The different types of skincare procedures

Mechanical Peeling

  1. What is Mechanical Peeling?

Mechanical Peeling is the lightest form of peeling. It acts on the immediate surface and is the most common form of peeling known to most women who exfoliate their skin at home with scrubs. In this procedure, tiny particles polish the skin to remove the epidermal or outer layer of the skin. A coarse material is used to remove the surface level dead skin cells to make the skin smooth. The procedure is recommended on a monthly basis to have consistent results. Microdermabrasion, jet-peel and water microjet plus vacuum are the different types of mechanical peeling.

  1. Benefits:

Peeling or exfoliating as it is commonly known, is removing the dead cells from the skin. With peeling, clogged pores get purified and the skin becomes clean. The skin better absorbs any kind of care products. Mechanical peeling is a popular procedure that helps reduce fine lines and aids in youthful looking skin. It corrects the wrinkles partially and also eliminates acne scars. It also aids rejuvenation by eliminating damaged layers of the skin. It may take over 10 sessions of peeling to notice visible results and will require homecare treatment post procedure. The results would be externally and internally clean skin, better skin tone and visible improvement in the appearance of the skin. This method also helps reduce puffiness under the eye. 

  1. Who should go for it

Mechanical peeling is a very superficial form of peeling. Hence it can be done as a rejuvenation procedure. It can also be helpful in treating very fine lines, very superficial acne scars, pigmentation of skin like melasma, freckles. 

  1. Any precautions/who shouldn’t do it

It is not recommended for patients having an active infection on their face like herpes viral infection, viral warts, any kind of dermatitis on the face. It is also not recommended for patients having active acne, as the procedure can aggravate acne. Some individuals can be allergic to the crystals used in microdermabrasion when it can trigger an asthmatic attack. Individuals having very sensitive skin should also avoid mechanical peeling as there may be prolonged redness and irritation of the skin.

 

Chemical Peeling 

  1. What is Chemical Peeling?

Chemical peeling is a procedure which uses chemicals to remove the top layer of the skin. This technique is used to treat wrinkles and scars, particularly on the face. The intensity of chemical peeling depends on the desired end results. Each type of chemical peeling procedure uses different chemical solutions. The deepest form of chemical peeling takes more recovery time but will have better results.

  1. Benefits:

It helps to improve the texture and appearance of the skin on the face, neck, and arms, and other areas of the body. The skin becomes healthier looking and much smoother. Chemical peeling is done for various purposes and the type of technique will depend on the kind of results required. The three different forms of chemical peeling are; light, medium and deep.

  • Light chemical peeling causes exfoliation of the outer layer of the skin called the epidermis. This type of peeling helps improve sun-damaged skin and treat fine wrinkles, acne, and dry skin.
  • Medium chemical peeling causes exfoliation of the epidermis and the upper part of the middle layer of the skin called dermis. This method helps treat acne scars, uneven skin tone, and wrinkles. However, in comparison to light chemical peeling, this technique does not need to be repeated as often in order to maintain effective results.
  • Deep chemical peeling causes exfoliation of the epidermis and upper and mid part of the dermis. This type of peeling is usually recommended in case of any kind of precancerous growth or scars. Although deep scars cannot be treated with deep chemical peeling. Excessive sun – damaged skin with very deep wrinkles can benefit from deep peeling. However, this type of chemical peeling is not usually recommended in type IV to VI skins. 
  1. Who should go for it?

People with wrinkles, acne scars, uneven skin tone, and pigmentation can opt for chemical peeling. However, the type of chemical peeling will depend on the results expected. Chemical peeling can also be done for areas of the body other than the face more commonly for pigmentary changes.

  1. Any precautions/who shouldn’t do it

No procedure works in the same manner for everyone. In some cases, chemical peeling can cause redness of the skin, occasional scarring or even darkness of skin. In type IV to VI skin chemical peeling should be done cautiously due to increased risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Chemical peeling is done with the use of chemicals, some of which can react with the body and cause irregular heart rhythm.

