From professional peeling to home exfoliation, there is a technical-scientific pathway offering complementary and synergistic benefits. Dr. Rossella Sferrazza, a plastic surgeon passionate about aesthetic medicine, introduces us to this world with a precise and clear reflection.
The appearance of the skin is determined by the stratum corneum of the epidermis, the final layer where keratinocytes—cells that are now dead—accumulate before shedding to make room for more vital and younger cells. This cell turnover, which slows down with aging, can be accelerated using acidic chemical substances, giving the epidermis a more luminous and youthful appearance.
In our clinics, daily exfoliating treatments are performed, known as medium or deep peels, using substances such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and trichloroacetic acid depending on the desired outcome.
The chemical properties of the acid, its characteristics, and exposure times are decisive factors in the final result on the skin. In medium peels, a fine desquamation occurs a few days after application, leading to a gradual and controlled cellular renewal, useful for reducing sebum production, improving skin tone, and tightening pores. In deep peels, on the other hand, there is a lamellar detachment of the epidermal layer, resulting in more significant improvements in pigmentation and, potentially, even superficial wrinkles. These treatments are always preceded by a thorough medical evaluation.
In clinical practice, treatments are often combined with home maintenance therapies using acidic substances. It is known that performing acid-based cleansers at home once or twice a week, depending on skin type, helps maintain a fresher and younger appearance, prolonging results achieved in the clinic. In this case, the doctor will recommend the appropriate type of acid and the frequency of home applications.
In addition to maintaining results, the use of acidic substances at home is useful for enhancing and strengthening other treatments performed in the clinic. One example is the use of acid exfoliants before ablative or non-ablative laser treatments: in these cases, the prepared and thinned skin responds better to the laser, enhancing results. Another example is the use of acidic substances prior to the injection of hyaluronic acid and fillers. In this second case, the treatment is reinforced, as it facilitates the “absorption” of nutrients.
Whether used in the clinic or at home in lower concentrations, it is crucial to remember that thinned and inflamed skin after treatment must be protected from solar radiation. Risks in this case include the appearance of paradoxical pigmentations or recurrences of previous imperfections. Therefore, it is recommended by the doctor to always use high-protection sun filters during and after aesthetic medical procedures.
Lastly, it is important to note that these treatments are not limited to the face—they can be performed on the body as well. The aim is always to reduce excess keratin and deeply cleanse the skin, stimulate cell turnover, rejuvenate, and reduce the visibility of pigmentation issues.
Dr. Rossella Sferrazza
Plastic Surgeon