Acne can be a frustrating skin condition at any age, and topical treatments and ointments may only end up irritating the inflamed and sensitive patches of skin. Acne breakouts can be the result of hormones, an unhealthy lifestyle and factors beyond the sufferer’s control; however, there are several cosmetic treatments that can help clear up the skin and reduce the frequency of breakouts.
Chemical peels are powerful exfoliating treatments that help draw out impurities and damaged skin cells embedded under the skin’s surface, and also speed up healthy skin cell production.
A series of mild chemical peels may be particularly effective for acne-prone skin because they can reduce the risk of breakouts and also help even out skin discoloration caused by acne scars. If you are suffering from bouts of acne or need to treat skin after acne breakouts, consider some of these chemical peels that are suitable for your sensitive skin type:
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) Peels for Acne
Alpha hydroxy acid peels work by breaking down the upper layers of the skin and removing any irritants and toxins that may have built up on the skin’s surface. These peels are mild enough to treat acne-prone skin, but powerful enough to stimulate collagen production. Increased collagen means the skin’s surface appears much more healthy and the tissues become stronger. AHA peels not only clear up acne breakouts, but also even out the skin tone to create a rejuvenated appearance.
Salicylic Acid Peels for Acne
If you have been suffering from acne for several years, your skin may be able to handle a more intensive salicylic acid peel. These peels can help to break up unhealthy skin cells on the surface and penetrate lower into the skin to trigger collagen production. The right concentration of salicylic acid can be very effective at clearing up acne and breakouts, but these medical-grade peels may be too powerful for overly sensitive skin types.
Some skincare specialists may use a mild then higher concentration of salicylic acid for a series of peels so that the skin can adapt to the treatment better; as long as the skin is not overcompensating for the damage caused by the peel by producing excess oil, salicylic acid can be used to clear up the skin within a few months.
Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Peels for Acne
If you have several patches of acne blemishes and scars, beta hydroxy acid peels may help with acne scar removal and some existing breakouts. These are a mild-moderate type of peel that can help exfoliate the upper layers of skin and also clean up a ruddy complexion. Some cosmetic dermatologists recommend BHA peels only after the majority of the breakouts have been treated with an AHA or salicylic acid peel.
Published: 01/16/2009, Last Updated: 01/16/2009
By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
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