Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States; according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), nearly everyone will get pimples, usually between the ages of 12 and 20. Most acne is merely a nuisance and will clear with proper skin cleansing and possibly over-the-counter treatment. But in some patients, acne is stubborn and extremely disfiguring. Acid peels may be effective as part of an overall treatment strategy for moderate to severe acne, according to the AAD.
Significance
When the oil-producing glands in the skin make too much oil, that oil then blocks pores on the skin's surface, leading to pimples and blackheads, according to the AAD. Acid peels, also known as chemical peels, use an acid solution to force the skin to shed its upper layer. This reduces the number of active acne lesions and blackheads, resulting in partial clearing of the skin.
Function
During the acid peel procedure, which generally is performed in a dermatologist's office but also is offered in some spa facilities, the dermatologist or technician applies the acid solution to the treatment area. The patient feels a warm sensation on the skin for up to 10 minutes, and then may feel stinging. After treatment, the skin appears red or sunburned, and starts to peel within a few days, according to the AAD.
Effects
At least one medical study has shown acid peels are effective in treating moderate to severe acne. In that study, published in 2008 in the journal "Dermatologic Surgery," researchers compared peels using glycolic acid to those using salicylic acid. Twenty patients received a total of six treatments each involving a glycolic acid peel on one side of their face and a salicylic acid peel on the other side. The study reported that both treatments reduced acne lesions significantly after two treatments. However, the salicylic acid peel had more sustained effectiveness two months after the treatments concluded, and also had fewer side effects.
Time Frame
Acne patients considering acid peels likely will need a series of treatments over several months to achieve their desired effect, the "Dermatologic Surgery" study notes. In addition, patients who achieve skin clearing through acid peels may see their acne return after several months, which would necessitate additional treatments or possibly a change in treatment strategy.
Considerations
The AAD warns that although acid peels have not been proven effective long-term against acne, they may have a place in an overall treatment program for the common skin disorder. Because they work by clearing blackheads and clogged pores, acid peels can be part of an overall strategy that also targets inflammation and bacterial infection.
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