How A Chemical Peel Could Be The Answer To Your Acne Problem

If there was a skin problem that would be considered the most common, it would be acne, because this is a condition that affects almost everyone, at some point of their lives. Because acne is such a common problem, there are also several new methods to tackle them, every other day. While some methods might not work too effectively, there are some which are sure to take care of your acne problems for good.

Acne is a condition which is normally caused by hair follicles that get clogged because of the oil producing glands that are present in the skin. Although acne can present itself anywhere on the body, including the back, chest and neck, the most common presence of acne is on the face. And there is no age limit for acne, because acne can affect anyone – young or old. It is important to remember that acne is also different, because there are several types of acne and the treatment will vary depending on the type of acne that is afflicting you.

In the past few years, several new and truly effective methods to tackle acne as well as acne scars have emerged on the scene and chemical peels happen to be one of them. A chemical solution is applied to the skin, and this leads to the exfoliation of the skin and it subsequently peeling off. When the upper layer of the skin is removed, the new skin that is revealed is smoother and better skin. In addition, this abrasion to the skin kick starts a natural healing process, which will ensure the new skin is in better shape. The basic tenet behind a chemical peel is that is smooths out imperfections of the skin and gives you a more even tone. Depending on your skin condition and your acne, a certified dermatologist will be able to suggest whether you should go for a superficial, medium or deep peel, as each will target a different problem.

The most commonly used acids for a chemical peel include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, trichloroacetic acid, amino fruit acid, polyhydroxy acid and pyruvic acid. The strength of the chemical being used will be dependent on the condition of your skin as well as who is performing the treatment – while doctors can administer up to 70% strength, aestheticians are allowed to apply up to 30% strength peels.  The application of the chemical will not be for more than 5 minutes, after which it will be removed, and your skin will be cleaned thoroughly. Over the next few days, your skin will start to blister, signalling the natural procedure of the body to heal. In the next few days, you will notice your skin blistering and even peeling off, and eventually, the new skin that will take its place will be smoother and more even textured. This is exactly why, considering a chemical peel for acne is a good choice.

When you meet a doctor or dermatologist, you will be given a thorough examination, which will allow them to judge the extent and intensity of your acne problem. This in turn, will enable then to choose the best and most suited course of treatment for you. There are mainly three types of chemical peels and the classification is based on the intensity of the chemical being used.

• Superficial – As the name suggests, a superficial peel will be done only on the top layer of the skin, only that part of the skin will be affected by the procedure. This is one of the most popular peels used to treat acne and if your acne is mild, a single session could give you good results. This type of peel can also help reduce the oil secretions of the skin, but only temporarily - the results tends to last about 2 months, post which the acne will start to present itself again.
• Medium – Also known as moderate peels, these are used to treat acne as well as light scarring that could have been caused due to acne. The chemicals used for this method are stronger and will penetrate the skin a lot more deeply than those used for a superficial peel. Because the chemicals penetrate more deeply into the skin, there is peeling at a deeper level and this promotes the production of collagen and elastin, making your skin look better. In most cases, the scarring is in the deeper levels of the skin, which is why this method works the best.
• Deep – These are the type of peels that penetrate the skin most deeply and are used most commonly to treat acne scars. Since extremely concentrated chemicals are used for the procedure, it is imperative that it is done by a medical professional. Deep penetrating peels break down the very proteins in the skin, hence stimulating collagen in the regenerating skin.