Benefits of facial peels
A few weeks ago we learned about what a facial peel is. To summarise, the treatment consists in the topical application of a chemical or physical substance that causes the limited, controlled destruction of the epidermis and the top layers of the dermis.
Therefore, the basic, principal function of skin peels is to exfoliate and to reduce the thickness of the skin’s corneal layer, causing an increase in the rate of cell replacement and the desired rejuvenation of tissues.
Advantages of exfoliation
Exfoliation is defined as the removal of the top layers of the skin. To get that deep cleansing effect in your skincare routine, apply products with a light massage. This gentle application activates the blood flow. It also eliminates dead cells and other impurities. The removal of dead cells increases the oxygenation of the skin, whish translates into soft, glowing skin.
Exfoliation can be achieved either by chemical or by physical means:
- Substances that work through chemical action: carboxylic acids, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) and AHA esters.
- Substances that work through physical action: fine powders or synthetic microbeads (polyethylene granules).
Whatever the structural base of the exfoliating emollient, these substances are included in cleansing gels or foams, creating a feeling of wellbeing and softness as we use them.
Results of skin peels
- Stimulation of skin growth due to the removal of the corneal layer.
- Destruction of specific layers of damaged skin (alterations to pigmentation and actinic keratosis).
- Inflammatory reactions when they affect deeper layers.
Positive effects of facial peels
- They favour rejuvenation:
- By reducing, thinning or even removing the skin’s corneal layer, the skin’s regenerative function is intensified with new cells. The creation of the extracellular matrix is increased with a greater concentration of elastin and collagen fibres, which make the skin more flexible.
- They reactivate blood circulation. Abrasion causes an inflammatory response in the skin, provoking vascular activation at the microcellular level; this increases the capacity to absorb nutrients, thereby improving the subsequent topical treatment.
- The loss of cells causes cell replacement to multiply in the dermis and epidermis. This results in renovation with younger cells, which make the skin brighter.
- They provide the skin a deep cleanse:
- Deep cleansing of pores.
- Removal of surface dead cells and flaky skin.
- The epidermis becomes more permeable to any treatment applied subsequently
- They diminish skin imperfections:
- They improve acne and its after-effects, as they involve abrasive cleansing and balance the skin’s oil content.
- They reduce or remove keloids or scars, mild imperfections and blemishes, which are often on the outermost layers of the skin.
- They minimise fine wrinkles and minor expression lines.
- They help reduce or eliminate superficial blemishes.
- They promote the restructuring of collagen and elastic fibres for that “lifting” effect:
- They make the skin tauter and firmer.
- They prepare the skin to receive a deep moisturising treatment:
- They improve the quality of skin composition, which translates into more radiant, healthy skin.
