Getting Serious About Acne: How Do Chemical Peels Work?

It's expected to dream of having smooth, clear and healthy skin. Some are so eager to achieve that dream skin that they are more than willing to go for almost anything, to the extent of doing more harm than good. This especially goes for people who believe that their acne condition is now hopeless.

Deeper Look at a Chemical Peel Procedure

Acne can be cured by medications but that does not end the problem, sometimes there are painful reminders of the past. Although having rid of acne seems good enough, it would be better to rid of everything that goes with it - blemishes, roughness and scars. That is where chemical peels come in. It is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure which literally peels off the top layers of the skin to reveal regenerated and improved skin.

The skin, fortunately, is constantly regenerating. That means, old layers are shed off to be replaced by new cells. Chemical peels work by speeding up the shedding of the skin thus making regeneration take place faster. Scars, like those caused by acne depending on severity of skin damage, may not only improve but completely eliminated as well.

Types of Chemical Peels

Just the word chemical and second thoughts quickly come to mind on whether to take the risk and undergo the procedure. Chemical peels have been used for quite some time now. In fact it is a highly popular way to improve the texture and look of the skin.

Depending on a patient's needs and preference, there are several types of chemical peels to choose from. Each type varies on how deep they penetrate into the skin layers and promote peeling and exfoliation. The six main types are:

Alpha hydroxyl acid Peel (AHA) is the mildest and widely used of all chemical peels since it is mostly made from natural components. It works by exfoliating the skin, loosening, and eventually removing the layer of dead cells on the skin surface. It usually takes longer to see results given that it is a mild chemical peel.

Beta hydroxyl acid Peel (BHA) has become more popular and seen to be used increasingly for chemical peel treatments instead of AHA peels. This has shown to work deeper into the skin, control oil and remove dead skin cells better than AHA peels. Salicylic acid is a very good example of BHA.

Retinoic peel is a procedure which must be performed by a qualified professional in the clinic. This is a deep peel and usually done along with a Jessner peel. It is very effective in eliminating scars, wrinkles and uneven spots.

Jessner peel is a solution of lactic acid and 14% salicylic acid in resorcinol with an ethyl alcohol base. "Skin over peel" is a very rare possibility when using a Jessner peel because the ingredients used are in very small percentages.

Phenol Peel is considered the strongest type of peel. It is also the type that delivers the most satisfying results. It is readily the peel recommended to treat various scars, deep wrinkles and aged skin. Although it delivers results, it will take time for the skin to recover as it works deeper into the skin surface. It also increases the risk of hyper-pigmentation.

Tricholoroacetic Peel is the type that stands between the AHA and the Phenol peels. It generally produces results for almost all skin types. It delivers moderate skin peeling, improvement of uneven skin tone, and fine wrinkles.

What to Expect with a Chemical Peel?

Just how chemical peels improve the skin is extensive. That is why many people opt to go with these procedures. It's a faster and generally safer way to a smooth and beautiful skin. However, there are things to consider before deciding to undergo any of these procedures.

Chemical peeling works painfully well. Yes, it is quite effective but very uncomfortable. Depending on the strength of the chemical and the length of time the skin has been exposed, the more pain it will cause. Recovery takes a longer time; the deeper the peel, the longer it will take to heal. This will only be temporary though, and with care coupled with patience, it will definitely make every pinch and burn worth smoother, clearer and more beautiful skin.

It's very important to follow the after-care procedures because the skin is very vulnerable to irritants right after a chemical peel. Cleanse and moisturize the skin often. Avoid going out in the sun and use a good sunscreen if you really have to.

If you're serious about treating your acne then explore all the alternatives available to you.?Learn more about chemical peels for acne scars and find ways to care for your problem skin at? cureacnescars.org.

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