Chemical Peels: Can Chemical Peels Make Acne Scars Worse?
Acne is a common skin condition. Around 50 million Americans develop acne every year. A small percentage of those individuals will develop acne scars.
You may have heard that a chemical peel can reduce the prominence of acne scars. While it’s not the only cosmetic treatment for facial scars, a chemical peel for acne scars can be very effective. Next, we’ll explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of chemical peels.
What to Know About Chemical Peels and Acne
Can a Chemical Peel Remove Acne Scars?
A chemical peel is a common cosmetic treatment that removes dead and damaged skin cells. The treatment leaves the skin on your head, neck, or hands looking smoother and more youthful.
A chemical peel treatment can use any number of solutions that react with the outer layers of the skin. The chemical or mild acid induces a healing process that can remove fine lines, pore congestion, skin discoloration, and certain types of acne scarring.
How Does Chemical Peel for Acne Scars Work?
Before your skincare specialist administers a chemical peel procedure, he or she will need to determine what type of scars from acne you have. There are two main types of acne scars.
Atrophic Scars
Atrophic scars look like small indents on the skin’s surface. They develop when new tissue is not created after an acne lesion heals. They are generally classified as one of three types: boxcar, rolling, and icepick.
These types of skin blemishes can be treated using a chemical peel. Typically, multiple chemical peels are needed over a series of months or even years. Depending on the severity of the acne scars, the appearance of the blemishes may not completely disappear.
Hypertrophic Acne Scars
Hypertrophic scars result from excessive collagen production during acne healing. The results raise the scar above the skin.
One extreme form of scarring is called a keloid. Chemical peels cannot adequately treat hypertrophic scars.
Chemical Peels
Professional chemical peels are more effective than any type of chemical peel that you may try at home. Do not wear makeup or use exfoliators before getting a chemical peel. Once you arrive for your chemical peel, a skincare professional will thoroughly clean your skin.
Mild chemical peels are administered and removed without the need for anesthesia. A deep chemical peel is performed while the client is under the effects of general anesthesia.
Learn More About Chemical Peels
A chemical peel for acne scars is an incredibly effective treatment for reducing or eliminating the appearance of acne scars. If you have lived with acne and minor facial scars, you can eliminate those blemishes while improving the overall appearance of your skin following a safe and effective chemical peel.
The team at SE Dermatology Specialists will take the time to genuinely listen to your cosmetic and personal needs and goals. Whether you come with concerns about a skin condition or discomfort, we’re here to provide effective and minimally invasive treatment options. Contact our office today.