The retinol peel is one of the most sought-after aesthetic treatments to restore radiance and youthfulness to the skin. This chemical peel uses a form of vitamin A (or retinol) to exfoliate the skin. Unlike classic acid-based peels, retinol works by stimulating skin synthesis, which makes it possible to obtain smoother, brighter, and more even skin. This peel is particularly appreciated for its gentle yet effective action, which delivers visible results without causing excessive peeling.
The retinol peel is an ideal treatment for patients who wish to rejuvenate their skin while addressing various skin concerns. This treatment is safe, effective, and offers visible results quickly, provided that the instructions given before and after the session are followed.
If you would like to learn more or determine whether this peel is suitable for your skin, do not hesitate to consider a personalized consultation.
Opting for a retinol peel offers numerous advantages :
• Gentle action : unlike more aggressive peels, retinol acts gently and does not cause irritation or significant redness.
• Visible results from the first session : the skin becomes brighter and smoother within a few days.
• Progressive improvement : the benefits continue to be visible over the weeks, thanks to the stimulation of collagen production.
• Can be performed on different skin types : the retinol peel is suitable for sensitive, oily, or mature skin and can be performed on all phototypes.
This treatment is ideal for patients who wish to revitalize their skin without resorting to invasive methods.
The retinol peel can be performed throughout the year, but it is preferable to consider it during seasons when sun exposure is limited, namely in autumn and winter. Indeed, retinol makes the skin more sensitive to UV rays. Daily sun protection is therefore essential after the treatment, regardless of the time of year.
The retinol peel used by Doctor Romano is a superficial peel suitable for most skin types. This peel is suitable both for young skin wishing to prevent signs of aging and for more mature skin seeking to correct age-related imperfections.
The indications are :
• Wrinkles and fine lines : the retinol peel reduces the signs of skin aging.
• Dull complexion : the retinol peel restores radiance to tired skin.
• Pigment spots : the retinol peel helps reduce spots caused by sun exposure or aging.
• Acne : the retinol peel reduces inflammatory acne lesions and prevents future breakouts.
• Enlarged pores : the retinol peel helps refine skin texture and tighten pores.
This peel is indicated for the face, but it can also be performed on other parts of the body such as the neck, the décolleté, the breasts, the shoulders, the back, the hands, and the feet.
The peeling session is preceded by a consultation during which Doctor Romano reviews the patient’s medical history and analyzes their skin.
The patient’s skin is cleansed to remove all traces of makeup. The Pre-Peel is applied using a cotton pad or gauze to eliminate remaining sebum and balance the PH.
Vaseline is applied with a cotton swab to any cuts or abrasions, piercings, upper and lower lips, folds of the mouth and nose, corners of the eyes, and other areas where the peeling solution may accumulate, in order to protect them during the procedure.
The product is applied evenly to the area to be treated : one layer is applied for a light peel, several layers for a more intense peel.
For approximately 10 minutes, Doctor Romano observes the skin to detect signs of erythema and asks the patient whether they feel any discomfort. In such cases, the doctor rinses the peel.
After 10 minutes, and if the peel is well tolerated, the doctor massages to allow the excess product to penetrate. Neutralization is not necessary.
The patient will rinse off the peel 8 hours later or the following day. In case of irritation, the peel can be removed earlier.
For sensitive skin and if the patient wishes a reduced exfoliation effect, the peel can be rinsed off after 3h.
Before proceeding with the peel, certain precautions must be taken to ensure optimal effectiveness and avoid the occurrence of side effects.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure in the days preceding the session.
• Suspend irritating treatments : if you use exfoliating acids or retinoid-based products, they should be discontinued one week before the treatment.
• Properly hydrate the skin : good skin hydration before the session helps optimize results.
Doctor Romano will provide you with further specific recommendations based on your skin.
After the session, it is important to follow certain instructions to speed up healing and avoid the occurrence of complications.
• Apply the moisturizing cream several times a day, Doctor Romano will recommend one for you.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF 50) daily.
• Avoid direct sun exposure for several days after the treatment.
• Do not exfoliate the skin or use irritating products for at least one month after the session.
