What is chemical peeling?
Chemical peeling (chemical peel) is a treatment in which an acidic solution is used to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin, thereby improving its appearance. Chemical peeling is one of the oldest dermatological treatments, as it was practiced in ancient Egypt and ancient Greece.

In which cases is chemical peeling used?
Chemical peeling is used to treat various skin concerns such as photoaging, fine wrinkles and lines, discoloration, age spots and melasma, acne scars, and certain precancerous skin conditions.

In which areas is it performed?
Chemical peeling is usually applied to the face, neck, décolleté, and the back of the hands.

How is chemical peeling performed?
Chemical peeling is carried out by applying a chemical solution (usually an acid) to the skin for a specific period of time, causing a controlled chemical burn that helps exfoliate the outer layers of the skin.

How many types of chemical peels are there?
There are three main types of chemical peels:
– superficial chemical peels performed with fruit acids (alpha hydroxy acids – AHAs) and other mild acids. These solutions act only on the outermost layers of the skin, causing gentle exfoliation that refreshes the skin and improves the appearance of mild discoloration.
– medium-depth chemical peels, performed with glycolic (glycolic acid) and trichloroacetic acid (TCA). They affect the outer and middle layers of the skin, removing damaged cells. The treatment helps improve skin spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and is also used to treat certain precancerous conditions such as actinic keratosis.
– deep chemical peels, performed with concentrated trichloroacetic acid (TCA) solutions and phenol. They affect the middle and deeper layers of the skin, removing damaged skin cells. The treatment improves moderate to deep wrinkles, spots, superficial scars, and areas with severe photoaging (sun damage). Deep peels are applied only to the face and only once.
The deeper the chemical peel, the more intense the results, but also the longer the recovery time required for the skin to return to normal.

What should I expect after a chemical peel?
The course and recovery time depend on the depth of the peel.
– superficial chemical peels require 1–7 days for complete healing. The treated area shows mild redness, and the skin may peel slightly. Regular application of moisturizing and restorative cream, as well as daily sunscreen use, is required. Makeup can be used after 2–3 days.
– medium-depth chemical peels require 7–14 days for complete healing. The treated area is initially red and swollen, and a brown/gray crust forms and sheds over the following days. The skin must be kept moist with daily cleansing and continuous application of special ointments. Preventive oral antiviral medication is also recommended. Sun exposure is prohibited for 3–4 weeks. Makeup can be used after 5–7 days.
– deep chemical peels require 2–4 weeks for complete healing. The treated area is usually kept covered, and the face must be washed with a mild antiseptic or diluted vinegar solution 4–6 times daily, followed by application of a special ointment. After the first 2 weeks, a thick moisturizing cream is applied. Preventive oral antiviral therapy is mandatory for 10–14 days. Sun exposure is prohibited for 3–6 months, while makeup can be used after 2–3 weeks.

Are there possible side effects?
The deeper the chemical peel, the more intense the results, but also the longer the recovery time and the higher the risk of side effects.
After a chemical peel, the skin is particularly sensitive to the sun and may develop discoloration. For this reason, sunscreen use and avoidance of sun exposure for a period of time—depending on the depth of the peel—are essential.
Medium and deep chemical peels may cause scarring, especially if an infection occurs. Therefore, strict adherence to post-treatment instructions is extremely important.
Reactivation of cold sores (herpes labialis) is common after medium and deep chemical peels; for this reason, preventive oral antiviral therapy is recommended.