Do you have problems with dull skin, acne break outs, acne scarring and hyperpigmentation? Are you tired of trying different skin care routines without success? Would you like to be able to get out of the house without make up? We get it. Dealing with acne and its side effects can be expensive and frustrating. Chemical peels for acne may be the answer for you. Below we discuss the types, their benefits and side effects.
In our previous post, we discussed chemical peels in detail. In this post, we focus on chemical peels for acne.
Before we get started, let’s review a few things.
What Is A Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is an exfoliating, skin resurfacing treatment that removes the outer layer of skin to improve and smooth the texture of the skin. A chemical solution is applied to the skin and causes it to exfoliate and eventually peel off. As a result, it improves acne, acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Also, the skin feels soft, smooth and radiant. The number of layers removed by a chemical peel depends on the intensity of the peel.
Purpose Of A Chemical Peel For Acne
Besides skin resurfacing and rejuvenation, a chemical peel for acne functions to:
- Kill acne causing bacteria
- Control oil secretions of the skin
- De-congest clogged pores
- Reduce Inflammation
- Improve acne scars and hyperpigmentation
Other benefits achieved in the process include:
- Smooth and soft skin texture
- Younger looking, radiant skin
- Improved fine lines and wrinkles
- Even skin tone and skin color
Types Of Chemical Peels
The concentration of active ingredients, pH, time, and method of application of a chemical peel determine the depth of skin injury. The depth of skin injury or chemical peel penetration defines the procedure as superficial, medium, or deep exfoliation.
Therefore, chemical peels are light, medium, or deep. Each peel is slightly different, and the exact formula depends on the chemical ingredients in each and the intensity level of the treatment.
However, the most common chemicals used in peels are:
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) (e.g., glycolic and lactic acids
- Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) (e.g., salicylic acid
- Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
- Retinol
- Phenol
AHAs and BHAs are the lightest acids, often used in light chemical peels. TCA can be used in many different formulations. Finally, phenol is the strongest chemical and only used in deep chemical peels.
The right chemical peel for acne depends on the extent of your acne and your skin type. Always consult with a licensed skin care professional before undergoing any chemical peel.
Superficial Chemical Peels For Acne
They are used to treat mild to moderate acne and penetrate only the surface layer of skin. Superficial chemical peels for acne are lower strength than medium or deep chemical peels and use acids that belong to the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA) groups. The most common types of acids used in superficial chemical peels to treat acne are glycolic acid (AHA) and salicylic acid (BHA).
Superficial chemical peels:
- Help to shed dead cells on the skin’s surface
- Have anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness and acne flare up
- Help to temporarily reduce skin oil secretions
- Decongest pores, remove whiteheads and blackheads
- Consequently, they reduce the appearance of pores (pores don’t actually shrink but the decongestation makes them appear smaller)
The results of a superficial chemical peel for mild to moderate acne increase gradually over a series of treatments and tend to last for 1-2 months. However, superficial chemical peels have little effect on severe acne.
Medium (Moderate) Chemical Peels For Acne Treatment and Light Scarring
They treat both acne and light acne scars. Medium chemical peels normally use trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in 35-50% strength. This penetrates deeper into the skin than superficial chemical peels.
Because medium chemical peels penetrate deeper into the skin layers, they increase production of collagen, elastin, and other proteins which stimulate new skin formation and give skin its elasticity.
In contrast, medium chemical peels produce more severe side effects than superficial peels. These side effects include skin redness, swelling, and sometimes skin darkening. In most cases, these side effects subside within one week of treatment.
Most noteworthy, TCA peels should be used with caution in people with darker skin, as they may result in permanent darkening of the skin.
Deep Chemical Peels for Acne Scars Treatment
Of all the 3 chemical peels, deep chemical peels penetrate the deepest into the skin. They use phenol and are the most aggressive type of peel. Deep chemical peels are used to treat:
- Acne scars
- Severely sun damaged skin
- Coarse wrinkles and scars
- Pre-cancerous growths
Deep chemical peels use phenol at a high concentration. They work by breaking down proteins in the skin and stimulate production of collagen in the regenerated skin. Because deep peels use very strong acids, the procedure is reserved for plastic surgeons and dermatologists.
Things To Do Before And How To Prepare For An Acne Chemical Peel
- Refrain from having any other chemical peel treatments 2 weeks before treatment.
- Avoid microdermabrasion and any other abrasive treatments 14 days prior to a chemical peel.
- Stop tanning for at least 2 to 3 weeks before the treatment.
- Limit sun exposure for at least 10 days before the treatment. If you must be in the sun for any duration of time, wear sunscreen and try to limit your time outdoors as much as possible.
- Avoid waxing your skin or using chemical hair removal treatments for at least 5-7 days before treatment.
- Stop all chemical injection treatments, including Botox and collagen injections, for at least 1 week before the treatment.
- Apply prescribed lotions as directed. Depending on the depth of chemical peel, your doctor or esthetician may recommend that you use a moisturizing and healing lotion on your skin before the treatment. Use this lotion for 2 weeks before the treatment to help ensure that your skin peels uniformly and heals more easily.
- Your esthetician or doctor may recommend use of a retinoid cream and/or a bleaching agent (hydroquinone) beforehand. This benefits to shorten your treatment time, speed the healing process and prevent skin darkening.
- Discontinue the use of any other bleaching products for at least one week before the treatment.
