Acne peels

Chemical peels are among the oldest methods in aesthetic medicine. Cleopatra already refined her skin with goat's milk baths – in other words a classic full-body peel with lactic acid.

Acne is a condition of the sebaceous glands of our skin. It arises through overproduction of sebum, which leads to a pronounced hardening of our skin pores blockage of the sebaceous glands. The accumulated sebum forms a breeding ground for bacteria and thus leads to inflammation in the area of skin affected.

Different peels can combat acne in two ways. On the one hand they remove dead and damaged skin cells. The hardened areas normalise. The antibacterial properties of the peeling acids help to improve the acne and reduce sebum production. On the other hand they can penetrate deep into the sebaceous glands, where they lastingly inhibit sebum production and thus combat acne at the root.

A wide variety of basic building blocks of the peel can be used against acne. The range extends from harmless, light exfoliation courses through to deep procedures in the operating theatre with a high potential for change. Peels are classified according to the depth of penetration and the substance used. Superficial peels remove cells of the horny layer and the outer skin (epidermis), medium-depth peels already reach superficial parts of the inner skin (dermis) and deep peels reach far into the inner skin. The strength of the effect and the regeneration time depend directly on the depth of penetration.

The following basic building blocks help against acne:

Salicylic acid is obtained from essential plant oils and has exfoliating, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. For this reason this substance works very well with acne, large-pored skin and thickened outer skin.

One of the most frequently used fruit acids is glycolic acid. It leads to exfoliation and cell renewal. It has also been demonstrated that glycolic acid reduces atypical cells, that is to say that it can have a preventive effect against skin cancer. Glycolic acid peels are successfully used for acne as well as for refining and refreshing the skin. Further fruit acids with positive properties are lactic acid, mandelic acid, citric acid and tartaric acid.

Retinoids (vitamin A and vitamin A acid) are substances that can treat acne. On the one hand retinoids are frequently used to pre-treat the skin before peels, but they are also a component of some peels. They reduce dark spots, reduce sebum production, refine the pores and thin the horny layer, and thus lead to fine, supple skin with an even complexion.

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is one of the most frequently used substances. Depending on the concentration, all depths of the peel can be achieved. TCA reacts with proteins and thereby leads to a controlled renewal of cells. It is used precisely for acne, acne scars and excessive hardening of the skin. 

As the name reveals, the Lunchtime Peel is a short, very superficial peel. Superficial flakes of skin are removed with an acid of low concentration and the circulation is stimulated. The Lunchtime Peel is designed to refresh the skin for 1-2 weeks and is therefore also often carried out in preparation for special events. The peel takes only 15 minutes: the skin is cleansed and then the peeling substance of low concentration is applied. Patients sometimes feel a slight tingling for a short time. Since the skin is very receptive during this time, this state can be used to introduce active ingredients against acne. The very discreet redness is visible for only a few hours, can be covered over well with make-up, so that one is socially presentable again immediately. 

This peel is designed specially for a weekend at home without social obligations. A superficial peel brings a refreshing effect that is somewhat stronger and more lasting than with the Lunchtime Peel. The Weekend Peel is carried out on Thursday afternoon, Friday is usually without major restriction and light exfoliation follows over the weekend. The Weekend Peel removes flakes of skin, refreshes the complexion and provides a fresh radiance. In combination with creams and serums containing active ingredients the effect can be optimally reinforced.

The Acne Medical Peel was developed specially for acne patients. It is a very efficient peel with a combination of salicylic acid and vitamin A derivatives. The peel takes approx. 20 min and can also be carried out without preparation. Although it is superficial, it has a very lasting effect. After cleansing and preparing the skin, a liquid containing salicylic acid is applied. This penetrates into the superficial layers of skin and into the sebaceous glands, which it inhibits lastingly and thus deprives the acne of its substance. This process burns for a short time but is quickly over. A paste containing active ingredients is applied over it, which, depending on the findings, remains on the skin for 4-8 hours and is washed off at home. On the following days there is pure care with healing creams. All in all, flaking and redness are to be reckoned with for approx. 5-7 days. The acne peel is carried out 2-3x a year.