Why treat scars with a chemical peel?

By KATHY on 27 Apr 2006

Why would I want to treat my acne scars with a chemical peel if the risk from a chemical peel is scarring?

Does that make sense? Maybe the risk is really low.

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Beauty in Seattle 3 May 2007

Chemical peels are classified into 3 different strengths: Superficial, medium-depth and deep peel. An example of a superficial peel is a glycolic, AHA peel or BHA peel. These peels are said to be effective at lightening acne scars. You should plan on having about 6 superficial peels to be equal in strength to one medium depth peel. A medium depth peel such as the Obagi Blue peel or a TCA peel will give you more pronounced results and deeper peeling. Phenol peels are the deepest and often done under sedation. A phenol peel will remove wrinkles and acne scars but will also remove all signs of pigment in your skin.

Perhaps you should start with a milder peel and see the results before moving on to a stronger medium-depth peel. A superficial chemical peel should not cause scaring, unless you pick at the skin that is peeling off your face. It is imperative that you let your skin heal and do not speed the process of peeling by picking.

guest (unregistered guest) 17 Jun 2007

Hi, I just had a 50% glycolic acid peel and if I remember correctly the procedure was done so fast I didn't notice it. However, I remember that my aesthetician rubbed my face after she put the acid on my face and that didn't seem correct. I asked her if I would experience any peeling and she said that I wouldn't because all the peeling happened in the facial. That doesn't sound legitimate. Can anyone else help me with their experience? Thank you!

Theresa 25 Apr 2008

You say your aesthetician applied a 50% strength on your face? If she did she is lying! Legally a aesthetician can only apply glycolic peel no stronger than 30%. Only a licensed medical profession (medical doctor) is permitted to apply glycolic peel 50% or stronger to a client's face. Also, I've had a 50% glycolic peel done to my face 4x already. Yes, it is true that some of the dead skin will slough off right after the acid is washed off, however, in a period of 2 to 4 days you will experience dryness and peeling of dead skin. I doubt very much she used a 50% glycolic peel on your face.

guest (unregistered guest) 24 Jun 2007

I have 3rd degree burns on my chin, i look like a tool bag.

heatherhhhh 17 Apr 2009

My girlfriend is an aesthecian and she has done them to herself & many of my friends. First she should have given you a pamphlet that you sign with full instructions. Per my booklet & friend you will really really peel, but don't pick at it, cut it off because you could peel raw skin that will cause scarring. Stay out of the sun, including overcast (sun rays are more harmful) for a long period, a client of hers didn't listen & he came back with blister all over. Use sunblock for several days, wear a hat if you do go out for a while. 30% comment is true. And you can peel up to ten days. Your girl didn't sound very experienced.

Purvisha Patel, MD 31 Jul 2010

what a good question. The type of peel that you get would depend on the amount of scaring and the desired results. The goal of the peel is to slough off the top layer of skin to get the body to heal itself and make more collagen/newer skin underneath. If the peel is too deep or the chemical is placed in certain areas prone to scar- then as the skin is healing after the peel, scaring is a risk. If the correct peel is chosen and applied correctly the risk is minimal.

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Why treat scars with a chemical peel?

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