Hyperkeratosis of the elbows and knees is a serious aesthetic problem, which is associated with significant discomfort for the patient. Traditionally, for exfoliation in these areas of the body, patients use mechanical methods – trying to achieve smooth skin with files and scrapers, pumice and hard scrubs. However, mechanical traumatization of hyperkeratosis zones often triggers the reverse mechanism – hyperkeratosis increases with renewed vigor. In this case, the destruction of cells can cause unwanted inflammatory processes. estet-portal.com notes that chemical peeling can help achieve skin smoothness.
Why acid peeling is effective for hyperkeratosis
Hyperkeratosis is an increased cell division of the stratum corneum against the background of impaired desquamation of the epidermis. In this case, the stratum corneum gradually thickens, creating a layer from several millimeters to several centimeters.
Hyperkeratosis – this is not an independent disease, it can be provoked by:
• chronic diseases associated with impaired metabolism;
• lack of vitamins A and C in the body;
• certain gastrointestinal diseases;
• stress;
• overweight.
Another cause of hyperkeratosis is often external pressure on some areas of the skin – e.g. feet, elbows, knees. At the same time, microcirculation is disturbed in areas of the skin that are under pressure, the stratum corneum is disturbed, dryness of the skin increases, and in response, the cells of the stratum corneum begin to divide intensively.
Traditional attempts at mechanical cleansing of hyperkeratosis areas destroy the cells, this provokes an even more intensive division of keratinocytes, and unaesthetic dry growths on the elbows or knees increase even more.
The advantages of chemical peeling compared to mechanical exfoliation is that the acid dissolves desmosomes and destroys bonds between cells, but does not injure them.
The result of acid peeling is a delicate exfoliation, which is similar to the natural exfoliation of dead cells. It does not injure the skin and does not provoke an increase in hyperkeratosis.
Acid peeling with salicylic acid for hyperkeratosis of the elbows and knees
Chemically, salicylic acid has a peculiar structure: its molecule consists of two groups, each of which has the properties of different acids. This defines the peculiarity of its properties:
• insoluble in water;
• on contact with the skin, denatures its proteins;
• does not require – its action itself stops after the denaturation of a certain amount of proteins.
When it comes into contact with the skin, salicylic acid destroys protein bonds between cells, dissolves the fats of the stratum corneum, and at the same time any microbial proteins. As a result, the top layer of skin cells is immediately exfoliated, the skin is evened and disinfected.
Salicylic peeling for hyperkeratosis of the elbows and knees should be applied in 3-4 layers, without washing it off from the exfoliation plots.
The skin readily accepts the destruction of desmosomes by acid and the imitation of the natural exfoliation of corneocytes. To achieve good results, a course of salicylic peeling (25%) of 6-12 procedures is recommended, depending on the thickness of the overgrown stratum corneum. Procedures are carried out every 10-14 days. At the end of the peeling, a soothing cream or moisturizing balm with regenerating properties is applied to the exfoliated area.
Using pyruvic acid for chemical peeling in hyperkeratosis
Pyruvic acid has a slightly different mechanism of action in hyperkeratosis than salicylic acid. It is related to the skin, it is able to dissolve both in water and in fats. Pyruvic acid – a strong keratolytic capable of penetrating through the stratum corneum regardless of its thickness.
Pyruvic acid peeling restores the natural moisture level of the skin, helps to normalize metabolic processes in the skin.
In case of hyperkeratosis, chemical peeling with pyruvic acid (40%) is carried out in a course of 4-8 procedures with an interval of two weeks. Post-peel home care should consist of constant application of a regenerating cream or moisturizing balm.
A more pronounced effect in hyperkeratosis can be obtained by combining pyruvic and retinoic acids in one procedure. If relapses of hyperkeratosis occur, then a course of 3-5 retinoic peeling procedures is recommended, which are carried out at intervals of a month.
Share:
Add a comment