Treating Acne With Chemical Peels

Practically all teenagers suffer from acne at one time or another, but sometimes it's only a few 'zits' or pimples. In more severe cases though, the acne can be a variety of spots called whiteheads or blackheads, or even worse they can be large red, inflamed spots termed cysts. Severe acne can in some cases leave scarring, and these skin pimples, spots and cysts usually change the tone of the skin, leaving a darker tone.

Acne is not dangerous, but can leave skin scars. Oil glands located under the skin connect to the pores (tiny holes) in human skin. Follicles (small canals) connect the glands to the pores. An oily liquid called sebum is produced in these glands. Dead skin cells are carried by the sebum through the follicles to the surface of the skin. From each follicle a small hair grows through the skin. When these follicles get blocked, oil accumulates under the skin and pimples develop. During puberty, hormonal changes can cause excess oils in the skin, so acne is common in teenagers. Adults can also develop acne later on in life, which is called adult acne, so it's not just teenagers who suffer from acne.

Sometimes adult acne is caused by overproduction of or hypersensitivity to the male hormones called androgens. When both male and female hormones (estrogen) are imbalanced, it also results in a breakout. For women, this can happen during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. Some medications, such as corticosteroids, and cosmetics can also contribute to the development of acne.

Chemical peels are a very good treatment for mild and moderate adult acne. Chemical peels work by exfoliating the skin; this removes dead skin cells which have clogged the pores, and cleanses the skin of the dirt. The formation of acne pimples and spots is reduced. In addition, chemical peels can take away some of the uneven skin tone and skin discolouration that acne causes.

A very cost effective acne treatment is offered by chemical peels. They are also a very safe treatment for acne. The top layers of the skin are exfoliated and cleansed by superficial chemical skin peels that remove all the dead skin cells. We usually recommend a regime of six peels, with at least one week between each treatment. A reduction in the amount of acne breakouts will be noticeable, and skin texture will improve too.

For your chemical peel acne treatment, make sure to approach a credible skin care clinic. Before you have chemical peels to treat your acne, obtain advice on how the chemical peel treatment will benefit your skin type by consulting a reputable clinic.