• Avoid facial hair removal, bleaching, perming or hair straightening, light therapy, laser treatments, and intense pulsed light until the skin has fully healed. It will be necessary to wait approximately one month.
• Do not remove, scratch, or pick at the skin.
• Ideally, avoid smoking for one week.
Although the retinol peel is generally safe, certain contraindications must be respected.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Allergy to vitamin A derivatives.
• Irritated or damaged skin : it will be necessary to wait for complete skin healing before considering this treatment.
• Presence of warts on the area to be treated due to a possible spread of the virus.
• Use of certain treatments or procedures that sensitize the skin, such as scrubs.
• Use of anticoagulants or immunosuppressants.
• Oral retinoids must be discontinued 6 months before the peeling session, and topical retinoids and exfoliants 1 to 2 weeks beforehand.
Possible reactions following the peel are : erythema, desquamation, sensitivity, tingling, itching, burning sensation, tightness, mild inflammation, sun sensitivity.
Light desquamation may occur 2 to 3 days after the peel, and exfoliation may continue for approximately one week. In general, these reactions gradually disappear within the week following the peel.
Superficial peels may cause perioral dermatitis and flare-ups of acne or herpes. This is why antiherpetic prophylaxis is prescribed in cases of a history of infection with the Herpes simplex virus.
Some patients may develop hyper- or hypo-pigmentation, which generally resolves within a few months.
The results of a retinol peel are visible after only a few days. From the first week, the skin is smoother, more radiant, and skin imperfections are reduced. Over the weeks, the benefits are enhanced, notably thanks to the increase in collagen production stimulated by retinol. Wrinkles and fine lines gradually fade, pigment spots lighten, and skin texture becomes more even. The skin is denser and less lax.
Several sessions are required to achieve optimal results. Results may vary depending on each individual, but the majority of patients notice a significant improvement in the quality of their skin after 2 to 3 sessions.
Peels are performed at intervals of 6 to 8 weeks, provided that the skin is completely healed. If this is not the case, the interval between two sessions is 10-12 weeks or longer if necessary.
The retinol peel is offered at a price of 300 CHF per session. This fee includes the medical procedure, skin preparation, as well as the controlled application of the product by Doctor Romano. It is a specific procedure requiring particular expertise. No additional charge is applied based on phototype or skin sensitivity.
The retinol peel receives very positive feedback from patients. Many appreciate the gentleness of the treatment, which makes it possible to achieve visible results without the drawbacks of an aggressive peel. Patients note an improvement in the quality of their skin, with a more radiant complexion and a refined skin texture. Patients with acne scars or mild wrinkles also notice an improvement in these imperfections.
Patients also like the fact that this peel does not cause social downtime. Although redness and mild desquamation may appear, these side effects are generally manageable and disappear within a few days.
Yes, the retinol peel is recognized for its effectiveness. It stimulates cell renewal, refines skin texture, reduces imperfections, and improves complexion radiance. It is also appreciated for softening the signs of aging and evening out the skin.
Retinol is not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or when the skin is irritated or damaged. It should also be avoided during periods of intense sun exposure, as it increases skin sensitivity to UV rays.
Yes, the retinol peel is effective in reducing pigment spots, whether they are related to sun exposure, aging, or hormonal disorders. It helps achieve a more even and radiant skin.
The retinol peel helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and accelerating skin cell renewal. It therefore improves skin firmness and quality.
An effective peel results in smoother skin, a brighter complexion, and visibly reduced imperfections after a few days of peeling. Optimal results are usually seen after several sessions, depending on the treatment plan.
Yes, the retinol peel can be suitable for all skin types, but it is essential to adapt the concentration and frequency according to skin sensitivity. A prior evaluation by a physician must be carried out.
The recovery period generally lasts between 5 and 7 days. During this phase, the skin may show redness, desquamation, and a slight sensation of tightness.
It is strongly discouraged to be exposed to the sun after a retinol peel, as the skin is temporarily more sensitive to UV rays. It is essential to apply SPF 50 sun protection and to favor shaded areas throughout the entire healing phase.
