Chemical peels remain a fundamental and highly effective modality in the aesthetic practitioner’s toolkit for addressing a wide range of skin concerns, from texture irregularities and dullness to pigmentation issues and fine lines. A successful peel treatment hinges on selecting the appropriate formulation for the patient’s skin type and concern, executing proper technique, and supporting the skin through the process.

The Filorga® chemical peel system, known for its comprehensive approach, offers tailored solutions designed to optimize results and patient experience. This guide explores the key components of this system – including the Filorga Light Peel (Sensitive Skin), Filorga Bright Peel (Normal Skin), Filorga Pre Peel, and Filorga Post Peel – to aid practitioners in leveraging this range for effective skin rejuvenation.

Understanding the Filorga® Peel System Philosophy

The Filorga (now FILLMED) approach to chemical peeling often involves multi-acid formulations and a focus on optimizing the skin’s condition before and after the peel itself. The system is designed to allow practitioners to select a peel strength and composition suited to the patient’s skin type while using preparatory and post-peel products to enhance efficacy, improve tolerance, and support healing.

Exploring the Filorga® Peel Products: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Filorga system comprises products designed to work synergistically for a comprehensive peel protocol:

1. FILORGA® PRE PEEL

This preparatory solution is designed to be used just before applying the peel itself. Its primary purpose is to cleanse the skin thoroughly and balance its pH. By removing surface oils and debris, the PRE PEEL helps ensure more uniform penetration of the subsequent peel solution, potentially leading to more even exfoliation and reducing the risk of patchy results or unintended deeper penetration in certain areas. It prepares the skin’s surface for optimal peel application.

2. The Treatment Peel: Light Peel or Bright Peel

The core of the treatment involves selecting the appropriate peel based on patient skin type and aesthetic goals:

• FILORGA® LIGHT PEEL (Sensitive Skin):
  • Intended Use: Formulated specifically for sensitive skin types or those presenting with mild texture irregularities, dullness, or early signs of photoaging.
  • Composition: Typically utilizes a lower concentration of exfoliating acids, often including Mandelic Acid, which is known for its larger molecular size and slower skin penetration, making it generally less irritating. May also include Glycolic Acid and Gluconolactone.
  • Expected Results: Aims for gentle exfoliation, improving skin texture and radiance, reducing superficial fine lines, and providing a healthy glow with minimal downtime. Considered a superficial peel.
• FILORGA® BRIGHT PEEL (Normal Skin):
  • Intended Use: Designed for normal skin types addressing concerns like pigmentation irregularities (e.g., sun spots, mild melasma), lack of radiance, and more pronounced texture issues.
  • Composition: Often contains a higher concentration of exfoliating acids, frequently including Glycolic Acid and Phytic Acid, along with Citric Acid. This combination targets pigment and provides more significant exfoliation than the Light Peel.
  • Expected Results: Aims for brightening the complexion, improving skin tone evenness, reducing hyperpigmentation, and providing noticeable exfoliation with potentially slightly more downtime than the Light Peel. Considered a superficial peel.

Both Light Peel and Bright Peel are designed as superficial peels, acting primarily on the stratum corneum and epidermis. The choice between them depends on careful patient assessment.

3. FILORGA® POST PEEL

This solution is used immediately after the peel to neutralize the acids and stop the peeling process. It typically contains a neutralizing agent (e.g., sodium bicarbonate solution) to bring the skin’s pH back to its normal level. The POST PEEL helps soothe the skin and prevent further action of the exfoliating acids, managing discomfort and supporting the initial stages of healing. Its use is essential for controlling peel depth and ensuring patient safety.

Clinical Applications & Patient Selection

Selecting the correct Filorga peel formulation requires a thorough patient assessment:

• Skin Type & Sensitivity: The most direct determinant – use LIGHT PEEL for patients with known sensitive skin, reactivity, or conditions like mild rosacea (when not in flare). Use BRIGHT PEEL for patients with normal, non-reactive skin.
• Primary Concern: For general radiance, mild texture, and sensitive skin, the LIGHT PEEL is appropriate. For pigmentation focus and more significant exfoliation on normal skin, the BRIGHT PEEL is indicated.
• Desired Downtime: Both are superficial peels, but the BRIGHT PEEL may involve slightly more visible flaking or redness than the LIGHT PEEL. Discuss this with the patient.
• Peel Series: Chemical peels are typically performed as a series of treatments (e.g., 3-6 sessions spaced weeks apart) for optimal and sustained results. The Filorga system is designed for use in such a protocol.

