Archive for May, 2010

• How Do Chemical Peels Work To Remove Acne Scars?

  Date: 2010.05.09 | Category: Chemical treatment info | Response: 0

  Chemical peels are supposed to be the very best choice for the treatment of acne scars and it is becoming more popular, as these treatments seem to be efficient at treating acne with very little complications. What a chemical peel does is it removes the top layer of the affected skin leaving the bottom layer of fresh unaffected skin exposed. Before considering using chemical peels as an acne treatment you should seek the advice of a trained cosmetic surgeon who is experienced in this field. The surgeon will be able to determine if you are a suitable candidate for chemical peels for acne after he has studied your skin color, how oily your skin is and how severe your acne condition is. It is believed that people who have superficial acne or acne scars alone, are the best suited for this type of treatment.

  Two of the mildest forms of peels for acne are Alphahydroxy acids and Betahydroxy acids. Lighter chemical peels for acne do not require much recovery time, although it is normal for people to experience slight redness and irritation and may also experience some crusting which will eventually subside as the body adjusts to the treatment. These lighter treatments are usually repeated every six weeks. Chemical peels for acne may also include salicylic acid, which is very effective in the treatment of acne. Chemical Peels for acne are not recommended for people who have severe and very active acne or those who are pregnant.

  Stronger chemical peels for acne, which include trichloroacetic acid and phenol treatments, penetrate deeper layers of skin and last longer than the lighter treatments, although the recovery times is generally longer and these strong peels for acne are sometimes associated with greater risks such as side effects and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Due to certain limitations in not all types of acne conditions can be treated effectively with this type of treatment.

  Another type is the TCA peel, which is ideal not only for the removal of acne scars, but also for removing shallow tattoos and age spots and is also recommended for large pores. It helps remove the layers of dead skin that can cause acne infection to get blocked and releases the impurities allowing the skin to heal with a much healthier look. TCA peel also help increase the blood flow and circulation, which in turn stimulates your skin cells allowing them to rejuvenate and build up collagen and elastic fibers which strengthen the skin.

  By Sarah H

• Benefits of Chemical Peels

  Date: 2010.05.09 | Category: Chemical treatment info | Response: 0

  A chemical peel is a facial treatment used to improve the texture of the skin by applying a chemical solution that causes the shedding of old damaged surface cells. This treatment leaves the regenerated skin smoother and less wrinkled. Chemical peels are beneficial for the treatment of fine wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, dryness, and acne. Milder forms of chemical peels can be done at home, while the stronger types are performed by professionals.

  The skin has a normal cellular turnover in which older cells are replaced by newer skin cells. This turnover rate gradually declines with increasing age and sun exposure, leaving behind the appearance of older skin.

  Glycolic acid peels react with the outer layer of the epidermis. They weaken the binding properties that hold the dead skin cells together and stimulate new growth of skin underneath. This allows the outer layer of dead skin cells to be removed gradually. The skin underneath has a healthier, fresher appearance with more even color and texture. Regular treatments are also helpful in stabilizing acne prone, oily skin and improving skin tone.

  Chemical facial peels vary in strength, and only professionals can administer stronger acid concentrations. These treatments can be repeated every week or two due to rapid recovery rates. Multiple treatments may be needed to see the desired results.

  The face should be thoroughly cleansed prior to application. Peels are usually left on the face for only a few minutes, depending on the strength. The solution is then neutralized and washed off. Mild redness, stinging and irritation may occur. Stronger peels may cause more redness and the recovery time may last several days. There is little to no recovery time with milder glycolic treatments. Mild peeling may occur for a few days following treatment.

  One of the most popular types of mild chemical peels contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHA). Alpha hydroxy acids are organic acids derived from natural sources. Glycolic acid is the most commonly used type of alpha hydroxy acid for facial treatments. It is derived from sugar cane. This small alpha hydroxyl acid is odorless, colorless, and soluble in water. Lactic and citric acid are also useful is skin care products.

  Mild forms of glycolic chemical peels containing less than 10% acid can be used by consumers at home. Stronger peels containing a higher concentration of acids are administered by professionals such as dermatologists. Other types of chemical peels offered by professionals include beta hydroxyl acid peels, trichloroacetic acid peels, retinoic acid peels, and phenol peels. These deeper treatments are much stronger and are often administered with sedation and pain medication.

  Alpha hydroxy acids can also be included in facial cleansers in lower concentrations. These facial washes cleanse and buff away surface cells, leaving the skin smooth and fresh. Mild acidic cleansers can be included in a daily skincare routine. They gently retexture the skin over a period of a few months.

  Glycolic acid has an excellent capacity to penetrate the skin, and is used for many types of facial care products. With higher concentrations and long term use, glycolic acid can also affect the deeper skin layers. Elastin and collagen can regenerate leaving fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable.

  Glycolic acid peels have the ability to rejuvenate the skin by increasing the shedding of old damaged surface cells. This improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and strips away plugs where acne can form. Chemical peel treatments containing glycolic acid reduce uneven pigmentation, control acne, smooth rough dry skin, and improve the texture of sun damaged skin.

  By Amanda Stone