Chemical peeling is one of the best facial treatments that you can ever get if you have multiple skin imperfections that you want to address. Even though it sounds scary (think of those acids melting your face shown in the horror movies), many experts have recommended chemical peeling to remove scars, such as acne scars.
Acne scarring is one huge problem for so many people since it takes much longer to fade than other scarring forms. However, with chemical peeling, some people see hope in the treatment, seeing it as a treatment that can ultimately get rid of their acne scars.
Can acne scars be treated by chemical peeling? What are the other benefits we can get from it? These questions will be answered in this article.
Chemical Peeling in a Nutshell
Chemical peeling is a cosmetic procedure wherein an acidic solution is applied to your skin to remove the topmost layer. The new skin that will grow in its place is usually smoother and less wrinkled.
There are different types of chemical peel, depending on the depth of the peel. Superficial or light peels only affect the epidermis or the outermost layer of skin. Medium peels, on the other hand, go deeper into the dermis. In contrast, deep peels can even reach the deepest layer of skin, the subcutaneous tissue.
A chemical peel is recommended for those who have fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. It can also treat other skin conditions like melasma, hyperpigmentation, and solar lentigines.
Can Acne Scars Be Treated By Chemical Peeling?
Chemical peeling comes in many ways, and each type can be used to treat different skin concerns. For acne scars, superficial peels are usually recommended since they can only penetrate the outermost layer of skin.
The most common chemical peel solutions used for superficial peels are glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA).
Glycolic acid is naturally derived from sugar cane, while lactic acid comes from milk. On the other hand, Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid derived from a willow bark extract. Meanwhile, TCA is considered the strongest chemical peel solution and is usually only used for deep peels.
The chemical peel solutions mentioned above work by exfoliating the skin and removing the dead skin cells on the surface. This will eventually help grow new skin cells, which can help reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Chemical peels can help reduce the appearance of acne scars by 50 to 70%. However, it should be noted that deeper chemical peels can also cause more side effects, such as redness, swelling, and crusting.
It is important to consult with a dermatologist or a licensed aesthetician before undergoing chemical peeling, especially if you have sensitive skin. They can determine the best chemical peel solution for your skin type and concern.
Acne Scars and Chemical Peeling
Why are acne scars the hardest to deal with?
Usually, acne scars result from many inflamed blemishes caused by skin pores clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. When the plug is formed, it causes the follicle wall to break and allows sebum and bacteria to enter the dermis. This will eventually lead to inflammation and scarring.
Acne scars are usually classified into two types: atrophic or hypertrophic. Atrophic scars are commonly known as depressions in the skin. In contrast, hypertrophic scars are raised above the surface of the skin.
The good news is that chemical peeling can be used to treat both types of acne scars. For atrophic scars, chemical peels can help in the stimulation of collagen production, which can ultimately help in the reduction of the appearance of scars.
On the other hand, chemical peels can also help reduce hypertrophic scars by breaking down the excess collagen in the skin.
Chemical Peeling vs. Other Facials
Now that you know chemical peeling can help treat acne scars, you might be wondering how it stacks up against other facials.
Microdermabrasion is a type of facial that uses exfoliation to remove the topmost layer of skin. This can also help in the reduction of the appearance of acne scars. However, microdermabrasion is not as effective as chemical peels since it can only remove the dead skin cells on the surface.
Laser therapy is another type of treatment that can be used for acne scars. This works by using short light pulses to break down the scar tissue. Laser therapy can be more expensive than chemical peeling, but it can be more effective in the long run.
The bottom line is that chemical peels are safe and effective for treating acne scars. However, it is important to consult with a dermatologist or a licensed aesthetician before undergoing chemical peeling to ensure that it is the right treatment for you.
Is Chemical Peeling Effective?
Yes, it is. Chemical peeling is a cosmetic procedure that has been around for quite some time now. It involves using chemical solutions to remove the topmost layer of skin. This will eventually help grow new skin cells, which can help reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Chemical peels can help reduce the appearance of acne scars by 50 to 70%. However, it should be noted that deeper chemical peels can also cause more side effects, such as redness, swelling, and crusting.
Other Benefits
Aside from getting rid of acne scars, there are other benefits that people can get from chemical peels. One of those is the improvement in the appearance of wrinkles. Chemical peels can help in the stimulation of collagen production, which can eventually help in the reduction of wrinkles.
Chemical peels are also considered to be a form of exfoliation because they can help in the removal of dead skin cells. This will eventually help in the growth of new and healthy skin cells.
Chemical peels can also help in the reduction of hyperpigmentation. This condition happens when the skin produces too much melanin, eventually leading to dark patches on the skin. Chemical peeling can help remove these dark patches by breaking down the excess melanin in the skin.
Possible Risks and Side Effects
Although chemical peeling is considered a safe and effective treatment, there are still some risks and side effects associated with it. These side effects are usually mild and will go away after a few days.
The most common side effects of chemical peeling include redness, swelling, and crusting. These are usually mild and will go away on their own after a few days. However, deep chemical peels can also cause more serious side effects, such as infection and scarring.
You must consult your doctor before getting a schedule for your chemical peeling because you might have an underlying condition that might make you more prone to side effects.
You should also avoid exposure to the sun after your treatment because your skin will be more sensitive. It is important to use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Conclusion
Chemical peeling is an effective way of treating acne scars because it can help grow new skin cells. Chemical peeling can also help in the reduction of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. However, it is important to consult with your doctor first before getting a chemical peel to ensure that it is the right treatment.
When it comes to chemical peeling, you should go to a trusted clinic to avoid any complications down the road. Studio Medical Aesthetics knows a thing or two about chemical peels, so enlist their help to get started on your journey to clearer skin! They also offer other services that you might want to try.
