How Do I Treat Scars on the Leg With a Chemical Peel?

Treat a scar on your leg with a chemical peel.

Chemical peels use certain chemicals, such as phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), to remove the outer layer of the skin to reveal new and improved skin. People with blemishes, scars, wrinkles, acne and other skin conditions often benefit from chemical peeling. In some cases, a chemical peel has even removed harmful cancer-forming skin lesions. You can make an appointment with a surgeon to have chemical peeling done to remove scars on your skin. Your surgeon will be able to determine which type and concentration of peeling is best for you. If your scar is not too deep, then you can use homemade chemical peels to treat them conveniently at home by using natural ingredients without the harmful chemicals involved in surgical peeling.

Things You'll Need

• 1 small cucumber
• Food processor
• Cheesecloth
• Kettle
• Cup
• 1 tsp. chamomile tea
• 1 tsp. green tea
• Saucepan
• 1 pack gelatin (unflavored)
• 1 tsp. aloe vera gel
• Spatula or cosmetic-masking brush

Instructions

1. 

   Cucumber is used to tone and tighten the skin in a chemical peel.

   Cut the cucumber and remove the seeds. Add the cucumber to a food processor until it is thoroughly mashed. Strain the cucumber through a cheesecloth and keep the cucumber juice for later. Cucumber is an excellent ingredient to remove scars, as it is a natural astringent that smooths out wrinkles and fine lines. It also tones the skin and tightens it. The World's Healthiest Foods website states, "Cucumber juice is often recommended as a source of silica to improve the complexion and health of the skin, plus cucumber's high water content makes it naturally hydrating---a must for glowing skin."

2. Boil water using a kettle and pour it over 1 tsp. of chamomile and 1 tsp. of green tea leaves in a cup. Fill the cup only halfway with boiled water. Cover the cup and let it sit for five to 10 minutes. Chamomile is very soothing to the skin, and the beneficial properties in green tea heal the skin and remove puffiness. MayoClinic.com states, "Studies have found that topical chamomile is about as potent as a product containing 0.25 percent hydrocortisone. Chamomile-based creams may help relieve dermatitis."

3. Strain the chamomile and green tea, and add the teas to a saucepan. Add the unflavored gelatin and warm it on low heat. Stir occasionally, until the gelatin is completely dissolved in the chamomile and green tea.

4. 

   Aloe vera is known for its skin-healing properties.

   Add the cucumber juice and aloe vera juice to the tea and gelatin solution, and stir again until everything is mixed well. Aloe vera is known for its skin-healing properties. It removes scars, burns and any unwanted blemishes and heals the skin. MayoClinic.com states, "Transparent gel from the pulp of the meaty leaves of Aloe vera has been used topically for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin infections, burns, and numerous other dermatologic conditions."

5. Cool the mixture by letting it sit, then put it in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes, until it is of gel-like consistency.

6. Apply the mixture to the desired area on your leg and cover it completely using a spatula or a cosmetic-masking brush.

7. Wait 20 to 30 minutes. You will feel the mixture drying at this point and the skin on your leg tightening a bit.

8. Remove the peel carefully holding it from one corner and slowly stripping it away from your skin.

9. Apply this solution every week until you reach the desired result.

10. 

    Tomatoes can be used as an ingredient in your chemical peel as well.

    Use a substitute in place of cucumber such as tomatoes, which has glycolic acid, an ingredient used in chemical peels performed by dermatologists and surgeons. Other options are papaya, pineapple, strawberries, bananas and cherries. Place the fruit in the food processor just like the cucumber and follow the steps as mentioned above. You can use orange or lime juice as a substitute for chamomile and green tea.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply a moisturizer that is nourishing to your skin daily to enhance the effects of the peel.

• You can substitute gelatin with honey when making the chemical peel. Mix the honey with your desired ingredients, such as aloe vera, fruit or cucumber juice, thoroughly and apply it to your skin. Let it sit for about 20 to 30 minutes, then wash off with warm water.

• Avoid going out in the sun for a few days after the peel, as your skin is very sensitive at this point and could easily burn.

• Get a microdermabrasion kit and use it to tone your skin and diminish underlying scars.

• Do not use a chemical peel if you have burnt skin or sensitivity to any of the ingredients used in the chemical peels.

• Ask your doctor or surgeon before undergoing any procedure to avoid damage to your skin.

References

• WebMD: Chemical peel
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Chemical Peel
• Natural-Homeremedies-For-Life: Natural at Home Chemical Peel
• MedicineNet.com: Chemical Peel Treatments
• The World's Healthiest Foods: Cucumbers

Resources

• Livestrong.com: How to Get Rid of Scars on Legs
• Livestrong.com: Homemade Chemical Peel
• MayoClinic.com: Aloe (Aloe Vera)
• MayoClinic.com: Dermatitis: Alternative Medicine