If you have acne scars, there are a range of non invasive treatments available that can help improve skin tone and texture, without the need for invasive surgery. Chemical peels are a safe, convenient option that can help minimize acne scarring, as well as offer a number of other benefits.
Acne is a common skin condition that can cause spots, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, nodules, and/or cysts, which in severe cases, can lead to scarring. It is often related to changes in hormone levels during puberty that cause the glands next to hair follicles to produce excess oil (sebum), clogging pores. However,acne can occur at any age and can be related to other factors, such as genetics, smoking, diet, lifestyle, and certain products and medications. In some people, once an acne breakout clears, it can leave permanent scarring, which may cause depressions (pits) or raised areas in the skin.
Treatment for Acne Scarring
There are a range of safe and effective treatments available that can help diminish acne scars. The type and severity of the scarring will determine the most appropriate treatment, which could include:
- Skin rejuvenation/resurfacing procedures, such as chemical peels
- Dermal fillers
- Laser treatments
- Minor skin surgery
Before treating acne scars, it is important to first clear your acne. This is because having acne means the skin is inflamed, which could reduce the effectiveness of treatment for acne scars. Also, new acne breakouts can lead to new scars.
How Can A Chemical Peel Help With Acne Scars?
A resurfacing procedure may be recommended for individuals wanting to diminish the appearance of widespread acne scarring. Chemical peels are a type of resurfacing procedure that can be particularly effective in treating depressed acne scars.
Resurfacing procedures remove layers of skin, allowing the body to produce new skin cells. They generally work well for acne scars that are not too deep.(Deep scars may require skin surgery followed by a resurfacing procedure.)
Chemical peels utilize an acid solution to remove layers of skin, allowing the body to produce new skin cells, thereby reducing the appearance of acne scars and improving skin tone and texture. They are available in different depths: a light (superficial) chemical peelt hat removes the outer layer of skin (epidermis), a medium chemical peel that removes skin cells from the epidermis and sections of the upper part of the middle layer of skin (dermis), and a deep chemical peel that removes skin cells even deeper.
What Happens During a Chemical Peel?
Depending on the type of chemical peel, the procedure can vary. During a superficial chemical peel, your provider will apply the chemical solution to the face using a brush, cotton ball, gauze, or sponge. The solution causes the treated skin to whiten, and you may experience mild stinging while the chemical solution is on your skin. Your provider will apply a neutralizing solution or wash to remove the chemical solution from the treated skin.They may then apply a protective ointment to soothe the skin.
Following treatment, it is important to follow your providers directions for cleansing, moisturizing, sun protection, and applying protective ointments to your skin, and you should avoid scratching, picking, or rubbing the treated skin. You can usually wear makeup the next day if you desire.
What To Expect Afterwards
After a chemical peel of any depth, the skin will often appear red and may feel dry, tight, irritated, or inflamed, though these symptoms are usually only mild with a superficial chemical peel. Treated areas can take around 1-7 days to heal after a light chemical peel and new skin may be temporarily lighter or darker than normal. However, depending on the type of peel you go for, it may take several weeks/months to see the full results of the peel, and repeated treatments may be necessary to achieve the best results.
Chemical peels are an effective treatment to revitalize and brighten the skin, improve skin texture and tone, and lessen the appearance of acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, and other blemishes.
Chemical Peels in Dallas, TX
At Privé Aesthetics in Dallas, Texas, our highly-trained professionals offer a variety of safe and affordable chemical peels to reduce acne scarring, revitalize the skin,and leave skin smoother, clearer, healthier, and more youthful. Plus, we provide a range of skin care products and other medspa treatments, such as laser treatments and dermal fillers, to help you look and feel your best from head to toe.
To learn more about the treatments we offer or to schedule a consultation, call at (817) 739-6640, use our online appointment request form, or visit us today in Hillcrest Ave, Dallas. We are conveniently located right across the street from Southern Methodist University.