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Ultrasonic peeling: mechanism of action, methodology, indications and contraindications
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Ultrasonic peeling - non-abrasive superficial exfoliation of the epidermis (removal of dead cells, blackheads, sebum, makeup residue, etc.)
Mechanism of action of ultrasonic peeling
Due to the mechanical action of the ultrasonic wave, we obtain the effect of loosening and peeling the keratinized cells of the epidermis, breaking weak intermolecular bonds. At the stage of ultrasonic peeling, the effect of reflection of the ultrasonic wave from the skin surface (the reflected ultrasonic wave knocks out dirt and the surface layers of the stratum corneum of the epidermis from the skin surface) and the effect of cavitation (formation of airless bubbles in the contact medium - water, tonic) are used. Cavitation bubbles actively penetrate the surface layer of the epidermis, further loosening and moisturizing it, promoting depolarization and catalysis of the skin surface. The general effects of the ultrasonic wave used in ultrasonic peeling (anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, defibrosing, reparative-regenerative, hydrating) are weakly expressed, since the ultrasonic wave does not penetrate into the thickness of the tissue, but is reflected from the surface.
When using a combined method of ultrasonic peeling and incrustation, the effectiveness of the procedure increases, as the effect of saponification of skin secretions on the surface of the skin and in the pores is added.
Ultrasonic peeling technique
To perform the ultrasonic peeling procedure, a paddle-shaped emitter is used. The "ultrasonic skin cleansing" program is selected on the device. When using the combined procedure, a (+) electrode-bracelet is applied to the forearm (at the point of contact, having previously thoroughly moistened the gauze underneath). On the emitter-paddle, a (-) charge is automatically set when the bracelet is applied, and it is possible to use a desincrustant lotion (if the ultrasonic peeling program is used independently, then applying the electrode-bracelet is not required). The emitter-paddle is installed on the skin surface at an angle of 45°, with the convex part upward. The procedure is carried out using a labile technique.
The entire surface of the face, neck, décolleté and collar area is treated with an emphasis on problem areas (T-zone, collar area, etc.). The emitter moves slowly, softly, smoothly, without pressing, over the skin surface, as is convenient for the operator, without observing cosmetic lines. It is not recommended to hold the emitter in one place, as it can overheat the skin surface. If the patient feels "hot", then it is necessary to control the following parameters:
- power of the procedure,
- speed of the procedure,
- amount of contact medium.
The power of ultrasound radiation is set by the manufacturer of the devices in conventional units depending on the program and is determined during the procedure based on the client's sensations (the sensations should be comfortable, there should be no heat). If the design of the device provides the ability to set the power units independently, then the peeling intensity is determined depending on the skin type and its contamination. It is necessary to start with the average intensity of the indicators (0.5-0.7 W/cm2 ) and monitor the skin reaction. If hyperemia appears during the procedure, then the intensity must be reduced. In the absence of a negative skin reaction, with rough oily skin, the intensity is increased to 1-1.2 W/ cm2.
To perform the procedure, a sufficient amount of contact medium is required (toner according to skin type, distilled water, disincrustant lotion). The product is applied to the skin surface using a brush or cotton swabs so that the spatula easily glides over the skin surface and a pronounced spray of the product is observed in the form of a steam cloud above the spatula. To prevent the product from getting into the patient's eyes when spraying, they must be protected with cotton pads.
The duration of the procedure is individual, on average 10-15 minutes. If hyperemia appears in the affected area, the procedure is stopped. Peeling can be carried out in a course of procedures - every day, every other day or with maintenance procedures once every 10-14 days.
The ultrasonic peeling stage can be integrated into any cosmetic procedure; it is performed after makeup removal, cleansing with milk and combined with toning. Vaporization can be performed before ultrasonic peeling. After the procedure, the emitter-spatula is treated with an antiseptic.
Direction of the method:
- skin cleansing;
- preparing the skin for the introduction of cosmetic products into the deep layers of the skin.
Indications for ultrasonic peeling:
- oily, porous skin with wide openings of sebaceous ducts
- combination skin with comedones;
- dry, thin skin;
- "tired", gray, dull skin;
- fine-wrinkle type of aging;
- deformation type of aging;
- photoaging.
Alternative methods:
- brossage;
- superficial microdermabrasion;
- vacuum peeling.