Chemical peeling is one of the oldest aesthetic methods and is currently experiencing a revival. Despite the fact that there are always innovations on the laser market with interesting devices, the acquisition costs of which are of course considerable and insofar the amortization of these device costs is pending first, chemical peeling remains an extremely effective method with very low consumption costs for the physician. The results speak for themselves and patients faithfully accompany their treating physician for months to years, depending on the indication.
It is important to provide very detailed and good information so that patients know what can be achieved with which peel and that their own cooperation with the home care products is central to the treatment result. The use of sunscreens with a high sun protection factor is mandatory. During the consultation it is necessary to explain clearly that with a superficial peel it is not possible to treat scars optimally, but that melasma and hyperpigmentation as well as acne and rosacea are the suitable indications. Improving the appearance of the skin is also a suitable indication for a superficial peel. Treatment of wrinkles starts from medium deep peel and is extremely effective with deep phenol peel.
The International Peeling Society (IPS), whose board of directors includes such illustrious names from the peeling scene and from international aesthetic dermatology as Harold Brody, Gary Monheit, Marina Landau and Luitgard Wiest, has made it its mission to educate dermatologists in the “chemical peeling” method and to compile and improve the data on the subject.
A German-language guideline on chemical peeling has been registered by me and will be written in the next few years. Even and especially the methods of aesthetic dermatology must be evidence-based and guidelines are a good start to present the data situation and to define the framework within which one can treat sensibly. The IPS also does sessions at international congresses, such as IMCAS in Paris (end of January 2016), AAD in Washington DC (March 2016), and the 5CC Congress this year in Cannes (September 2015). Interest in the “chemical peeling” method is very high internationally. Should there be more dermatologists in Switzerland, Germany and Austria who do not leave peeling as a method to their cosmeticians and practice assistants, but who want to accompany and treat the patients themselves and further educate themselves in this sector, I would be pleased!
Sincerely
