Chemical peels are today’s modern approach to skin improvement towards rejuvenation and restoration. Since its formulation a few years back, this skin treatment has worked its way for different skin issues and concerns, making it one of the most popular skin procedures. As mentioned as a procedure used in various skin ailments, will chemical peels help treat acne scars as they did with others? Today, we’ll look into this skin procedure and find out if it can also work its magic on unwanted acne scars.

What is Chemical Peeling?

Chemical peels are popular cosmetic treatments that can be used and applied to the common treated parts like the face, hands, and neck. These improve the skin’s appearance and overall feel. Part of this procedure is the application of chemical solutions placed to the targeted areas being treated. It causes the skin to become exfoliated, eventually peeling off. This vital step allows new skin beneath to become smoother, appear less wrinkled, and have minor damage.

The list goes on to explain why people resort to chemical peels. They have various tries in treating different things, which can include:

• acne scars
• fine lines
• hyperpigmentation
• melasma
• scars
• sun damage
• uneven skin tone or redness
• wrinkles

Three different types of chemical peels exist and are available to treat acne scars and other skin conditions. The categories are as follows:

• Superficial Peels – uses mild acids such as alpha-hydroxy acid in gently exfoliating the skin. It only goes deep and penetrates the skin’s outermost layer.
• Medium Peels – uses glycolic or trichloroacetic acid to reach the skin’s middle and outer layer. This approach makes it a better option for removing damaged skin cells.
• Deep Peels – thoroughly penetrates the skin’s middle layer and removes damaged skin cells. These chemical peels are often made of phenol or trichloroacetic acid.

Typically, chemical peels are administered inside clinics and doctor’s offices; however, deep peels may be done inside outpatient surgical facilities. In general, chemical peels are done following these steps:

Chemical Peeling Procedure

• Before your procedure starts, doctors will likely advise you to tie your hair back.
• Then, your face gets cleaned, and your doctor will give you eye protection such as goggles or gauze.
• Afterward, doctors may numb the target area using topical anesthetics, especially those receiving a deep peel.
• For deep peels, doctors may also numb an area using regional anesthetics, which can numb large areas. They are mainly going to do this step for those who have their faces and necks being treated. Also, in deep peels, you’ll be given IVs, and they will closely monitor your heart rate.
• Finally, after the application, chemicals get settled in your skin; after some time, doctors will remove the solution from your skin. Some instances require a solution added to neutralize the chemicals.

For Light Peels:

• Either a cotton ball, brush, or doctors will use gauze in applying chemical solutions like salicylic acid to the treated area.
• Your skin will whiten, having a slight yet normal stinging sensation.
• Once done, they will then remove the chemical solution. In some cases, instead of removing the chemical peel solution, a neutralizing solution gets added to your face.

For Medium Peels:

• Doctors use gauze, a special sponge, or an applicator with a cotton tip to apply the chemical solution to your face, which may contain glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid.
• Doctors may add a blue color known as a blue peel to the trichloroacetic acid.
• The solution will whiten your skin, and your doctor then applies a cool compress to your skin.
• It’s normal to feel a stinging or burning sensation for at least 20 minutes.
• No neutralizing solutions are required. However, doctors may give a hand-held fan for cooling your skin.
• For blue peels added to your chemical peel, expect to have blue coloring on your skin that lasts for a couple of days after your peel.

For Deep Peels:

• During deep chemical peels, usually, you will be sedated.
• Doctors will use cotton-tipped applicators in the application of phenol to your skin.
• This chemical will eventually turn your skin white or gray.
• This chemical peel procedure will be finished after around 15 minutes, with portions of the acid being limited getting exposure to the skin.

Chemical Peels for Acne Scars

Acnes involve no clean breakups whatsoever. Even when your flare-ups are gone, various scars may still be left and remind us of that not-so-amazing time. While, over time, you can wait for these marks to heal, chemical peels are expert-approved methods in addressing the speed time, especially for those on a busy schedule.

Chemical peels provide potential benefits to acne-prone skin, such as:

• Lighter areas having dark spots
• Smoother skin tone and texture
• Unclogged pores, helping prevent any future breakouts

Following a rule of thumb, chemical peels are not best used for either depressed or severely raised scars. Choosing the right chemical peel type may become a challenging task, especially solutions potentially go wrong and become too harsh. But with proper knowledge about the different chemical peels, you can be guaranteed your skin’s protection.

Chemical Peeling at Home

• Follow instructions as directed on the product’s directions. These steps are essential when it comes to timing. First, a patch test needs to be done before using the product. Protect your eyes and lips during this test.
• Clean your skin using a neutral cleanser and avoid other unprescribed acids and active ingredients.
• Prepare your skin with the help of a pH solution to ensure your skin gets cleaned and has a balanced optimal surface.
• Start applying the chemical peel solution, working from your forehead down to your chin.
• Depending on the product instructions, wait at least 3–10 minutes. If it’s your first time, begin on the lower end of time.
• Use warm water and a neutral cleaner and wash off the chemical peel solution. Follow these provided instructions as some products may have determined whether or not you are required to wash off after. By doing so, it may reactivate the chemical peel. Follow the instructions provided on your product.
• Dry and follow up using neutral moisturizers. Make sure not to use retinoids or acids.
• Repeat these steps next week. No downtime after at-home chemical peels is usually necessary. Still, be vigilant with your moisturizing, sun protection, and exercise avoidance within the next 24 hours.

Final Thoughts on Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can drastically change the way you see yourself in the mirror or how you flaunt and flatter other parts of your body to other people. Get your confidence back and battle acne scars using this skin procedure. Take advantage of what chemical peels can offer and reap the benefits against what was sawn on your skin.

Do you want to experience chemical peels for your acne scars? You’re in luck. Our amazing friends at Go Flawless Now Medical Aesthetics can help you with your acne scar issue and any other skin concern today. Visit them now! https://goflawlessnow.com/