Do the acne on your face and body leave pesky scars?
Are you tired of trying one home remedy to another but you see no difference?
Then it’s time you time chemical peel for acne scars.
Wondering what is a chemical peel for acne scars?
This blog will help you understand what is chemical peel, what are its types, and what is the best chemical peel for acne scars.
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel, also known as chemexfoliation or dermal filling is a non-invasive and non-surgical process that involves applying a chemical solution on the hand, face, or neck. This chemical solution causes injury which results in peeling. This removes the damaged skin cells, thus revealing a healthy-looking, soft and glowy skin.
Wondering what skin imperfections chemical peel works on?
Well, a chemical peel can be used to reduce or improve fine lines, sun spots, scaly patches, melasma, and so on. One of the extensive ways this treatment is used is a chemical peel for acne scars.
What are the benefits of a chemical peel?
Some of the benefits of chemical peel are:
Healing sun spots, hyperpigmentation
Control Melasma
Reduce the appearance of fine lines, and wrinkles near the eye, mouth, and forehead
Fade Acne scar
Reduce the possibility of acne breakouts
Increase the effect of skin care products
How is a chemical peel for acne scars done?
Generally, this procedure is done in-office, except in the case of deep cleaning which may involve outpatient procedures. A board-certified dermatologist will numb the area with a topical anesthetic. If you are going for deep peels, they make even administer regional anesthesia. The procedures after that vary on the type of peel you are going for:
For a light chemical peel:
The doctor might use a cotton ball or sponge to apply a chemical solution which could either be glycolic acid or salicylic acid. They will then apply a neutralizing solution to ease the tingling sensation. The treated area may take 1-7 days to heal.
For a medium chemical peel:
The doctor will use cotton-tipped applicators to apply a layer of trichloroacetic acid in combination with the glycolic acid. Later they will apply a cold compress to soothe the treated area, but it won’t need a neutralizing solution. You might feel a burning sensation that will last up to 20-30 minutes. The treated area may take 7-14 days to heal.
For a deep chemical peel:
This will require you to get an intravenous and your blood pressure will be constantly monitored. Your doctor will apply a layer of phenol (carbolic acid) on the region to be treated. The doctor will apply the layer with a gap of a few minutes between every application to minimize exposure to phenol. The treated area may take up to 2 weeks to heal completely.
What are the different types of chemical peels for acne scars?
If you have been struggling with acne scars, these are some of the best chemical peel for acne scars:
Beta Peel:
A beta-hydroxy peel also called salicylic acid targets the problem which causes acne. The salicylic acid exfoliates the skin, controls oil, and prevents the accumulation of dirt and impurities. It renews the skin and speeds up the metabolism of the cells underneath. It has no downtime associated with it.
Retinol Peel:
It is one of the best chemical peels for acne scars as the vitamin A present in the Retinol not only unclog the pores but also prevents acne breakouts. Since it contains smaller molecules, it easily penetrates the skin, encouraging the skin cells to grow and renew. It is also considered one of the best chemical peels for rejuvenating, hydrating, and refreshing the complexion.
Jessners Peel:
It involves brushing an acidic liquid onto the skin to remove the top layer of the skin and promote the growth of healthy skin cells which gives a new, younger-looking skin. Aside the reducing dark spots, melasma, wrinkles, and fine lines, it is considered one of the best chemical peels for acne scars.
Vitamin C Peel:
Aside from acting as a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and prevents the signs of aging, Vitamin C also helps unclog the pores and offers an anti-bacterial solution to prevent the acne from coming back again. It is one of the best chemical peels for acne scars that also fades blemishes and evens the skin tone.
What are some after-care tips for chemical peel for acne scars?
Whether you are specifically getting chemical peel for acne scars, or any other skin-related issue you want to improve, make sure to follow the doctor’s instructions for post-treatment care. Some of the things you should keep in mind are:
Do not expose yourself to the sun for too long. If that can’t be avoided, make sure you apply sunscreen with SPF 30 and above.
Do not pick, rub or itch the treated area as this may cause injury or result in infection.
Keep your skin moisturized.
Use a gentle cleanser on the treated area. Avoid any acid-based skin care products for up to 2 weeks after the treatment.
Avoid any strenuous exercise for the next 2 weeks after the treatment as it may cause the skin to become inflamed.
What are the side effects of chemical peel for acne scars?
Some of the side effects you might experience after getting chemical peel treatment are:
Tingling
Redness
Swelling
Dry skin
But it is important to note that these side effects fade away with time and as the skin heals.
Chemical peels can give favorable results to those struggling with acne and acne scars by unclogging the pores, preventing impurity build-up and it can also prevent acne from coming back.