Posted on 13th April, 2023 at 11:24:58 AM
Acne is a very common problem among a large number of people across ages and genders. A lot of young people in their teenage experience acne troubles, which usually resolve with time. For some people, due to certain hormonal imbalances or skin conditions, the acne problem may persist and leave scars well into adulthood. These scars can be difficult to treat, leaving marks that a lot of people do not like.
Fortunately, a few different treatment options available for acne scars are affordable and accessible. In today’s post, we will discuss the chemical peel technique that is available in Kolkata.
What are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are a form of cosmetic treatment that includes the application of a chemical solution to the skin, removing the top layer of dead skin cells. This process is used to stimulate the growth of new, healthy skin cells that help to remove old scars by replacing the dead skin, giving more even-toned skin. This non-invasive procedure can help improve the quality of the skin, heal acne scars, and remove dead and dry skin.
The chemical peel procedure can be performed by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. The peels vary on the depth of penetration into the skin. There are mainly 3 types of chemical peels that are used in the treatment:
1. There are superficial peels that work only on the outer layer of the skin
2. Medium peels are used to go to the second layer of the skin
3. Deep peels are used for major cases where they are more skin damage and deeper scarring.
Types of Chemical Peels
The type of chemical peel used for acne scar removal will depend on the level of damage to the skin. The treatment must be regulated to match the skin type and safely remove the dead skin.
Here is a brief outline of what happens in the different treatments and how they can help your skin.
1. Superficial Peels
These are the mildest chemical peel, used only on the outermost layer of the skin. Superficial peels are made of alpha or beta hydroxy acids (AHAs or BHAs), consisting of salicylic or glycolic acids. These peels are safe for different skin types and do not take more than 30 minutes to work. There is no major aftereffect from the procedure, and it is usually recommended.
2. Medium Peels
Medium peels are used on the skin for cases that cannot be resolved with superficial peels. These are made from trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which goes deeper into the skin and helps to treat moderate acne scars. These peels also help in improving skin texture and pigmentation. These peels take about an hour, and patients may experience redness and swelling for a few days.
3. Deep Peels
The deep peel treatment is the most intensive treatment used for very severe acne scars. The peels are made from phenol, and the procedure is performed by a professional dermatologist. It can take up to two hours, with significant redness and swelling for a few weeks. Patients have often been prescribed an aftercare regimen with pain medication and strict skincare treatment. However, the procedure has been known to give significant results.
Chemical Peel Procedure
The chemical peel procedure is relatively straightforward and typically involves the following steps:
1. Skin is cleansed to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup.
2. Using a brush or cotton swab, a chemical solution is applied to the skin. The intensity of the solution is decided based on the skin condition of the patients and the extent of the damage.
3. After a specified amount of time, the chemical solution is neutralized to stop peeling.
4. The chemical solution is removed from the skin, and the skin is cleaned again.
5. A soothing ointment is applied to the skin to reduce redness and irritation.
Though the chemical peel procedure for acne treatment is non-invasive, taking care of the skin after is essential. Usually, a specific aftercare plan is provided to patients, including no direct sun exposure, using medicated skin products, and avoiding picketing at the skin. These are important to avoid any kind of complication and avoid long-term problems from the treatment.
