A peel is a widely used dermatological treatment in aesthetic medicine.
The word “peel” means “exfoliation.” This exfoliation can be performed using a chemical agent (chemical peel), laser, or mechanical abrasion with sandpaper.
The target of a peel is the skin. Depending on your skin type and the desired result, Dr. Romano will recommend the most suitable peel.
Years ago, peels were primarily used to give the skin a glow for a special event and refine skin texture. Today, this treatment is performed multiple times a year to maintain beautiful skin. With this goal in mind, certain specialized peels have been developed, such as the Hollywood Peel, named after the flawless complexion it creates.
Chemical peels are an aesthetic medicine technique that involves applying chemical agents such as acids to the skin to remove dead cells from the superficial layer of the epidermis. This procedure stimulates cell renewal, improves skin texture, and reduces the visible signs of skin aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, and imperfections such as dark spots, acne scars, enlarged pores, redness, and pigmentation disorders. Depending on the skin type and concerns to be addressed, different types of peels are available, ranging from mild to deep. Superficial peels primarily act on the stratum corneum of the epidermis, while medium and deep peels penetrate further into the dermis to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Peels containing fruit acids, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid, are frequently used to gently exfoliate the skin, fade pigmentation spots, and restore radiance to the complexion.
Trichloroacetic acid, or TCA, is particularly suited for treating wrinkles and fine lines, enlarged pores, and acne scars. In addition to its exfoliating effects, a peel stimulates cell regeneration, promotes collagen and elastin production, and helps smooth the skin, thereby improving its overall appearance.
Laser peels and the PRX-T33 peel are new-generation treatments.
It is recommended to consult a dermatologist or an aesthetic doctor to determine the most suitable type of peel for your skin type and needs, ensuring optimal results while avoiding any risk of adverse effects.
It is crucial to follow your doctor's recommendations regarding hydration, sun protection, and necessary social downtime.
To care for your skin after a peel, follow these essential guidelines :
The frequency of peels depends on the type of peel performed and the desired treatment outcome :
Desquamation, or the shedding of the superficial layer of the epidermis, is common after a peel and following sunburn.
Peeling-induced desquamation is a controlled and intentional process. Chemical agents such as fruit acids or TCA dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, facilitating their removal and revealing fresher, smoother skin. This type of desquamation is generally uniform and accompanied by post-treatment care recommendations to optimize skin regeneration.
Desquamation caused by sunburn results from a burn due to excessive exposure to UV rays. It is often uneven, accompanied by redness, pain, and inflammation—clear signs of skin damage. Unlike chemical exfoliation, sunburn can lead to severe side effects such as blisters, pigmentation changes, and an increased long-term risk of skin cancer.
The aim of a peel is to improve the quality and texture of the skin by removing damaged surface layers. This stimulates cell renewal and helps to treat various skin problems such as wrinkles, pigment spots, acne and superficial scars.
Yes, the peel rejuvenates the skin by reducing visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles, fine lines and age spots. It also stimulates collagen production, which improves the skin's elasticity and firmness.
The common side effects of a peel are redness, scaling, increased skin sensitivity and sometimes slight swelling. These effects are generally temporary and fade during the healing phase.
When carried out by a qualified professional, a peel does not damage the skin. On the contrary, it encourages cell regeneration and improves skin quality. However, a badly performed peel or inappropriate post-peel care can damage the skin.
The peel makes the skin smoother and more radiant, reduces wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation spots, improves skin texture and reduces acne scars. The peel evens out skin tone and tightens pores.
The most effective peel depends on your skin's specific needs. Superficial peels are ideal for light refreshing and improving skin texture. Medium and deep peels are more effective for treating more severe problems such as deep wrinkles, acne scars and pigmentation spots.
The price of a peel varies according to the type of peel and the indications. Superficial peels can cost between CHF 200 and CHF 300 per session, while medium and deep peels can cost between CHF 500 and CHF 4,000.
The effects of a peel generally begin to be visible a few days after the procedure, once the skin has finished peeling. Optimal results are visible after a few weeks, when the skin is completely regenerated.
Yes, peels are effective in improving skin texture, reducing imperfections and evening out skin tone. Results depend on the type of peel used and the skin problems being treated. Several sessions are often necessary.
After a peel, it is advisable to sleep on your back to avoid any contact with the skin on your face. Using a clean, soft pillowcase can also help prevent irritation.
