Do Chemical Peels Work for Acne Scars

1. Do Chemical Peels Work for Acne Scars? 647-324-9255 info@heartlakeaesthetics.com

2. Understanding Acne Scars • When acne forms, it causes damage to the skin’s tissue and can create a loss of collagen. This lack of collagen can result in the formation of scars. • Oftentimes, with deep damage to the skin, our bodies lack the regenerative tissue needed to heal the damage and, instead, our skin will begin to heal itself below the top layer of skin. This results in pitted or indented scars, known as atrophic scars. • There are three types of atrophic scars: icepick, rolling, and boxcar. Ref: https://heartlakeaesthetics.com/do-chemical-peels-work-for-acne-scars/

3. What Are Chemical Peels? • A chemical peel treatment is a low trauma exfoliating skin remedy for skin with poor elasticity, uneven tone, and rough surface. • It’s also used for areas that show significant signs of aging and/or acne scarring. This form of skincare therapy is available in various levels depending on the severity of the acne scarring and the overall health of the skin cells.

4. The Science Behind Chemical Peels for Acne Scars • Chemical peels for acne scars use a solution consisting of glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid. These are used to lower the cells’ pH level to loosen dead skin cells during the exfoliation process. • The skin cells within the middle layer, known as the dermis layer, are stimulated to produce collagen and elastin. The rejuvenation of new skin cells improves the skin’s tone and texture, while diminishing the appearance of scarring. Ref: https://heartlakeaesthetics.com/do-chemical-peels-work-for-acne-scars/

5. Types of Chemical Peels for Acne Scars Chemical peels are offered in three different classes: light, medium, and deep. • Light (superficial) peels focus on the epidermis wherein the outermost layer of the skin is removed with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic acid. This type of peel targets mild scarring. • A medium peel uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or a blend of TCA and glycolic acid to target the epidermis and the top layer of the dermis layer. Used for moderate acne scars, this type of chemical peel deeply penetrates the skin surface. • For scarring within the dermis layer, a deep peel is used with hyaluronic acid which is a more potent chemical. Severe scarring in the middle layer of the skin tissue can be treated with specialized pre- and post-treatment care.

6. Recovery and Aftercare • There is no recovery period for light chemical peels, while medium and deep chemical peels may require 14-21 days of recovery after treatment. • It should be noted that any skin peeling should be left to shed naturally to prevent damage to the recovering skin surface. • Aftercare involves using only gentle cleansers and cool water for the first several days. • Avoid hot water, heat, and steam to the face from baths, showers, saunas, and sweat from strenuous exercise for the first two days after treatment. Avoid makeup and swimming during this time, as well. Ref: https://heartlakeaesthetics.com/do-chemical-peels-work-for-acne-scars/

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