For certain people, chemical peels for acne scars prove to be highly beneficial. Although there are other options for making scars fade or disappear, this particular solution has actually been highly successful for a very long time. For this reason, chemical peels remain one of the top choices and with more advanced processes and chemicals used, it is quickly becoming one of the favorite options of doctors and people who live with acne.
Chemical Peel Process
When chemical peels for acne scars are used, the top layer of skin that has been affected would be removed. As a result, undamaged skin beneath is exposed so after healing, any problems with acne scarring would be greatly improved. Another advantage that goes along with chemical peels specific to scarring is that once new skin has healed, it is fresh, youthful, and rejuvenated.
Because chemical peels for acne scars involve chemicals but also change to the skin, anyone thinking about this solution should first seek advised from a highly respected and licensed cosmetic surgeon. During the consultation, this professional would be able to tell a person whether he or she is a good candidate for this procedure or if another type of acne scar removal would be better. Factors considered in making this decision include level of oil in a person’s skin, color of skin, type of acne, and severity of scarring.
Types of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels for acne scars come in several different options based on the type and severity of scarring. In this section, we provided helpful information so people can see what processes are used for different situations.
o Alphahydroxy and Betahydroxy Acids – The two mildest types of chemical peels for acne scars are these. Because chemicals used are not very intense, they work best on people with mild scarring. The benefits include little to no healing time although some irritation and redness would be expected for a few days. For the best results in diminishing acne scars, chemical peels of this type would need to be performed every four to six weeks until the desired results had been achieved.
o Salicylic Acid – Another one of the top choices of chemical peels for acne scars is with this type of acid. Again, this chemical is relatively mild, working best for mild cases of acne, short recovery period, and only slight side effects.
o Phenol and Trichloroacetic Acid – For larger or more stubborn acne scars, these chemicals are often used. Unlike lighter processes, more intense chemical peels for acne scars actually penetrate the skin’s deeper layers. While the results are usually exceptional, due to more layers of skin being affected a person would expect to spend more time healing. In addition, the stronger the chemicals used the greater risk of side effects. During a medical consultation, a doctor would be able to determine if someone with severe acne scarring was a candidate for chemical peels of this type.
Chemical Peel Alternative
Along with the chemical peels for acne scars mentioned above, there are other chemicals used, each based on the type and severity of scarring, as well as the individual’s skin type and tone. However, there is an alternative to the more traditional chemical peel with a process called a TCA peel. Along with being a great option when it comes to removing acne scars, it is also beneficial in removing sun spots, large pores, and light tattoos.
When the outer layer of a person’s skin is covered with dead or damaged skin cells, bacteria develops, which in turn causes an infection to clog pores. With a TCA peel, this layer of skin is removed, infection from bacteria stopped, and skin heals in such a way that the individual’s scars are significantly reduced and overall skin looks and feels healthier.
However, a TCA peel offers a number of other benefits such as increasing circulation and blood flow to tissue whereby skin cell production is stimulated. Additionally, this process also promotes the production of elastic fibers and colleges, making skin much stronger than before. Regarding chemical peels for acne scars, the TCA peel offers some advantages over other types of chemical peels that makes this an outstanding choice.