It is generally advisable not to wash your face for the first 12 to 24 hours after a peel. Always follow the specific instructions of your aesthetic doctor or dermatologist.
Yes, it's normal, especially if it's a superficial peel. The peel always works by exfoliating the dead cells, even if the desquamation is not always perceptible. The PRX-T33 peel and the Hollywood peel do not cause exfoliation.
The pain associated with peels depends on the depth of the treatment.
Superficial peels are generally not very painful, although the patient may experience a more intense burning sensation. Some discomfort is to be expected, but this is often manageable with mild analgesics.
Medium and deep peels can cause more discomfort, some cause a significant burning sensation and may require local anaesthetic or sedation.
Yes, the peel can be used on all skin types, including sensitive or reactive skin.
An experienced doctor should be called in to personalise the treatment.
Medium and deep peels are not recommended for dark skin.
The contraindications to peels are infections or skin lesions in the area to be treated, pathologies responsible for scarring problems, a history of allergy or intolerance to the chemicals used in peels and certain photosensitising treatments.
After a peel, the period of time during which the sun must be avoided depends on the type of peel and the type of skin. This period is set by the doctor and can vary from one to three months. For the PR-T33 peel, there is no need to protect yourself from the sun.
A peel is effective if you notice an improvement in skin texture, a reduction in imperfections and a more even complexion. It is important to follow the post-peel care explained by your doctor to optimise the results.
Superficial peels improve skin quality and help prevent ageing, but do not improve scarring.
Medium and deep peels are effective on scars.
Yes, peels can be effective in treating sun spots, especially medium peels, which are often used to treat these problems as well as pregnancy mask. Repeated sessions may be necessary to achieve the best results.
Yes, this is possible, but superficial peels can be performed.
Some peels are specifically formulated for this type of skin, particularly those containing glycolic acid or mandelic acid.
It is crucial to consult an experienced doctor to choose the most appropriate peel and avoid any side effects.
After a peel, the skin may be red and sensitive, with visible flaking for a few days. Once healing is complete, the skin generally appears smoother, clearer and more even.
A peel is recommended when your skin shows signs of ageing, pigment spots, acne scars or uneven texture. Peels are often carried out in seasons when the sun is not shining, to avoid pigmentary rebound.
Yes, it is possible to combine peels with other aesthetic medical procedures to optimise results. You simply need to respect the time limit given by your doctor.
Peels can be carried out from late adolescence onwards.
A peel is not recommended during pregnancy or when breast-feeding.
A peel can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, particularly superficial wrinkles, depending on the type of peel and the depth of the wrinkle. For deeper wrinkles, more aggressive or combined treatments may be required.
The ideal time to have a peel is during the cooler months, from autumn to early spring. During this period, exposure to the sun is generally reduced, which helps to prevent complications.
At the age of 50, a medium to deep peel is often recommended to treat advanced signs of skin ageing. Less aggressive alternatives exist: laser, hyaluronic acid injections, botox and Sculptra.
Pimples may appear after a peel, especially if the skin is acne-prone or reactive. This phenomenon is generally temporary and may be due to the 'purging' of impurities from the skin.
The duration of desquamation depends on the peel and individual sensitivity. For a superficial peel, desquamation can last from 3 to 5 days. For a medium to deep peel, it can last up to two weeks.
After a peel, it is crucial to use a rich, soothing, non-comedogenic moisturiser. Products containing hyaluronic acid, ceramide or panthenol are excellent for moisturising and soothing irritated skin.
There is no point in accelerating desquamation.
Do not force the desquamation by scratching or pulling on the peeled skin to avoid scarring.
After a peel, use a gentle, non-irritating cleanser, without perfume or alcohol. Cleansers formulated for sensitive skin are ideal for avoiding further irritation and maintaining the skin's natural moisture.
ment.
After a peel, serums containing hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 or peptides are excellent for soothing and moisturising the skin. Avoid serums containing acids or retinoids immediately after the peel to avoid any irritation.
To prepare the skin for a peel, we recommend using gentle exfoliating products a few weeks before the treatment, moisturising regularly and protecting the skin from the sun. Your doctor will advise you which products to use.
Avoid aggressive, exfoliating treatments.
Make-up should not be applied for about two days for superficial peels.
The services described on this website apply to Swiss territory; there are differences between countries.
Contact
Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm
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