a great anti-aging treatment to smooth wrinkles and lift the skin

We all know the importance of scrubs in the beauty routine: they help rid the skin of dead cells, boost cell regeneration and provide radiance. But these topical treatments have only a limited effect on the quality of the skin, even when they are carried out assiduously once or twice a week. This is where the aesthetic peeling comes into play, to truly transform the skin.

“The peeling is a composition of acid-based products that are applied to the face and which will exfoliate the superficial layers of the skin renew it effectively” explains Alexandra Benhaiem of the High Performance Care Center in Paris, a reference center in aesthetic medicine and anti-aging. Far from contenting itself with exfoliating the skin, this technique of aesthetic medicine will, of course, “improve the radiance of the complexion”but she also goes “stimulate the production of collagen to fight against skin aging”. Tempting promises that can be taken advantage of before 30 and after 50.

But if we hear a lot about this revolutionary technique to display a dream epidermis, we are not always aware that there are different types of aesthetic peels. Alexandra Benhaiem tells us that we can distinguish 3 types of aesthetic peels : superficial or gentle peeling, medium peeling and deep peeling also called chemical peeling. They do not all have the same effects on the skin and are not all useful at the same age. Explanations.

Which peel should I choose for my skin?

As you may have understood, the various aesthetic peels differ from each other by the more or less intense exfoliation they provide. They therefore act more or less deeply in the skin. We teach you how to choose yours according to your skin problems.

• Radiance, blackheads, dilated pores, acne scars: opt for a superficial peel

This gentle technique is a peeling that “exfoliates only the superficial layers of the epidermis”. This type of peeling is recommended for “give complexion radiance, stimulate the skin, improve blackheads and dilated pores” but it will also unify the complexion. It is generally carried out with glycolic acid, a recognized exfoliant which is quite well tolerated by the skin and will “act as a scrub” by blurring the slight imperfections present on the skin.

• Fine lines, pigment spots, sagging: do a medium peel

This type of peeling, which is an ideal intermediate between the superficial peeling and the deep peeling, acts more deeply than the soft peeling in the skin thanks to the trichloroacetic acid (TCA) which is used to carry it out. The latter thus effectively targets the aging of the skin. Its action“contributes to facial rejuvenation” and immediately improves the appearance of fine lines. It reduces their depth, just as it reduces the color of superficial spots thanks to its unifying action on the complexion. It can also help with acne and enlarged pores.

• Deep wrinkles, sagging skin: deep peeling for a global anti-aging effect

Made with an acid called phenol, the deep peeling acts down to the deepest dermis to completely renew and strengthen it, unlike other types of peelings. Thanks to this, he will “reduce considerably, and in the long term, deep wrinkles as well as the aging of the skin of the face” explains Alexandra Benhaiem. This is the anti-aging peel par excellence because it drastically rejuvenates the face, but the consequences are greater, warns the expert straight away.

How often do you do an aesthetic peel?

If the peeling is an act that can be performed only once in isolation, it is often repeated at least once or twice a year. If you can no longer do without its effects on your skin, know that depending on the peel chosen, you can do it again fortnightly to 1 month maximum. It takes about 28 days for the skin to regenerate and it is not possible to exfoliate it so intensely more regularly.

For the price, count between 180€ and 300€ per session.

Pro tips for maintaining results at home

The results of a peeling are not observed only at the exit of the practice. The skin must be given time to regenerate after being exfoliated. For this, you will need to take some precautions and reflexes. The first thing to know is that the skin is particularly sensitive after a peel. It is therefore essential “to avoid the sun as much as possible for at least 2 to 3 weeks and all sources of heat such as the sauna or hammam” as explained by the communication manager of the CSHP Paris. In addition to this, it is appropriate to apply a sunscreen SPF 50 minimum every morning to protect your fragile skin from ultraviolet rays.

To be sure of obtaining the best results and allowing your skin to properly regenerate during the month following your peel, don’t forget to strengthen the protective barrier of your skin “by keeping it hydrated and drinking enough water”. It is also recommended to adopt a healthy lifestyle and to NO SMOKING “tobacco is very harmful to the skin”.

When should peeling not be done?

In some cases, however, it is not possible to take advantage of the exfoliating and regenerating properties of aesthetic peels. An acute local infection such as herpes, eczema or a wound or skin lesions are obviously contraindications but other factors may come into play. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are not always compatible with peels, as well as certain medicated acne treatments. Ask your doctor before booking an appointment for a peel.

Certain photosensitizer treatments or skin recently exposed to the sun can also temporarily prevent you from using peels. Finally, you should also know that sensitive skin does not always tolerate peels well, just like very dull or dark skin. Never have this type of procedure carried out without having made a medical consultation with an expert doctor who will be able to advise you.

Passionate about writing and beauty, Elodie swaps her lipstick for her laptop to find you the best makeup, hair and skincare trends, and pro tips…