The peeling is an aesthetic-oriented medical procedure that consists of applying a chemical solution to the skin in order to exfoliate and remove dead cells from the superficial, medium, or deep layer of the skin. This process stimulates cell renewal, improves the skin overall, and makes it possible to treat a variety of skin concerns, including excess sebum, enlarged pores, and imperfections often associated with oily skin.
Oily skin is a concern for many people, characterized by excess sebum that can lead to problems of shine, enlarged pores, and an increased tendency toward imperfections such as acne. To achieve a more matte, smooth, and blemish-free complexion, the
peeling for oily skin is an increasingly popular aesthetic solution. It makes it possible to treat specific problems related to excess sebum, improve skin quality, and regulate sebum production.
The oily skin is generally caused by excessive sebum production by the sebaceous glands. This excess sebum can clog pores and lead to the appearance of comedones (blackheads) and imperfections. In addition, oily skin often has an uneven and dull complexion.
Peeling for oily skin makes it possible to :
• Remove dead skin cells : the accumulation of dead cells can worsen imbalances related to oily skin. By removing them, peeling helps unclog pores and reduce the formation of comedones.
• Reduce excess sebum : chemical peeling helps regulate sebum production, which reduces shine and the frequency of breakouts.
• Refine skin texture : peeling stimulates cell renewal, making it possible to achieve smoother and more even skin. Enlarged pores appear tighter after a series of treatments.
• Reduce imperfections and acne scars : medium to deep peels are particularly effective in treating acne scars, a frequent concern among people with oily skin.
Oily skin is characterized by excessive sebum production by the sebaceous glands. This excess sebum gives the skin a shiny appearance, especially on the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), and can make pores more visible and enlarged. People with oily skin are often prone to imperfections such as blackheads, pimples, or acne, because excess sebum can clog pores. Although oily skin can be difficult to manage, it also has the advantage of better resisting the signs of aging, thanks to improved natural hydration.
Caring for oily skin requires an adapted routine to control excess sebum while avoiding irritation. It is essential to cleanse the skin daily with a gentle, soap-free cleanser to remove impurities and excess sebum without damaging the skin barrier. The use of an astringent toner based on salicylic acid or glycolic acid helps tighten pores and regulate sebum production. Then, it is important to moisturize the skin with a light, non-comedogenic cream suitable for oily skin. Finally, daily sun protection is essential to prevent damage caused by UV rays ; a mattifying formula should be chosen to avoid worsening shine. Complementary treatments such as clay masks or chemical peels are essential to control imperfections and improve skin quality.
The main benefits of a peeling for oily skin are :
• Reduction of excess sebum : one of the actions of peeling is the reduction of sebum production. By exfoliating the skin, peeling removes impurities and dead cells that contribute to the accumulation of sebum in the pores. This helps mattify the skin and reduce shine over the long term.
• Reduction of enlarged pores : enlarged pores are a frequent issue in people with oily skin. Peeling works by tightening the pores, giving the skin a more even and smoother appearance. By reducing pore size, peeling also limits the appearance of blackheads and imperfections.
• Improvement in skin quality : peeling promotes cell renewal, which helps smooth the skin surface. After a peeling, the skin appears softer, smoother, and more radiant, with a reduction in irregularities.
• Treatment of acne scars : scars left by acne are one of the most difficult issues to treat in people with oily skin. Peels, particularly medium peels and deep peels, are very effective in reducing acne scars.
• Brighter complexion : oily skin can often appear dull due to the accumulation of dead cells on the surface. Peels, by removing this superficial layer, reveal fresher and brighter skin underneath.
Several types of chemical peels are adapted for oily skin, each with its own characteristics and indications.
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) well known for its effectiveness on oily and acne-prone skin. Due to its solubility in the lipid film, it easily penetrates clogged pores and dissolves excess sebum as well as dead skin cells.
Benefits : salicylic acid is especially recommended for oily skin because it helps unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent the appearance of new blemishes.
Indications : this type of peel is ideal for individuals with enlarged pores, blackheads, and mild breakouts.
Glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), is commonly used for superficial peels. Although it is mainly known for its exfoliating properties, it also helps control sebum production and improve skin quality.
Advantages : glycolic acid removes dead cells on the surface and promotes cell renewal, which helps reduce shine and refine skin texture.
Indications : suitable for oily and rough skin, this peel is ideal for people seeking immediate radiance and smoother skin.
TCA is an acid used for medium to deep peels. It is recommended for people with skin concerns that are more difficult to treat, such as acne scars, pigment spots, or wrinkles. It also helps tighten pores.
Advantages : TCA treats deeper imperfections and stimulates cell regeneration. It is particularly effective on oily skin that presents more significant skin damage.
Indications : this peel is often used for oily skin with deep acne scars or severe imperfections.
The Jessner peel is a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. This versatile formula is ideal for treating several skin concerns, including acne, enlarged pores, and excess sebum.
Advantages : the Jessner peel penetrates deeply, cleans pores, stimulates cell renewal, and reduces dark spots.
Indications : it is recommended for people with oily skin and moderate acne or skin quality issues.
After a peeling for oily skin, it is normal to experience some temporary side effects, such as redness, a sensation of tightness, or mild skin peeling. These effects generally disappear after a few days. To speed up healing, it is recommended to :
• Moisturize the skin : after a peel, the skin may be slightly dried out. It is recommended to use a moisturizer suitable for oily skin to promote healing without “suffocating” the skin.
• Use sun protection : the skin may be more sensitive to the sun after a peel. It is essential to apply a sunscreen with SPF 50 to protect it from UV rays and prevent hyperpigmentation.
• Avoid aggressive products : during the healing period, products containing irritating active ingredients, such as retinoids, or mechanical exfoliants that could irritate the skin should be avoided.
The number of peel sessions needed depends on the severity of the skin issues and the type of peel used. In general, for optimal results on oily skin, 3 to 6 sessions are recommended, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Doctor Romano will advise you on the exact number of sessions based on your specific needs.
The peel intended for oily skin is offered at a price of 200 CHF per session at Dr. Romano’s practice, in Geneva. This treatment makes it possible to regulate sebum production, refine skin texture, and prevent the appearance of imperfections.
The number of sessions varies and depends on the needs of the skin, its evolution throughout the treatment, as well as the objectives established during the consultation. The applied fee remains fixed for each session, regardless of the pace or duration of the protocol implemented.
For oily skin, salicylic acid peeling is the most recommended. This lipophilic acid penetrates deeply into the pores, regulates sebum production, and reduces imperfections. Peels with glycolic acid or lactic acid can also be used to refine skin texture and stimulate cell renewal.
Use a gentle cleanser formulated for oily skin, containing purifying active ingredients such as salicylic acid or zinc. Cleanse the face morning and evening to remove excess sebum and impurities. Once a week, opt for a clay mask to deeply unclog pores.
Exfoliate your skin with a gentle scrub with fine grains or a chemical exfoliant based on acids (AHA or BHA). Salicylic acid is particularly effective in unclogging pores and limiting the appearance of imperfections. Avoid overly abrasive scrubs that can stimulate sebum production.
• Use purifying lotions based on zinc or salicylic acid.
• Apply absorbent clay masks once or twice a week.
• Favor non-comedogenic and mattifying moisturizing products.
• Limit the use of overly rich products and prefer lightweight formulations.
• Adopt a balanced diet and limit foods high in sugars and fats.
For oily skin, exfoliating once or twice a week is sufficient. Excessive exfoliation can irritate the skin and stimulate sebum production. Opt for gentle exfoliants adapted to preserve skin balance.
