Chemical Peels for Acne Scars - Which One to Use

Chemical peels for acne scars can be a very beneficial process for your skin. Winning the battle against acne may seem like the last of your troubles. However, until you've gotten rid of facial acne scars you haven't won the war.

Acne can be embarrassing and may cause depression and low self-esteem. Even worse are the scars and marks left behind that can take weeks or even months to fade away.

Sometimes these scars can easily diminish through the natural processes of skin regeneration. However, for most of us our skin needs a little help dealing with this nuisance. So what treatment options are available for facial scarring?

Phenol Peels

One chemical procedure that is used is a phenol peel. This type of peel is only carried out in a doctor's office with numbing agents on the areas prepped to be peeled before the chemical is applied. The phenol chemical penetrates very deeply and into the dermis layer of your skin.

Typically, this type of peel is only needed for bad cases of pitted acne scars and has the side effects of causing discoloration on your skin. Furthermore, you have to keep the treated areas clean by washing your face often to prevent causing an infection.

Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Peels

Another chemical agent that is used to reduce scarring is Trichloroacetic acid. TCA is used for moderate facial scars and is relatively safe. This treatment goes beyond a superficial procedure and actually penetrates past the epidermis. It is very effective at removing scars, but also has the benefits of diminishing fine lines, sun spots, discoloration and blemishing.

You can perform TCA peels yourself. However, you must use the appropriate concentrations of the chemical to prevent causing chemical burns on your face. In addition, if you notice continual redness or dryness of the skin, the concentration of the acid is too high. Usually preparations that are 25% or less are the safest. Frosting on the top layer of skin is normal and expected for both phenol and TCA treatments and is part of the chemical peel process.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) Peels

Other options that can be utilized for home treatments are glycolic acid or salicylic acid peels. These peels are much milder and safer than phenol peels and so can be performed in the comfort of your home. It is very popular to incorporate both Alpha-Hydroxy and Beta-Hydroxy acids for treating facial scarring. Glycolic and salicylic acid peels are used for very light to moderate cases. In combination, these chemicals are small enough to seep into the pores of your skin and help your face release dead skin cells which in time will fade scars.

Because the acids do not penetrate beyond the outer layer, or epidermis, of your skin, these peels require the least amount of recovery time. Furthermore, the acids are derived from sugarcane and fruits so are very natural. Some people find it useful to combine both AHA and TCA chemical treatments.

When using any chemical peels to treat acne scars it is important to keep your skin moisturized and to stay hydrated. Furthermore, your skin could become extra sensitive so avoidance of sun exposure or wearing sun screen may become necessary.

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