The Importance of the Full System (Pre/Post Peel)

While the peel solution is central, utilizing the PRE PEEL and POST PEEL is integral to the Filorga system’s approach:

• PRE PEEL Benefit: Ensures clean skin and even pH, promoting uniform peel penetration for predictable results and reduced risk of complications.
• POST PEEL Benefit: Crucially neutralizes the peel to stop its action, preventing excessive penetration and managing patient comfort. It aids in controlling the intended depth of the superficial peel.

Using the full system enhances the safety profile and optimizes the effectiveness of the Light and Bright Peel formulations.

Safety Protocols & Managing Side Effects

While Filorga peels are superficial and generally safe when used correctly, potential side effects and complications exist with any chemical peel procedure:

• Common Expected Effects: Transient redness (erythema), stinging or burning sensation during application, dryness, tightness, and mild flaking or peeling in the days following the treatment. The intensity varies based on the peel used (Bright > Light) and individual skin sensitivity.
• Potential Complications:
  • Hyperpigmentation: Especially a risk in patients with darker skin types (higher Fitzpatrick phototypes) if not properly pre-treated or if sun exposure occurs post-peel. Careful patient selection, pre-treatment preparation (e.g., topical retinoids, hydroquinone where permissible), and strict sun protection are crucial.
  • Infection: Rare with superficial peels, but possible if aseptic technique is compromised during application or if post-peel skin is not cared for properly.
  • Scarring: Extremely rare with superficial peels, but theoretically possible with improper application or patient factors.
  • Allergic Reactions: Rare hypersensitivity to peel components.

Patient Assessment is Key: Conduct a thorough skin assessment (including Fitzpatrick type), history of herpes simplex virus (requires antiviral prophylaxis), history of keloid scarring, and recent use of retinoids, waxing, or other procedures in the area. Ensure no active infection or inflammatory conditions (like active acne or rosacea flare) at the treatment site.

Post-Peel Care: Provide clear, strict instructions for post-peel care, emphasizing gentle cleansing, hydration, and absolute, diligent sun protection (broad-spectrum SPF 30+). Sun exposure is a major risk factor for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Sourcing Authentic Filorga® Peels

Ensuring the authenticity and quality of your Filorga chemical peel products is paramount for predictable results and patient safety. Counterfeit or improperly stored peel solutions may have incorrect acid concentrations, contamination, or altered pH, leading to ineffective treatment, unpredictable penetration, or adverse reactions. Always purchase genuine Filorga products from reputable, licensed suppliers who guarantee authenticity and proper handling.

Conclusion: The Filorga® Peel System for Targeted Skin Rejuvenation

The Filorga® chemical peel system, including the PRE PEEL, LIGHT PEEL, BRIGHT PEEL, and POST PEEL, offers practitioners a versatile and systematic approach to superficial chemical peeling. By providing tailored formulations for sensitive (LIGHT PEEL) and normal (BRIGHT PEEL) skin, alongside essential preparatory and neutralizing solutions, the system supports practitioners in achieving controlled exfoliation, improving skin texture, tone, and radiance. Successful use relies on careful patient selection, strict adherence to protocol and aseptic technique, comprehensive post-peel care instructions, and sourcing authentic product. Leveraging this system allows practitioners to address diverse patient skin quality concerns effectively and safely.

Doris Dickson

About the Author: Doris Dickson is a specialist writer for Health Supplies Plus, focusing on the aesthetic medicine industry. She diligently researches cosmetic treatments and products to provide clear, concise information relevant to licensed medical professionals. Her work supports Health Supplies Plus’s commitment to being a reliable informational resource and trusted supplier for the aesthetic community.

 

Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only and is directed towards licensed medical professionals. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it constitute an endorsement of any specific product or technique. Practitioners must rely on their own professional judgment, clinical experience, and knowledge of patient needs, and should always consult the full product prescribing information and relevant clinical guidelines before use. Health Supplies Plus does not provide medical advice.