The use of glycolic acid for the removing of acne scars is carried out through the use of a chemical peel containing glycolic acid. To understand how a chemical peel works, we must first understand the causes of scars and how to prevent them.
Our skin has sebaceous glands which produce oil to moisturize the skin. Bacteria that form on our skin from acne metabolize this oil, and the by-product of this action leaves the skin irritated. As the skin becomes irritated, the tiny hair follicles become clogged and begin to collect debris, such as dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. When this dirt and oil is not cleaned properly, either by the body's own natural defenses, or by general cleansing, it can travel down into deeper tissue causing very severe acne.
The dermis then determines that there are foreign substances in the skin that need to be removed. As the body begins this process, the skin begins to become inflamed, causing scarring.
Glycolic acid chemical peels are chemical treatments used to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. During a chemical peel, the skin is not really peeled off. What happens is a thin layer of the top surface is removed, and healthy skin cells that are trapped underneath can appear. The top layer is actually dissolved and removed, causing a very slight wound to the skin, causing the natural defenses of healing to occur. The strength of the peel is determined on the amount of glycolic acid added to the solution.
Glycolic peels are often thought of as, "lunch time peels", because they are quick and easy to do. Glycolic acid is actually a form of alpha-hydroxy acid and is generally found in such things as, sugarcane, pineapple, grapes, and other fruits. Glycolic acid peels can be used at home or administered by a dermatologist.
Glycolic acid for the removing of acne scars are thought of as very easy to use, and are considered a mild form of chemical peels. While these are considered mild, the level of acid in them makes them stronger. These peels can also be weakened with baking soda and water to neutralize the acid effect. These peels can really help with acne breakouts, and the results last about a month.
The only way to use a strong glycolic peel, you will have to go to a dermatologist who will apply a solution with the concentration of about 20 to 80 percent. The stronger the acid level in the peel, the deeper level of tissue will be removed.
Retin-A has been combined with glycolic acid for the removing of acne scars.
Before allowing a dermatologist to administer a glycolic acid peel, there are a few questions you should ask to make sure that you are in a professional, safe clinic. Make sure that the dermatologist is a licenced, certified doctor. Ask if the use of lasers would be added to your chemical peel for better treatment. Ask if they are going to use a topical treatment after your peel to further the healing of your skin. Ask about the experience of the doctor in applying these chemical peels, and you can ask to see photos of other patients that underwent that particular type of treatment so that you can see the effects.
By doing your research, and asking questions, your doctor can determine the best course of action to take in treating acne, and acne scarring.
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