Can A Chemical Peel Help With My Acne Treatment?

Exfoliation or a chemical peel is when a chemical is applied to your skin. This actually causes a mild destruction of the skin, that way, the healing can be controlled and usually results in reduced scars and wrinkles. Sometimes chemical peels can help correct pigmentation irregularities and decrease damage caused by the sun. Acne is always effectively treated by exfoliation.

The following conditions can be treated with chemical peels:

• Acne Precancerous lesions caused by the sun
• Mild to moderate wrinkles Pregnancy mask
• Liver or age spots Mild acne scars
• Benign overgrowths of skin Flat warts.

Chemical peeling works by causing partial destruction of the upper layers of skin. New collagen grows on the skin resulting in a smoother, more refined skin tone. Peeling agents used today are glycolic acid, trichloraoacetic acid and phenol.

Trichloraoacetic acid (TCA) is the preferred medium peeling agent at Miramar Dermatology because of its versatility. TCA has been used for many years in concentrations from 15 to 35 percent. 20-25 percent TCA is a light peeling agent and if repeated every two to four weeks, can give the results of a deeper peel without the risk of scarring as sometimes seen with stronger agents. There is also no associated down time.