Chemicals Peels for Acne – Does It Really Work?
Many people are now turning to chemical peels to help eliminate unwanted acne, age spots and hyperpigmentation to the face. If you’ve had issues with acne in the past, and have been left with acne scarring, chemical peel treatments can also be used to help reduce this scarring.
In more extreme cases (where there is deeper scarring), you may also want to consider combining your chemical peel treatments with skin micro-needling, or fractional laser treatments. A combination approach with different treatment styles can sometimes provide better results.
It’s recommended to take the time to discuss with your specialist the best chemical peel type for acne scars. They will be able to advise how many chemical peel treatments you may need, and (if combining with other treatments) will be beneficial for your treatment plan.
But as we always say to our readers – education is key when it comes to knowing what’s going to work best for your skin condition. So today, we’re going to take a look at how chemical peels work to help treat acne, and what types of peels may give you the best results.
What are the benefits of a Chemical Peel for acne scarring?
There are some minor side effects to chemical peel treatments. But most of these are so negligible that they shouldn’t keep you from doing your daily tasks after treatment.
Quite often, the benefits outweigh any discomforts you may experience from this type of treatment. Generally speaking, the benefits of your chemical peel treatment may include:
- Creating smoother-looking skin – most chemical peel treatments help to soften the appearance of wrinkles and fine-lines (which we typically experience with aging).
- Boost your confidence – when it comes to acne scarring, this can really impact your confidence. Help to give your confidence a boost with chemical peel treatments that help to reduce acne scarring.
- Cost Effective – When done by a professional, medical grade chemical peels can be far more cost effective then standard over-the-counter peels. They typically produce much better results in a shorter amount of time.
- Enhances collagen production – the chemical peels’ magic lies in its ability to exfoliate the skin that increases cell turnover. This is great news for acne sufferers. In the process, collagen production is also stimulated, resulting in firmer, younger-looking skin.
Find Chemical Peel Treatments in Western Australia
If you’re based in WA and looking for Chemical Peel Treatments, find your local skin therapist here.
The Effectiveness of Chemical Peels for Acne Scarring
When treating acne, besides what’s mentioned above, chemical peels generally offer positive results no matter what chemical you will be using.
Note that in one study of the effectiveness of chemical peels, the use of mandelic acid along with salicylic acid is shown to be more effective than using glycolic acid alone.
Overall, chemical peels are well-tolerated in acne treatments. The same study mentioned that previous research showed that most participants only experienced temporary burning or stinging sensations, dryness, scaling and redness. Hyperpigmentation is quite rare.
For acne scarring, one benefit is that you have various chemical peel treatment options to choose from. You will work with your specialist to determine what treatment is best for you, with the least amount of discomfort and pain.
Adopting the right skin-care treatment for scarring will not only lessen the possibilities of future breakouts but can also help diminish the chances of developing future acne scarring.
Since this type of treatment considers many factors (including the depth and elevation of scars), the result can include an overall improvement in the colour and texture of your skin.
What do I need to know before getting a chemical peel?
Aside from the type of chemical peel treatment (and the right chemicals to use), you will need to:
- Discuss with your specialist how deep into the skin the treatment will go, your goal for such a treatment, and how much it will affect your day-to-day living and work post-treatment.
- Show any history of scarring, cold sores and facial X-rays (if any).
- Stop taking medications and supplements that cause blood-clotting. Examples are Vitamin E, ibuprofen and aspirin. Other medications to avoid include glycolic acid, Renova and Retin-A. (IMPORTANT: only stop medication under the instruction of your doctor)
- Will you need someone to drive you home after the procedure? Know this in advance.
Post chemical peel treatment care
After the procedure, you might experience side effects similar to those of sunburn, including:
- Redness and scaling – within 7 days
- Swelling
- In medium to deep peels, blisters that will turn brown and peel off within 14 days might occur.
Following your chemical peel sessions, it’s best to avoid excessive sun exposure. Your skin care specialist should advise you for how long after each treatment, along with any other post-care instructions you need to follow.
For light peels, a repeat treatment in the next 4 weeks may be needed. And for medium-depth peels, an average of 6 to 12 months’ interval may be advised.
Find Chemical Peel Treatments in Tasmania
If you’re based in TAS and looking for Chemical Peel Treatments, find your local skin therapist here.
How do chemical peels work to treat my acne scars?
Your skin care therapist will apply a chemical solution on the area to be treated. The solution will work to remove the dead and damaged upper skin layers.
In response, the body (as in cases of wounds), will begin the process of exfoliation. This is a natural mechanism that peels off the old skin and replaces it with skin that’s fresh and healthy.
The process also induces the body to increase collagen production to provide mass for the affected area, resulting in tight and revitalized new skin.
For acne and acne scars, it is at times imperative to include other forms of non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as laser resurfacing. Your skin therapist should work with you ahead of your treatments to create a skin care plan. That way you can know how these additional methods can work towards your optimal results.
Types of Chemical Peels to treat Acne Scarring
When it comes to peels, there are different chemicals and strengths that can be used to treat acne scarring, depending on the condition of your skin being treated. Here we have:
- Glycolic acid
- Salicylic acid
- Lactic acid
- Mandelic acid
- TCA (trichloroacetic acid)
- Phenols
There are three types of chemical peels to treat your skin:
- Superficial peels (glycolic acid, lactic acid, etc.) – Penetrate only the outer layer of the skin for exfoliation; treatment for mild skin discoloration as well as to refresh the hands, chest, neck, and face
- Medium peels (salicylic acid, glycolic acid, TCA, etc.) – for middle layers; for moderate skin discoloration, age spots and freckles
- Deep peels (TCA and phenols) – remove damage skin cells in the middle layer; treat moderate shallow scars
Find Chemical Peel Treatments in New South Wales
If you’re based in NSW and looking for Chemical Peel Treatments, find your local skin therapist here.
Which is the best chemical peel for acne?
Everyone experiences different acne conditions, depending on the severity and depth of scarring. It’s important to have a thorough assessment prior to your treatment to allow your skin care therapist to suggest whether it’s best to do a superficial, medium or deep peel.
If it is just a superficial peel you need to treat your acne scarring, usually it is glycolic acid that’s used for this type of treatment.
Adding to the list we have above, your specialist might also consider using Jessner’s solution and/or resorcinol for treatment. Keep in mind that using deep peels is quite risky, so if you’re considering it, you definitely need to leave this up to a professional. A deep peel is not for home use, and can easily damage your skin due to over-application.
Let us help you find a chemical peel specialist in Australia that can help you determine the best type of treatment for your acne scarring.
Do you Offer Chemical Peel Treatments in Australia?
Local Skin Therapies directory lists reputable non-surgical skin therapy clinics across Australia. If you own a skin therapy clinic and offer chemical peel treatments to clients, maybe it’s time to expand your online reach. Take a look at our simple listing plans to help get you found by new customers looking for skin therapists across Australia.