 

Dermaroller

  1. What is Derma roller?

A derma roller is one the most conveniently available beauty aids. They are disposable rollers that use multiple tiny needles to create multiple minute channels or holes in the skin to naturally stimulate the skin’s ability to produce collagen.

  1. Benefits:

A derma roller is beneficial for anyone with surgical scars, acne scars, stretch marks etc. If used in the right manner it has immediate, visible benefits. Derma roller can help naturally fill in wrinkles, although deep wrinkles cannot be filled in with the use of derma rollers alone. Derma rollers stimulate collagen, which is the main protein found in the skin and is widely used in various cosmetic treatments. It helps in reducing and repairing skin irregularities like hyperpigmentation and sun damage.

  1. Who should go for it?

The most common indication of dermaroller is acne scars. It can be helpful in other forms of scars as well. Dermaroller is also used for skin rejuvenation, skin tightening, and wrinkles. It can be also helpful in reducing stretch marks and alopecia or hair fall.

  1. Any precautions/who shouldn’t do it

Dermarollers should not be done in patients having any active viral or bacterial infection in the treated area. It shouldn’t be used for prolonged periods as it can cause the skin to swell or bleed.

There is an established technique of using derma rollers which should be effectively followed. Derma rollers shouldn’t be shared and must be sanitized at regular intervals. If the derma roller is used on an area of skin that is prone to breakouts, the acne may spread to other areas.

 

Laser Therapy

  1. What is Laser Therapy?

Laser stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.  With laser therapy, doctors use different and specific wavelengths of light to focus on specific areas of the body without damaging the surrounding tissues. Laser therapy can be used for removing tattoos, warts, moles or birthmarks. This technique is also used for removal of hair on the body. For skin treatments, laser therapy is used for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, and scars.

  1. Benefits:

Laser therapy is a non-surgical method of treatment. It is a much more precise technique than traditional surgical methods and causes very less tissue damage. They take much shorter time to complete and also involve lesser recovery time. Laser treatments result in less scarring, swelling, and pain.

  1. Who should go for it?

Laser hair reduction is the best way to get rid of unwanted body hair and also much less painful and messy as compared to the traditional methods of hair removal. Lasers can also be used for skin rejuvenation, skin tightening, and laser peeling. They can give good results in acne scars and pigmentary changes. Removal of warts, corns, tattoos and birthmarks can also be done by various different kinds of lasers. 

  1. Any precautions/who shouldn’t do it

Laser treatment should be done only after thorough consultation with a specialist. Laser therapy has numerous advantages and disadvantages. With reference to skin treatments, laser treatment could result in pain, bleeding, scarring and changes in skin color. Individuals having any photosensitive skin conditions need to avoid lasers. Lasers are not advisable during pregnancy and lactation. Certain medications may also not warrant laser therapy. Individuals going for regular sun tanning may have more side effects of laser therapy.

 

PRP 

  1. What is PRP?

PRP expands to platelet-rich plasma therapy. In this procedure, blood is drawn from a person and centrifuged (separation of different contents of the blood) and the platelet-rich part of the blood is injected into specific areas of the skin. This a very safe and effective treatment with good results.

  1. Benefits:

PRP is performed with the goal of rejuvenating the skin, improving the overall tone and texture of the skin, tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores. It is much beneficial than other forms of fillers because this technique uses a person’s blood to promote your own collagen to grow once the mixture is injected into the skin and aids in naturally enhancing the skin.  The effects of PRP procedure is also long lasting and does not result in any major side effects. 

  1. Who should go for it?

PRP can be used for various indications like facial skin rejuvenation, scar treatment, pigmentation, under eye dark circles, hand rejuvenation, stretch marks and hair loss. It causes an overall rejuvenation of the skin helping in wrinkles and lines and giving volume to the face.

  1. Any precautions/who shouldn’t do it

This procedure doesn’t have any negative side effects as the plasma comes from the body of the patient. Patients with sensitive skin may take some time to heal in case of swelling or temporary bruises from the injections.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Srinivasa M

Specialist Dermatologist

Aster Clinic, Al Muteena (DMPC)

 

 

 

 

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