Acne blemishes occur when oil, dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells plug a facial pore. The pore enlarges as it becomes plugged, and a pimple, whitehead or blackhead can form. Treating these lesions with spot treatments may take time to strip the pore. However, a chemical peel is able to penetrate more deeply into the skin in order to clear acne lesions.
Significance
Creating a chemical peel involves mixing a chemical solution that penetrates the skin, causing it to blister and then peel, according to DocShop.com. Not only does the chemical peel encourage exfoliation that reduces the appearance of acne blemishes, it also can reduce acne scarring.
Types
The chemical peel type you choose will depend upon the severity of your acne and scarring. Some acne requires only a mild facial peel, such as an alpha hydroxy acid peel. These peels can be applied with minimal side effects. For more severe cases of acne, a trichloroacetic acid peel may be used. This penetrates more deeply and it may take you up to a week to recover. Phenol peels are considered the deepest form of chemical peel and require a doctor's supervision and anesthesia.
Benefits
Chemical peels used to treat acne are effective in removing both blackheads and whiteheads, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Because the peel also reduces the amount of oil and dead skin cells in the pores, pimples will also improve in appearance following a chemical peel. The skin also is left smoother and more even in tone.
Side Effects
Side effects of a chemical peel often depend upon the strength used. Because milder peels are often all that is needed to treat acne, side effects include redness, irritation and skin flaking. If you do undergo a deeper peel, crusting, swelling and increased sun sensitivity also can occur, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Time Frame
While a chemical peel offers a noticeable difference in acne after one application, several applications may be necessary in order to experience optimal results. Mild peels may be performed every other week, while deeper peels can only be performed on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
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