01 Aug Peeling in aesthetic facial surgery

At the moment I’m working intensively on the subject of exfoliation. The main reason for this is that a peeling application can be very individually adapted to the needs of the respective skin situation and absolutely impressive results can be achieved. This allows me to choose the most effective peeling method for my patients according to their needs. In an article for the magazine Medical Beauty Forum, I have now summarized the current state of knowledge on the various peeling methods and explained my personal understanding of the optimal use of peeling.

The peeling and its mode of action

Peelings are available in a wide range of different variants and strengths. They range from extremely gentle products for skin cleansing to highly effective combinations of substances with a deep-acting effect. The main thing they have in common is that peelings exfoliate the upper layers of the skin to a greater or lesser extent. With many peelings, the effect is limited to the acid effect, which relates to the uppermost layer of the skin (epidermis). However, the more intensive the peeling, the greater its penetration depth. Medical peelings therefore generally not only work in the epidermis, but also in the dermis underneath.

Different scrubs – different effects

The effectiveness of a peeling therefore depends largely on its acidity. Fruit acid peels, for example, are among the gentler variants that are widely used in medical cosmetics. Its application is limited to reducing the keratinized top layer of the skin and stimulating collagen production in the depths of the skin as well as increasing the connective tissue content. Peelings with the so-called Jessner solution or with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) have a greater penetration depth. TCA plays a special role among peelings: Depending on the concentration (10 to 50 percent) and duration of the treatment, the depth of the peeling effect can be regulated. However, phenol peeling or deep peeling is considered to be particularly effective. As the name suggests, it works effectively in the depths of the dermis. Phenol peeling has a pronounced stimulating effect on tissue synthesis and leads to significant skin rejuvenation by stimulating collagen and elastin production.

Peeling as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation concept

To be truly successful with a peel, it is important not to view it as an isolated treatment, but to integrate it into a sensible, holistic concept of facial rejuvenation. The youthful radiance of the skin plays an important role in the aesthetics of the face and the contribution of a peeling to facial rejuvenation can be correspondingly valuable. As a rule, however, a wide variety of factors need to be taken into account. It therefore makes sense to consider possible combinations of peeling and other aesthetic treatments (such as dermabrasion, medical needling or laser treatments), but the aim should always be to maintain skin quality in the long term. I rely not least on a comprehensive skin care concept based on the effective ZO product series and advise my patients individually on the most appropriate products and methods in their case. More about phenol peeling