Chemical Peel for Acne? See Results in One Treatment!
One of the most challenging and painful skin concerns is acne. We’re not talking about a couple of pimples here. Hormonal or cystic acne is a significant concern that causes painful inflamed acne.
Over the last few decades, estheticians have a new scientific approach that works! Chemical peels provide a deeply penetrating solution to cystic acne and scarring. Without a huge investment, you can eliminate persistent breakouts for good.
We’re going under the surface today to explore the effects of chemical peels on acne.
What are the different types of chemical peels usually used for acne?
Chemical peels have been around for over 100 years. Doctors have used them for all types of skin concerns, from wrinkles and sun damage to hyperpigmentation and acne. The first peels combined acids to break down the chemical bonds in the top layer of your skin.
You expose your face to everything in the environment. Even with regular skin care, keratinized or hardened cells lock in the contaminants. Peels remove that top layer of dead skin cells, reveal the layers beneath, and speed up cell regeneration!
For those of us with acne, those layers are where breakouts start.
Jessner’s solution and salicylic acid peels are the most commonly used for acne chemical peel treatments, because they’re superficial to medium-depth.
Different types of peels are classified by how deeply they penetrate the skin. Superficial peels only affect the top layer, medium-depth penetrates further down, and deep peels go down further still. Deep peels are only administered under a dermatologist’s supervision, and have a long recovery period.
A superficial chemical peel are very common and are perfect for acne
Your skin has three layers that peels affect: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Superficial peels only penetrate the epidermis and are a good choice for acne. And with few side effects, it’s a good choice for a lower-maintenance peel.
Your esthetician will apply a few layers of the peel solution at your appointment. Most commonly used solutions do more than just remove dead skin cells! They also infuse your face with hydrating agents and encourage collagen production.
Because they’re a more gentle chemical peel, you’ll have minimal downtime. From beginning to end, superficial peels take around seven days to heal.
Medium-depth peels are great for more serious breakouts
Severe breakouts require a medium-depth peel for best results. When your esthetician applies the solution, the extra solution penetrates down to the top layer of the dermis and pulls out impurities.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is frequently included in medium-depth peels to stimulate the production of collagen and glycogen. These natural compounds improve skin tone and firmness.
Ingredients in chemical peels that treat acne
Chemical peel solutions contain a variety of different acidic compounds. Companies that make products for skincare often include their own blend for different results. They’ll also include hydrating chemicals to infuse moisture into the skin.
Glycolic acid is a common ingredient that exfoliates the skin
For acne-prone skin, glycolic acid is a perfect match. The naturally derived ingredient increases the production of glycogen in the skin. A side benefit is the anti-bacterial quality of the acid that kills bacteria causing acne.
Glycolic acid appears in both superficial and medium-depth peels, depending on the concentration. Unlike some other peels, glycolic acid peels require neutralizing to stop the exfoliating process.
Salicylic acid can clear your pores
In lower concentrations, salicylic acid treatments are available over the counter and may be included in your nighttime skincare routine. At levels effective for peeling, 5% to 30%, you’ll want an esthetician involved. Commonly used in superficial treatments, the chemical also breaks down oils that clog pores. It targets areas of oil concentration and clears skin! A bonus is that salicylic acid treatments don’t require neutralization.
Lactic acid works with other acids to treat skin concerns
This acid is a gentle exfoliation agent that locks in moisture in the skin. It works exceptionally well for treating acne and other concerns like fine lines and roughness. For sensitive skin, this is one of the most effective treatments. Other skin types respond well to lactic acid in chemical peels too.
The benefits of a chemical peel on acne breakouts
Chemical peel benefits on active acne are pretty dramatic. In the week after, you might notice more acne than before. This is called skin purging, and is normal. Don’t worry! The treatment pulls out impurities and early-stage breakouts.
After it subsides, the acne’s appearance will significantly decrease. You can expect smooth, clear skin with several treatments, especially in severe breakouts.
Acne scars and blemishes can be treated with chemical peels
Medium-depth peels work well for acne scars as they penetrate deeper. Parts of the peel solution encourage the skin to produce more natural anti-aging compounds.
Treat acne scars with several treatments for the best results. With each peel, your skin will look younger, plumper, smoother, and brighter!
Superficial chemical peels can target almost any part of the body
Your face isn’t the only place you can apply a superficial peel. You can reap the benefits anywhere you have sun damage or fine lines and wrinkles. Areas people have peels applied include the neck, chest, hands, and legs.
Hyperpigmentation is mistaken for acne scars, but can also be treated by chemical peels
This common skin concern looks like acne scarring but is actually concentrated melanin spots. Ingredients like lactic acid and TCA target areas of hyperpigmentation. Also called age spots, it is a common concern for those who spend time in the sun.
Golden Hour Aesthetics is here to treat your acne and reach your skincare goals!
At Golden Hour Aesthetics, we’re dedicated to a results-driven approach that helps you realize your best self. Persistent acne shouldn’t be your defining feature, and our chemical peel treatments can help. With the right approach, you’re on your way to a smoother, clear complexion.
Head to our website and check the services we offer! You don’t have to go one more day without the perfect approach to your skincare.
