How to Reduce Scars With Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can be used effectively to eliminate the unsightly affects of scars. Particularly on an acne-scarred face, a chemical peel may be a very good option. Scars on lesser-seen areas of the body are not that big of a deal usually. Scars that are very deep do not respond well to chemical peels, and heavy acne scars may require many chemical treatments.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consider a glycolic acid chemical peel if you have very light scarring on your face from acne. It is the mildest kind of peel with the fewest side effects. All it does is slough off the top layer of mostly dead skin. It can also be used to remove hard-to-get blackheads and whiteheads.

2. Use a Jessner's for TCA peel if you have very deep scars and are wiling to risk some side effects because of the nature of the scar. Skin destruction is deeper to under layers of skin, which allows the new skin to appear.

3. Expect to feel a mild burning sensation when the chemicals are applied. You can get a glycolic peel on your lunch hour, while the deeper peels require you to take a few days off work or school as your skin will turn many shades of white and pink while the skin flakes off.

4. Plan on getting from two to four peels before you see any dramatic difference in your scarring removal. The peels can be done safely about every three weeks.

5. Watch for any complications such as infection, scabbing or persistent pain, which are rare with chemical peels.
   
   

Tips & Warnings

• Find a reputable physician or plastic surgeon to do your chemical peel. Many states do not regulate this procedure, so make sure you find someone trustworthy.
• Since most chemical peels are done for cosmetic purposes, medical insurance rarely covers the costs.
• Many new over-the-counter lotions, face masks and creams contain AHA or other fruit based acids for a inexpensive, but less effective, chemical peel.