Chemical Peels & Acne Scarring

Chemical peels are a procedure that sloughs off the lop layer of skin. These peels have many applications. They are used to reduce small scars, wrinkles, fine lines and sun damage. While there are at-home chemical peel kits available, chemical peels performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon have more of a dramatic effect on the skin. Doctors use stronger and different chemicals to treat acne scarring.

Function

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in its article "Chemical Peels" states that a chemical peel is used "to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers." The peel helps to soften acne scars and also controls acne breakouts

Types

Doctors choose from a range of chemical solutions for the chemical peels. The solution is tailor made for a patient's particular skin problem. Chemicals used include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic acid and glycolic acid. These acids are mild and so produce only a light peel so acne scars don't fade significantly. Other chemicals used are phenol and trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Peels with TCA give a "medium-depth peeling" reports the ASPS and are very effective on surface acne scars. The most dramatic results are seen with phenol, a very strong chemical

Warning

According to the article "Acne" on the Mayo Clinic website, chemical peels "cause temporary, severe redness, scaling and blistering, and long-term discoloration of the skin." Other possible side effects are crusting, irritation and stinging. The ASPS also points out that infection is possible as is making the scarring worse in rare cases.

Time Frame

With AHAs the doctor may schedule a series of chemicals peels to obtain the best results in removing the acne scars. According to the ASPS, chemical peels with TCA take only take 10 to 15 minutes and have a fast recovery time. In some cases TCA peels may need to be repeated to maintain the results. With phenol the procedure takes one hour or more reports the ASPS and recovery time takes several months because healing is very slow. In all cases, once the skin heals, new skin grows that is less scarred.

Considerations

In some states allow non-doctors to performed chemical peels with AHAs, TCA or phenol. But it is important to have a properly trained person perform the checmial peel to reduce the risk of problems. No anesthesia is used for the chemical peels so they can be done in a doctor's office or a beauty salon.

References

• MayoClinic.com: Acne - Treatment and Drugs
• PlasticSurgery.org - Chemcial Peels