Dealing with acne can be an emotionally and physically draining process. It primarily affects people between 12-25 years but can also affect above this age. Acne occurs when the pores on the skin get blocked by oil, bacteria, and dead skin.
When these substances build up, the result is a flared-up follicle that can be painful. Even after healing, the person usually has uneven skin due to the scars. One of the many ways used to remove the scarring is using chemical peels.
Here is all you need to know about chemical peels and how it helps with acne scars.
What are chemical peels?
This is a process where a mixture of regulated chemicals gets applied to the skin. The chemicals help remove the skin’s outer layer and leave the new skin underneath. The type of chemical peel depends on the severity of the scars.
Stronger chemicals penetrate the skin, while lighter chemicals remove the outer layer. Some examples of chemicals used include:
- Salicylic acid
- Lactic acid
- Glycolic acid
- Carbolic acid
- Malic acid
How do chemical peels work?
Chemical peels work by raising the acidity environment of the skin. This makes the old skin cells loosen, forming new skin cells. The old skin then peels off, leaving the new skin to form. The old skin that comes carries the issues the patient is treating.
Chemical peels help to treat a range of conditions. These include:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Scars
- Uneven skin
- Acne scarring
How chemical peels help with acne scarring
After an acne bout, the healing process usually leaves a lot of dark spots. The dark spots are usually numerous and spontaneous if the acne is severe. Acne can also affect the skin texture leaving it coarse.
Depending on the severity of the acne, you can do a light or heavy chemical peel. It also determines how many sessions of chemical peels you will need. The process should be done with a professional so they can assess the type of chemical peel you need.
The professional applies the mixture, which exfoliates your skin. Chemical peels work with different areas of the skin affected by acne, not only the face. It exfoliates by detaching the outer skin riddled with acne and leaving the healthy skin to grow.
The time the mixture stays on the face depends on the type of chemical peel. Stronger peels take longer on the skin to be effective, while lighter peels take a shorter time.
The chemical peel can work for days or weeks, and at this time, the outer skin dries off and peels. The professional will give you instructions on how to care for the skin during this period.
If the acne scars are deep, you can go back for several sessions as directed by a technician. Several appointments can ensure that the acne scars get eliminated. They also help to rejuvenate the skin and reduce the effect of aging on the skin.
Conclusion
Chemical peels can help to remove acne scars. They work for both mild and more severe cases. If you are looking for a solution to acne scars consider this method. This article addresses some information about chemical peel. To know more, contact a dermatologist and find out what you need to get a chemical peel
