Having to deal with acne is perhaps one of the most stressful things about being a teenager.  Acne, is of course most common during adolescent years due to the rampaging hormones, however it can still happen to older people too plus the scars left from teenage acne can last with the individual until the day they day.

Scars on any part of the body is stressful enough, however when the scaring occurs on the face, it can very embarrassing and make the sufferer feel ugly and lacking in confidence.  So it’s no wonder that so many different treatments exist to help those looking for facial acne scar treatment.

The reason the acne scars occur in the first place is because when the body is trying to heal the acne you end up with a excess of collagen left behind.  If you have what’s called hyperpigmentation  (PIH), this is just a discoloration produced because of too much melanin.  Luckily this kind of acne scarring will normally fade over time.

Facial acne scar treatment for mild to moderate cases can involve injectable fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane and fat injections.  There are also chemical peels like the Salicylic peel which can be used on its own or in conjunction with microdermabrasion.  Another peel that can be used is the TCA peels which you can get at different percentages depending on your condition.

If you are looking for a facial acne scar treatment for moderate to severe scars then you can look at laser treatments, dermabrasion and also surgery.  There are different options when it comes to these treatments.  For instance if you choose a laser treatment then you will need to decide between Erbium and CO2.  With Erbium you will need multiple treatments however the recovery time is minimal.  CO2 laser on the other hand just requires one or two treatments but it can take days to recover and can be painful.

With dermabrasion a little wheel with a rough surface is used to basically grind down the scarring.  It can work very well for most people and will cost between $1,000 and $3,000 depending on where you live.  For surgery treatments you can use Subcision, Punch graft or Punch excision.

Please note that there are many a facial acne scar treatment out there so make sure you do your research to find out which one you like the most.  Read reviews written by people who have gone through the facial acne scar treatment so you get a clearer idea of what’s involved.  Talking to a surgeon is a good idea because they will be able to look at your scarring and advise on the best course of action.

Salicylic acid chemical peels are effective for the treatment skin that is affected by acne as it is an excellent exfoliating agent that will help to clear up whiteheads and blackheads and improve the appearance of the skin. They are also effective in the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles and for improving the overall tone of the skin. Salicylic acid chemical peels are among the most well tolerated of the chemical peels and usually have the least side effects.

What is salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is a member of the class of acids called beta hydoxy acids which also included beta hydroxybutanoic acid, tropic acid and trethocanic acid. These acids are made in the laboratory in contrast to the alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid which are extracted from sugar cane or fruits. Salicylic acid is similar to acetylsalicylic acid which you will be familiar with as it is more commonly known as aspirin and is synthesised from extracts from willow tree bark.

What is salicylic acid used for?

Salicylic acid is an excellent exfoliating agent and is used in both creams and lotions for the treatment of acne and in chemical peels. For creams and gels the concentration is usually less than 5% and for chemical peels much higher at 20-30%.

How does salicylic acid act as an exfoliant?

Salicylic acid is a small molecule that can penetrate the upper layers of the skin and reach below the dead cells. Here it can break the bonds that attach the dead cells to the skin thus allowing them to be removed easily. Once the dead cells are removed this leaves behind the newer, healthy cells which leaves the skin looking healthier and fresher. One advantage of the beta hydroxy acids over the alpha hydroxy acids is that they are soluble in fats so acne penetrate skin that is oily more effectively. This makes them more efficient at cleaning the pores of oils and sebum so they are more effective for those suffering from acne.

Are Salicylic chemical peels suitable for those with sensitive skin?

In general salicylic acid peels are well tolerated and can be used by most people with sensitive skin.

Can salicylic acid peels be used at home?

They should be used only by professional trained in their use as it is neccessary to take precautions against inhaling beta hydroxy acids.

How is a salicylic acid peel performed?

Before the peel solution is applied the skin is cleaned thoroughly then the solution applied and left on the skin for ten to fifteen minutes. Once removed mild lotion or cold compresses are applied to minimise any irritation. Over the next few days the top layer of dead skin cells will flake off. There may be some irritation during this time but it should be mild and temporary. After any kind of skin peel it is essential to use a good sunscreen as the skin will be more sensitive to the sun. Your therapist should give you detailed skin care instructions.

How much do salicylic acid skin peels cost?

These types of skin peel are not cheap! One treatment may be as much as $100 and usually two or three treatments are recommended for good results.