- Depending on the medications your are taking, your doctor may recommend that you discontinue some of them before undergoing your chemical peel. The most common medications that must be discontinued before treatment are photosensitizing drugs, which increase your sensitivity to sunlight and may cause inflammation after exposure to sunlight.
Steps Of A Chemical Peel For Acne
First, the skin is gently cleansed and prepared for chemical peel application. The prescribed preparation is mixed, applied to the skin and left on the skin for a few minutes (usually 3-5 minutes). Next, the acid is neutralized with an alkaline solution. Finally, a soothing moisturizer and skin protectant is applied to the skin.
Side Effects Of Chemical Peels For Acne
In general, after a chemical peel, your skin will be flushed, red, dry and mildly irritated for a few hours. The skin feels tight for a day or two and then lightly peels around day five. Small crusts may form on some acne lesions as they dry up. There is mild itching or stinging during the procedure, but most people tolerate this well.
However, these effects clear in one to seven days and are less noticeable with each repeated treatment.
In addition, new skin might temporarily be lighter or darker than normal.
In rare occasions, a chemical peel can cause scarring, typically on the lower parts of the face. When scarring occurs, antibiotics and steroid medications can be used to soften the appearance of these scars.
Most noteworthy, these complications are similar in all types of peels but their risk and severity increase significantly with the strength of the peel. Recovery time and discomfort also increases with the strength of the peel.
How Should I take Care Of My Skin After A Chemical Peel For Acne?
After a chemical peel, your skin is sensitive and is trying to renew. The histamine response has been activated. Treat your skin it like a sunburn. Avoid chemicals, sprays or anything that will irritate the skin. Above all, be patient. Do not try to accelerate the process. Allow the skin to heal naturally. Remember, skin damage happens over time. In the same way, healing and rejuvenation takes time. Let the healing occur naturally. Speeding up the process hyperactivates skin cells that lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation.
In summary:
- Avoid exercise and exfoliants for at least a week
- Avoid touching, scratching or peeling your skin
- Hydrate as much as you can by drinking water
- Moisturize your skin as much as you can and as frequently as possible
- Wear sunscreen, at least SPF 30, every day
- Use a mild cleanser and avoid any irritants
- Let the dead skin shed off naturally. Using fingers to remove the dead skin leads to scarring and hyperpigmentation
- Do not touch your skin with dirty hands. Touching the skin with dirty fingers and hands will aggravate the new skin and lead to breakouts
Chemical Peel For Acne Facts
Can A Chemical Peel Get Rid of Acne?
Chemical peels can temporarily clear your skin by drying out existing breakouts, unclogging pores, and reducing inflammation. They also reduce oil production that may cause acne. But, they do not prevent future breakouts.
When Can I See Results Of A Chemical Peel For Acne?
Although you will see a difference after just one treatment, peeling completes and the new layer of skin begins to appear seven to ten days after treatment. Complete healing and results can take one to two months or longer depending on the strength and depth of chemical peel.
Keep in mind, it can take up to a year to see the full benefits of a chemical peel. We recommend a series of professional chemical peels for optimal results. For best results, we recommend a series of 4-6 peels, spaced 2-4 weeks apart or a minimum 3 peels a year.
What Is The Best Chemical Peel For Acne?
Superficial peels are effective for mild to moderate acne but have little effect on severe acne. Deep chemical peels are best for severe acne scars. Most noteworthy, individual results vary and combination, custom treatments are necessary for optimal results.
Can Chemical Peels Remove Acne Scars?
Yes. Superficial and medium chemical peels can remove superficial acne scars. Deep acne scars require a deep chemical peel. A deep chemical peel such as TCA or phenol chemical peel will resurface the skin enough to eliminate the appearance of acne scars. Even then,more than one chemical peel treatment may be necessary for optimal results.
Can Chemical Peels Make Acne Worse?
In the beginning, your acne may appear worse. This is because the chemical peel exfoliates your skin and brings unwanted debris (fat, dead cells, bacteria) from the inside to the surface. The acids in chemical peel solutions also dry up active acne, dissolve sebum and unclog pores. Your skin should improve with less acne breakouts as the skin regenerates.
Can Chemical Peels For Acne Shrink Pores?
Chemical peels do not change the anatomy of your pore or your pore size. But, the unclogging and removal of sebum, fat, dead skin cells and bacteria cleanses the pores, giving them a smaller/shrunk appearance.
Can I wear Makeup After A Chemical Peel Treatment?
Your ability to wear makeup depends on the strength, depth of the chemical peel used, and the rate at which your skin heals following the chemical peel procedure. Superficial chemical peels are milder and you may be able to wear make up 24 hours after the procedure. However, we recommend you refrain from wearing make up during the entire healing process to prevent any irritation.
How Much Is A Chemical Peel For Acne?
The final cost of your procedure will depend on the type of peel you want, the condition of your skin, and other factors unique to your case. At Neemas’s Wraps, we offer the most competitive rates in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. Our prices range from $60 upwards. Please call us today at 469-363-6956 for pricing information.
A Word From Neema’s
Superficial and medium chemical peels are effective in treating mild to moderate acne, and both medium and deep chemical peels are helpful for severe acne and acne scar reduction. However, we recommend consistent, combination and custom treatments for optimal results. Call us today or book an appointment online for a free consultation and see if a chemical peel for acne is right for you!
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