Why Are Chemical Peels Used To Treat Acne?

 Chemical peels are the process of removing a layer of damaged skin to show a newer healthier skin. Daily living can damage your skin from a number of factors such as pollution, sun exposure,  makeup residue, and the aging process. More of the aging or oily and  acne prone  skin population are turning to chemical peels to keep their skin fresh and healthy looking.

It’s important to note there are many types of peels and varying levels of intensity’s. Also if you choose to buy any form of acid always look at seller reviews to make certain you are buying from a reputable source. Wear sunscreen after use as chemical peels as you are more susceptible to the sun.

How often do you need a chemical peel?

These mild, superficial peels usually need a series of five to six treatments about a week apart to see the greatest results. But as always follow the directions given by the company you choose to buy from.

The different types of chemical peels

Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHA’s and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA’s)are derived from natural materials. The AHA’s consist of lactic acid derived from sour milk, and glycolic acid derived from sugar cane. These acids are all mild superficial peels that only effect the top layer of your skin. Salicylic acid is considered a BHA, and comes from birch bark.

Tips to keep in mind

• The more you layer the peel the stronger it becomes
• You don’t necessarily have to buy a separate neutralizer, just a mix of water and baking soda will do the trick. It will bubble upon contact get hot for a moment and then it will be neutralized.
• Always apply sunscreen if you are going outside,  your skin will be more likely burn without the top protective layers. Besides being more likely to burn it can also result in sun ( brown) spots if sunscreen is not used.

What intensity should you use-

Licensed aestheticians , such as myself, are not trained or licensed to go above a 30% solution without a doctor. I think it would be a reasonable rule to apply to home use as well. Results are shown in as little as 5% solutions, so keep that in mind if your tempted to try higher concentrations to start with.

Lactic Acid Peel 20% 1oz. -is the mildest peel in the AHA family.   Lactic Acid is one of the most mild of chemical peels and derived from soured milk. Lactic acid is for treating hyper pigmentation. Hyper pigmentation is a harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. Hyper pigmentation can affect the skin color of people of any race. A common type of hyper pigmentation is sun spots, age spots, melasma, and spots left after acne breakouts. This peel is good for oily or dry skin, and helps treat fine lines also.

Latic acid before and after

Glycolic Acid 30% Gel Peel – Enhanced with Retinol and Green Tea Extract (Professional Chemical Peel)
is the next step up in intensity from Lactic acid. Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane, and good for normal to oily skin. Glycolic acid works by gently dissolving the glue that holds down dead surface skin cells. The result is smoother, more even skin in texture and tone. Glycolic acid will help reduce acne such as black heads and white heads on the surface of the skin. Over time acne prone skin will see a reduction in breakouts with continued regular usage. Glycolic acid can also reduce the appearance of fine lines, sun spots and other physical signs of aging skin

Glycolic Peel Before and After

SALICYLIC Acid 30% Skin Chemical Peel follows glycolic acid in intensity, and is considered a BHA. BHA’s are oil soluble allowing the acid to go deeper into the pores. Salicylic acid works by allowing the cells on the top layer of skin to shed properly. This prevents pores from getting clogged up and bacteria from forming. Also works on existing white heads and black heads by breaking down the skin.  Salicylic acid is most commonly found in acne treatment creams and dandruff shampoos

                Salicylic acid peel before and after

Cons and Possible Side Effects Of Chemical Peels-

In general, the deeper the peel, the greater the risk of side effects and complications. Chemical peels can result in:

• Redness. Expect some redness of the skin after a chemical peel.  The lighter peels redness usually only lasts a couple of hours.
• Color changes in the skin. Treated areas may be darker or lighter than the surrounding skin.
• Crusting and scaling.
• Swelling, especially around the eyes.
• Scarring.
• Allergic reaction to the chemical.
• Infection. People who have a history of herpes outbreaks are especially prone to infection after a chemical peel.
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Please note that medium peels are not recommended for at home use! The woman pictured below preformed a medium to high intensity peel at home without the care of licensed professionals and can/probably will end up with bad results!!

 Sources:http://www.webmd.com/beauty/peels/chemical-peel