Cosmetics and dermatology distinguish between mechanical peels and chemicals peels. Furthermore peels are differentiated by their differing penetration depth.
Many cosmetic products utilize either mechanic substances (e.g. sand) or chemical-biological ingredients (lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, enzymes) in order to abrade the horny cells of the outmost skin layer. After such a peeling the skin looks refreshed and more radiant. Such a cosmetic peeling is usually part of the facial treatments offered at hautok cosmetics.
During a dermatological treatment mechanic and chemical-biological substances can be applied in a higher and thus more efficient concentration in order to remove or respectively minimize hyperpigmentation, small wrinkles, fines lines or deep acne scars.
Dermabrasion or microdermabrasion is a mechanical peel that might be applied accompanying the therapeutic treatment of acne or in order to improve the micro-topography of the skin.
Superficial, medium-deep weekend-peels or deep peels (Baker-Gordon) are distinguished concerning chemical peels in dermatology. The different peels with a different penetration depth can be combined during one treatment in different areas of the skin. This kind of treatment is called 'designer-peel'.