Chemical Peel

Physician-supervised chemical peeling applies an acid solution to controlled skin layers, inducing a healing response that produces fresher, smoother skin with improved tone, texture and collagen content. At Artmedica Clinic Prague the peel type — from superficial glycolic or mandelic for brightening to medium-depth peels for acne scarring and melasma — is selected by MUDr. Alena Stumpfová or MUDr. Adamcová based on Fitzpatrick skin type and the condition being treated. Downtime is three to seven days depending on depth.

Chemical peeling works by applying an acid or combination of acids to the skin surface, disrupting the bonds between corneocytes in the outer layers and triggering a controlled exfoliation and subsequent healing response. The depth of action — superficial (epidermis only), medium (into papillary dermis) or deep (reticular dermis) — is determined by the acid type, its concentration, the solution's pH and contact time. At Artmedica the selection is made after a thorough skin assessment and discussion of the patient's downtime tolerance and treatment goals. Superficial peels using glycolic acid (alpha-hydroxy acid), mandelic acid or low-concentration salicylic acid target the stratum corneum and granular layer. They cause mild tingling during application and two to four days of mild flaking — often imperceptible to others. They are used for general skin brightening, mild acne, mild pigmentation and maintenance exfoliation as part of an ongoing skin programme. Three to six sessions monthly produce cumulative improvement in skin texture, luminosity and pore appearance. Medium-depth peels — using higher concentrations of trichloroacetic acid (TCA), pyruvic acid or enhanced glycolic acid combinations — reach the papillary dermis. During application the physician observes a 'frosting' reaction (blanching of the skin surface) that indicates adequate depth. Recovery involves five to ten days of more pronounced peeling; social downtime must be planned. Medium peels stimulate meaningful collagen remodelling and are the peel of choice at Artmedica for established acne scarring, moderate melasma and pronounced photoaging. At Artmedica the chemical peel service is performed by MUDr. Alena Stumpfová, the clinic's board-certified dermatovenerologist with extensive specialist training in skin diseases and their treatment. Her dermatological background is particularly valuable in selecting peels for reactive, compromised or post-acne skin where the margin between effective and irritating treatment is narrowest. Peels are frequently combined in an alternating schedule with LED phototherapy for acne — the peel decongests the follicle while the LED reduces inflammation and bacterial load between peel sessions. Post-peel aftercare is critical: the doctor provides a written protocol specifying gentle cleanser, barrier repair moisturiser, strict SPF 50+ use for two weeks and avoidance of all active exfoliants until complete healing.