products with lactic, salicylic and retinoic acid, such as the “Anti-acne Peel” from Green Pharm Cosmetic.
5. Smoothing wrinkles. Thanks to the activation of collagen and elastin, the skin is rejuvenated, fine wrinkles disappear and the depth of creases decreases.

Even a superficial facial peel done at home effectively cleanses and moisturises the dermis.

The pros and cons of skin exfoliation

The beneficial properties of a peel are evening out the structure, smoothing wrinkles, cleansing the pores and fighting pigmentation. This popular cosmetic treatment gently removes the upper keratinised layer, effectively renewing the skin. It also stimulates collagen production, thanks to which the skin becomes firmer and fresher.

Since the principle behind the treatment is the controlled damaging of the epidermis, short-term discomfort may occur afterwards — redness, flaking and increased sensitivity. Allergic reactions sometimes appear. It's important to take seasonality into account — after deep cleansing, sun exposure is not recommended, as there is a risk of hyperpigmentation of sensitive areas.

How to use a facial peel for maximum effect

Before applying any cosmetic to the skin, it's worth carefully reading the instructions, ingredients and usage rules. A few important tips to follow in order to avoid mistakes during facial cleansing:

• do an allergy test beforehand: apply a small amount of the product to your wrist and observe the area for 24 hours;
• before exfoliating, remove make-up and sebum residue from your face, pat thoroughly dry with a paper towel, let it dry or leave it damp (depending on the instructions);
• apply the product to your fingertips and carefully spread it with soft movements along the massage lines, stimulating blood microcirculation;
• avoid the sensitive areas around the eyes and mouth;
• don't keep the product on longer than the manufacturer indicates in the instructions, as this may cause irritation;
• rinse the product off with plenty of water at room temperature;
• carefully remove any residue with a tissue;
• apply a moisturising cream to restore the natural pH.

If allergic reactions occur — severe redness, swelling or burns — you should stop using it and consult a doctor. Following these simple recommendations for performing a facial peel at home will let you get the maximum benefit from exfoliation.

How often can you do a peel

The frequency of treatments is affected by various factors: skin type, age and the composition of the products. At home, superficial treatments for oily skin are done 1–2 times a week, and for sensitive and dry skin — once every 10–14 days. A medium-depth facial peel is usually done once a month. Deep cleansing is best left to a cosmetologist, who will determine the optimal frequency.

A good time for treatments is the autumn-winter season with inactive solar radiation. But even in cloudy weather, you need to apply high-SPF products before going outside.

Contraindications to chemical peels: when the treatment is best avoided

Provided the rules for using the products are followed, the cosmetic treatment will be safe and beneficial, but it also has a number of contraindications. First of all, peels are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the risk of the active substances affecting the child. The treatment must not be carried out in cases of cancer, diabetes or herpes in an acute phase. Dermatological contraindications include:

• inflammatory processes;
• open wounds and cuts;
• multiple irritations;
• purulent breakouts;
• allergic dermatoses.

The treatment is worth postponing in the case of an acute infectious illness. Before deep cleansing, be sure to consult a cosmetologist, who will take the condition of your skin into account and select safe preparations.

Features of skincare after a facial peel

Under the influence of acids and abrasives, the dermis becomes sensitive, so it's worth using gentle products, while scrubs, alcohol-based toners and aggressive serums are best excluded from your cosmetic rituals. For skincare after a peel, the following are suitable:

• micellar water: gently removes impurities, doesn't need rinsing off and doesn't irritate the epidermis;
• cosmetic milk: gently cleanses the skin, doesn't cause a tight feeling, moisturises and nourishes;
• foam for sensitive skin: has a neutral pH, contains no aggressive ingredients and gently removes sebum residue;
• alcohol-free toner: tones, moisturises and maintains hydration;
• cream with panthenol: soothes the irritated epidermis and reduces redness and inflammation;
• post-peel neutraliser: a gel product from Green Pharm Cosmetic that neutralises acid residue and restores the skin's balance.

Carefully wash your face with cool water, use soft towels, avoid mechanically rubbing the skin and don't forget about high-SPF sun protection products.

A facial peel helps preserve the beauty and health of the dermis, so it's worth adding to your list of essential cosmetic treatments.