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Cecilia Ardaist Aesthetic medicine · Olbia
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Chemical peel

Controlled renewal of the skin: pigmentation marks, acne scarring, uneven texture. I schedule it for the months of least sun exposure.

Session

Twenty to thirty minutes

Number of sessions

Superficial: four to six. Medium: one or two

Season

Medium-depth peels from October to March

01

What it is

I apply an acid solution at a controlled concentration: it selectively removes the superficial layers and stimulates cell renewal and collagen production.

Three levels of depth:

  • Superficial — the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. Glycolic, mandelic, salicylic, pyruvic acid at low concentrations. Minimal recovery.
  • Medium — the papillary dermis, the upper part of the layer beneath the skin’s surface, generally treated with trichloroacetic acid. More effective on pigmentation marks and acne scarring.
  • Deep — I do not perform it: limited indications, long recovery.

A medium-depth peel is a medical procedure: the depth depends on the concentration and the contact time. Knowing when to stop is the part that makes the difference.

02

Who it is for

  • Pigmentation marks: melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun damage
  • Mild to moderate active acne or superficial acne scarring
  • Enlarged pores, uneven texture, dull and thickened skin
  • Fine surface lines
  • Preparing the skin before other treatments
03

What happens during treatment

Preparation often starts at home, using the products I recommend for two to four weeks to reduce the risk of darker patches (hyperpigmentation). In darker skin types this stage is mandatory.

In the practice I cleanse and degrease the skin, protect the sensitive areas, apply the solution in layers and watch the reaction minute by minute. I neutralise the solution if required, then apply soothing creams and sunscreen.

The superficial peel works in courses: four to six sessions every two to three weeks, the result is cumulative. The medium-depth peel: one or two sessions, with maintenance once or twice a year.

Dr Ardaist showing a chemical peel product
Image shown for illustration; it is not evidence of a treatment outcome.
04

How long the effect lasts

On texture and radiance, the result of a course lasts months with periodic maintenance.

On pigmentation marks I tell you beforehand: they tend to come back, above all melasma, a chronic, recurring condition. The peel lightens them; what keeps them light is daily sun protection and treatment at home. Without those, they return.

05

Comfort and recovery

The solution causes warmth and burning, which are stronger with medium-depth peels. We use cold air to ease this. Afterwards, your skin may be red and feel tight for a few hours.

With a superficial peel the flaking is minimal or absent: you go back to normal life the same day. With a medium-depth peel the skin darkens over two to three days and then peels, from the second to the fifth or seventh day.

Aftercare:

  • SPF 50+ sunscreen every day, reapplied, even on cloudy days, even indoors
  • Do not pick the flaking skin, do not scratch: that is how scars form
  • Gentle cleansers and soothing creams; acids and retinoids only when I tell you
  • No sauna, swimming pool, strenuous exercise for forty-eight hours
  • No make-up for twenty-four hours after a medium-depth peel
07

Cost

I tell you the price for your treatment at the first consultation, before we begin.

About pricing

08

Frequently asked questions

Can I have treatment in summer?

Medium-depth peels, no: October to March. Some superficial peels, yes, with strict sun protection and no direct exposure.

Does it hurt?

Burning during the application, more intense with medium-depth peels. It lasts a few minutes and needs no anaesthetic.

09

Booking an appointment

At the consultation I assess your skin type, the season and your usual sun exposure: we decide together which peel and when.

Tell me what you'd like to improveI reply personally with information about your first consultation.

Tell me what you'd like to improve