Chemical Peels For Acne Scars

Chemical peels are solutions containing acidic compounds such as phenols, alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, and trichloroacetic acids that are applied on your skin as a treatment for scars. These products are very popular in particular for treatment of acne scars. The way that these peels work is that the acids burn off the outer skin layer and then the wash exposes the inner layer of skin that is fresh and unblemished. However, it has to be kept in mind that the same concentration and type of acid might work for someone while it may be harmful to someone else – acids tend to burn anything they come into contact with. Hence, you should seriously consult your doctor, preferably a dermatologist, or a professional cosmetic surgeon, before going in for a chemical peel treatment.

There are mainly three types of chemical peels – superficial, medium and deep. The type of chemical peel you have to use depends on the type of acne scar you have. Superficial peels are mainly used for scars that are limited only to the upper ranges of your skin, and they contain mostly alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA). After covering the eyes, ears, and lips for protection, a suitable concentration peel is applied for several minutes. Finally, water is used to wash away the acid.

Applying medium peels is a proper surgical procedure where you are given sedatives before starting – the procedure itself can last for around half an hour to somewhere over an hour. The sedatives are given so that you are able to tolerate the severe burning sensations during the procedure. Moreover, medium peels do not give the new skin immediately after – it takes nearly a week before the new, unscarred skin is actually established. Finally, deep chemical peels are even more severe. The can be very excruciating and most doctors recommend local anesthesia during the procedure. Even after the chemical peel is done, patients undergo a lot of discomfort and pain during the entire process – which takes sometime around a fortnight to be completely over. At the end of two weeks you can visibly see the new skin turning into a normal color tone, and all the side effects of the chemical peel procedure receding.

It is important to note that chemical peeling is to be performed under proper medical supervision and by a practiced cosmetic surgeon. The cost of these peels is quite high, and thus you should make a well-informed decision before going in for one. Make sure that you have well guided medical advice before undertaking this acne scar treatment procedure.