This article is a translation of the original French article “Peelings pour peaux matures: tout savoir pour choisir le soin adapté” and is intended for the French market. Treatments, availability and prices may differ at our London clinic.
In this article, we help you better understand the benefits of peels suited to mature skin, identify the essential precautions to take with age and, above all, discover why professional guidance is often the key to safe and effective results.
Understanding how peels work
Peels come in several types, each with specific effects depending on the depth at which they act on the skin. Here is an overview of the three main types of peel used for mature skin:
- The gentle (superficial) peel: This type of peel targets the upper layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, and is generally performed with fruit acids such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid. It is perfect for mature skin looking to revive the radiance of the complexion, reduce minor imperfections and improve skin texture. It requires no recovery period and can be carried out regularly.
- The medium (medium-depth) peel: This peel works on the deeper layers of the epidermis, reaching the papillary dermis. Using stronger acids such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA), it is ideal for treating more pronounced concerns such as deeper wrinkles, pigmentation spots or irregular skin texture. Although more effective, it causes slight peeling and a recovery time of a few days.
- The deep peel: Used to treat more advanced signs of ageing, this peel acts on the deep layers of the dermis. Generally phenol-based, it is used to correct deep wrinkles, acne scars and persistent spots. Although effective, it requires a fairly long recovery time and very strict post-treatment care.
Precautions to take with peels
As we age, the skin becomes thinner, less elastic and more fragile. This can make certain aesthetic procedures riskier, including peels. Here are the precautions to take to avoid side effects:
- Avoid aggressive peels: Deep peels, although effective, can be too aggressive for mature skin, which is more sensitive. They risk damaging fragile skin and causing excessive redness. Opt for gentle and medium peels, suited to more sensitive skin.
- Hydration is essential: After a peel, it is crucial to keep your skin well hydrated to help it regenerate and to prevent dehydration, which can accentuate wrinkles and fine lines. Use creams rich in hyaluronic acid and vitamins to restore hydration and maintain the skin's suppleness.
- Protect yourself from the sun: After a peel, the skin is more vulnerable to UV rays. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential to prevent pigmentation spots or further damage. Apply high-SPF sun protection every day, even in winter.
Calling on an expert to identify your needs
Although peels can offer many benefits, it is crucial to tailor them to the specific characteristics of your skin. Consulting an aesthetic medicine or dermatology professional will allow you to choose the treatment best suited to your skin type, its needs and your goals.
An expert will be able to assess your skin and recommend a bespoke treatment protocol. Whether you want a gentle peel to revive your complexion or an anti-ageing peel to treat the signs of ageing, only a professional can tailor the treatment to your specific needs and guide you in the right direction to achieve the best results.
Conclusion
A peel is an effective solution for revitalising mature skin and combating the visible signs of ageing. However, to achieve optimal results, it is essential to choose the right type of peel for your skin and to follow the necessary precautions to preserve the health of your epidermis. Remember that calling on a professional is the key to personalising your treatment and ensuring visible, lasting results!
