Whether you experience it as a teen or as an adult, acne is a distressing skin condition Luckily, there are ways to get rid of those unsightly and uncomfortable bumps. Chemical peels are a great acne treatment option that many people are embracing. But how does a chemical peel work?
Let’s take a look at what chemical peels are and how they can work to fight acne and give you the clear, radiant skin you’re looking for.
What are Chemical Peels?
A chemical peel is a skin rejuvenation treatment where a chemical solution is applied to the skin. The solution then removes the top layer of skin. The skin that grows back is smoother and more radiant. What chemicals are used depends on the severity of the acne and the desired results.
How Do Chemical Peels Work?
There are three levels of chemical peel treatments: superficial or light, medium-depth, and deep peels. Each level holds different benefits, recovery time, and side effects.
Chemical peels work by removing the outer layer of the skin, which triggers new skin growth and eliminates dead skin cells, debris, and excess oil, thus minimizing and eliminating acne.
The results of a chemical peel are made possible through a combination of chemicals. The types of acids used typically fall under four main categories;
Beta-hydroxy acids or salicylic acid
This acid works by loosening and removing the top skin layer and dissolving the dirt and oils that cause acne.
Phenol
This is the most powerful acid used during chemical peels and is reserved for extreme acne and acne scarring. This is only used during a deep peel.
Alpha-hydroxy acids
The active acids here are lactic and glycolic. They encourage the sloughing off of dead cells by reducing their attachment to healthy skin.
Trichloroacetic acids
TCA works by stimulating new cell growth and is primarily used for medium-depth chemical peels to remove the top layer of dead skin cells.
Benefits of Using Chemical Peels to Treat Acne
Some of the main benefits of chemical peels include:
- The chemical solution helps unclog the skin pores, removing the trapped dirt and oils and eliminating acne.
- The solution can brighten and fade acne scars over time.
- The results from the treatment are visible within seven to ten days (more time is needed for a deep peel).
- A peel can help clear acne but can also diminish sun damage, soften fine lines, reduce hyperpigmentation, and give the skin a radiant glow.
- The pores are minimized during the peel, thus reducing the occurrence of future acne breakouts.
Schedule A Consultation
There is no denying that chemical peels are a revolutionary treatment and have provided hope for many people with acne-prone skin. Are you ready to see your inner glow shine through? Schedule a consultation with our team at Grace + Grey Medspa today! Call our Pensacola, FL office at (850) 204-0381 or use our online contact form.
