There are several chemical peels for acne scars, but which one is best? Here’s a breakdown of each type. These include Glycolic acid, Trichloroacetic acid, and Salicylic acid. Before undergoing a chemical peel, it’s best to discuss your skin’s condition with a medical professional. If you have an existing scar, tell your physician if you’ve tried any other treatments, or if you’re allergic to any specific ingredient.
Salicylic acid
Although there are many benefits of a salicylic acid chemical peel for acne scars, it is important to understand that it is a temporary treatment. You will continue to age and develop new growths from sun-damage, but the scarring will fade over time. The procedure is generally safe for most people, and there are few side effects associated with it. Listed below are some of the possible side effects of a salicylic acid chemical peel for acne scars.
There are two kinds of chemical peels: home and professional. Home peels are milder and designed to treat superficial skin problems. However, they do not treat inflamed skin. They should be applied according to the product’s instructions. Also, it is important to follow the instructions and make sure to use a high-SPF sunscreen before the procedure. Chemical peels are expensive and require six to ten treatments to see results.
A salicylic acid chemical peel is a great way to get rid of acne scars, as it can help reduce the amount of skin-damaging sebum in the body. During an acne breakout, sebum can clog pores. The chemical peel will help remove the excess sebum and reduce inflammation. The acid helps the skin to shed its dead cells, removing scarring and preventing future breakouts.
For more aggressive peels, you should consult a dermatologist. A professional will apply a stronger salicylic acid to your skin, which can leave you with a red or dry area. Professional peels use a 30 percent to 50% salicylic acid and are generally more powerful than at-home peels. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions and consult with a doctor before beginning the procedure.
A medium chemical peel causes a sunburn-like reaction, which is normal and will subside after three to seven days. You should wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun while recovering from this treatment. During this time, you can use makeup or other cosmetics. Additional peels can be performed every two to five weeks. Deep chemical peels may be necessary to get the desired results. It takes two to five sessions to see full results.
A medium-depth SA chemical peel may be sufficient for acne scars in dark-skinned people. However, a more aggressive chemical peel may result in a scar that’s more prominent than your original acne. The older study that found a 30% concentration of SA was most effective. While a 20% salicylic acid peel has many positive reviews, it may not be effective for everyone. There’s also the possibility of allergic reactions or burning sensation. Fortunately, there are many different SA peels on the market today that you can purchase without a prescription.
Pre-treatment is essential to prevent potential side effects. You should avoid the sun and excessive sweating for 24 hours before your chemical peel. After the treatment, you should follow the doctor’s post-treatment instructions carefully to minimize the risk of skin infection and abnormal color. Also, remember to avoid rubbing the treated area with your hands. The peel will also reduce the appearance of scarring and can improve the appearance of your skin.
Trichloroacetic acid
Whether you’re a teenager looking to get rid of acne scars or an adult looking to improve your skin tone, trichloroacetic acid is a common choice for treating aging skin. This type of chemical peel can help you achieve smoother skin tone and a fresher appearance. Its main risks are pigment disorders, scarring, and infections, and it’s vital to follow the procedure exactly as prescribed. During your consultation, your doctor will examine your skin to determine the type of peel that will best address your needs. The type of peel you choose depends on your specific condition, age, and sensitivity. Make sure you communicate your expectations with your doctor. Discuss the risks with your surgeon and understand how they could affect your results.
This chemical peel works by stimulating the production of collagen in the affected area. This process may require multiple sessions. It’s safe for all skin types, but people with darker skin should be particularly cautious. Trichloroacetic acid chemical peel for acne scars has shown significant results for many people. This procedure can also reduce wrinkles around the mouth, which are often caused by acne. Aside from improving acne scars, trichloroacetic acid can improve the appearance of other areas of the body.
Trichloroacetic acid is the active ingredient in the medium chemical peel. The concentration of TCA may be 25% or 50%, depending on the condition and severity of the skin. After the treatment, the new skin may be red and discolored, but this will fade over a week. Within the next few days, your skin will appear smoother and clearer. The recovery time for this type of chemical peel is typically between one to two weeks.
After the chemical peel, you should apply ice packs and take painkillers to soothe the treated area. Your skin will form a crust over the treated area. You should return for a follow-up appointment a day or two after your treatment. After a medium chemical peel, you can expect to see some redness and stinging. After a deep chemical peel, it may take seven to fourteen days for the treated area to heal. It might be a bit darker or lighter than normal. For those with more advanced scarring, you might consider wearing cosmetics to hide the redness.
The results were encouraging for patients treated with TCA. In one study, a dermatologist treated thirteen patients with varying levels of acne scarring with a 25% TCA chemical peel. The results were comparable for both the patients who received the 25% chemical peel and those who received the treatment with manual dermasanding. The researchers found that the TCA chemical peels had an impact on the overall quality of patients’ skin.
Glycolic acid
While many people use glycolic acid to get rid of acne scars, a chemical peel that uses this ingredient isn’t for everyone. These peels can cause skin irritation and can result in discoloration and redness. The extent of these side effects depends on the depth of the peel and the type of skin you have. It’s important to get the advice of a licensed aesthetician before undergoing a glycolic peel.
After a glycolic acid chemical peel, your skin will be red, swollen, and flaky. You should limit sunlight exposure and take antiviral medication for two weeks. A neutralizing agent may be applied earlier if your skin becomes uniformly red. Deeper peels will require a higher concentration of glycolic acid. For best results, you should plan for several sessions. Depending on the level of irritation, you can expect to see results in two weeks.
Glycolic acid helps skin become more youthful-looking, by stimulating collagen production. It also helps replenish lost moisture. It also reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. A glycolic acid peel can smooth out dry and rough skin by exfoliating it. Glycolic acid peels also weaken the binding properties of lipids, causing the outer skin to peel off. In turn, this reveals a smooth, supple, and glowing complexion.
While some cosmetic products contain glycolic acid and other AHAs, these peels are best for severe skin conditions. Always consult with your dermatologist before getting a chemical peel. Glycolic acid chemical peels are more powerful than sugar scrubs, but the side effects of glycolic acid chemical peels are minimal. They also work well with other skin care treatments. Combined therapies are recommended for severe skin problems.
A glycolic acid peel can unclog pores, shrink pores, and remove pimples and whiteheads. It’s also antibacterial. It can help remove acne scars, as well as cystic lesions. During a six-week course, acne scarring patients needed up to six treatments, which is a good thing for any skin condition. In some cases, the peel can result in hyperpigmentation. These dark spots are due to overproduction of melanin in the skin.
Depending on the concentration of glycolic acid used, a glycolic acid chemical peel can be superficial, medium, or deep. The depth of the peel depends on the skin’s sensitivity, how long it’s applied, and how many coats it requires. Regardless of the desired level of improvement, glycolic acid peels may be best suited for medium-depth acne scars. However, the peel may cause redness and sensitivity, which can interfere with makeup and other skin care products.
While chemical peels can be effective for fading acne scars, they won’t address the underlying causes of acne. The best approach for mild or moderate scarring is to use an OTC product that will smooth out hyperpigmentation and refine the skin’s texture. For safety purposes, it’s important to buy a product from a reputable source and avoid buying strong chemicals online. You can severely damage your skin if TCA is applied incorrectly.