Chemical peels for acne can drastically improve a patient's acne condition and the overall appearance of their skin. Chemical peels for acne work by removing the surface layers of the skin in order to expose the fresh and unaffected layers below. The popularity of chemical peels for acne is growing rapidly, as these treatments are proving to be efficient at treating acne with little risk of complications.

When considering chemical peels for acne, it is important to speak to a cosmetic surgeon who is trained and experienced at these types of treatments. You and a doctor can discuss your medical history, current condition, and desired results in order to determine if chemical peels for acne are right for you. Some states do not require that a person obtain a medical degree in order to administer chemical peels for acne, but it is vital to seek treatment from a specialist who has expertise in skin resurfacing techniques.

A surgeon will take into account your skin color, extent of sun damage, oiliness of your skin, and your acne condition in order to determine your eligibility for chemical peels for acne. The best candidates for chemical peels for acne are those patients who have superficial acne or acne scars alone. Patients who have severe and very active acne and those who are pregnant or lactating may not be good candidates for chemical peels for acne. In addition to chemical peels for acne, these treatments can also improve skin pigmentation and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

When considering chemical peels for acne there are many options to consider. Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) and Betahydroxy acids (BHAs) are two of the mildest formulations used in chemical peels for acne and other skin imperfections. Some chemical peels for acne also include salicylic acid, which is often very effective in treating acne. Lighter chemical peels for acne do not generally require a lot of downtime, though it is normal for patients to experience mild redness, irritation, and crusting which will subside as the body adjusts to treatment. Lighter chemical peels for acne usually require that treatments be repeated every six weeks or so.

Stronger chemical peels for acne, including trichloroacetic acid and phenol treatments, act on deeper layers of skin tissue. The results of these chemical peels for acne often last longer than the results of lighter treatments, though the recovery period is generally longer. Deeper chemical peels for acne are also associated with a greater risk of side effects and increased sensitivity to the sun.

Chemical peels for acne do have certain limitations and may not be effective at treating all kinds of acne conditions. Chemical peels for acne can be combined with microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and/or dermal fillers to achieve cost-effective results catered to individual patient's needs.

If you are interested in chemical peels for acne, you may wish to speak to a qualified cosmetic surgeon who can evaluate your skin condition and a variety of other factors to determine what chemical peels for acne would work best for you.