Microdermabrasion

Acne treatment is incomplete without removing the dirty looking acne scars. Acne may go away but the scars remain for a lifetime. Many treatments are suggested for treatment of acne scars. Out of these chemical peeling and laser are very popular. Let us compare both of them.

Acne scars- treatment with chemical peeling-

Chemical peeling is one of the popular cosmetic procedures to remove old skin and get a fresh new skin. Chemical peeling is also called derma-peeling or chemexfoliation. As the name implies, in this procedure, the skin is peeled off with chemicals and when the new skin grows it is fresh and with lesser sun damage and wrinkles. Depending on the strength of the peeling chemical, the peeling procedure may be called- superficial, medium-depth or deep. The name refers to the depth of the skin to which the chemical peels off the old skin.

The common chemicals used for chemical peeling are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), trichloroacetic acid and phenol. Your doctor may also choose other chemicals to get the desired result. With superficial peeling, you can go back to work immediately while after getting medium or deep peeling done, you may have to let the new skin grow for some days before you go out. The pain and trouble associated with peeling also depends on the depth to which peeling is done. Superficial peeling will remove fine lines, wrinkles etc. while with deep peeling, deep scars and pre-cancerous sun damage gets removed.

Acne scars- treatment with lasers

A laser is focused high energy light. The scientific name of LASER is ‘Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation’. Ordinary light emits photons in all the directions and consists of many wavelengths. Unlike that, laser emits photons in a single direction and consists of a single wavelength. Laser therefore has very high energy and can be focused on any object or in any direction. In laser skin resurfacing, the laser burns away the unwanted skin tissues bloodlessly and gives a new shape with precise control.

Laser resurfacing is a bloodless process and doctors can control the resurfacing more accurately with it. The risk of infection is also low with this procedure. With latest lasers available, this process is revolutionizing the procedure of facial resurfacing and scar removal.

Both lasers and chemical peeling give good results. Lasers are more expensive than chemical peeling. Lasers can also be controlled much better than chemical peeling. But chemical peeling is much cheaper.

By: CD Mohatta

About the Author:

Chemical Peeling for Aging Skin Care

As the name implies Chemical peeling peels the skin with chemicals. It is also called dermapeeling or chemexfoliation. By peeling off an outer layer of the skin, it allows new skin to form, which is new and fresh, and without some wrinkles. Chemical peeling is used to remove photo aged skin damages.

How chemical peeling is done for skin care

With chemical peeling, chemical solutions are applied directly to the skin. The choice and strength of chemical depends upon the results desired. For mild peeling, mild chemicals are used and so on. Sometimes, a light peel is repeated over time to get desired effect. With mild peel, superficial wrinkles and sun damage is removed. For more damaged skin such as skin having age spots, freckles and acetinic keratoses, a medium peel is used.

Skin care and strength of chemicals

Depending upon the skin damage, and the results desired, the dermatologist decides the kind of peeling to be performed.

Skin care and peeling chemicals

Common peeling chemicals include alpha hydroxy acids, trichloroacetic acid, carbolic acid and other chemicals.

Skin care and side effects of chemical peeling

The chemicals peel the old skin and that’s sort of like a sunburn. What the doctor is doing is to remove the old skin to a certain depth. That naturally causes redness and scaling of the skin. As new skin forms, the redness and scaling disappear. With medium or deep chemical peeling, the skin may develop blisters and swelling along with redness and peeling that may last for up to two weeks.

Skin care and discomfort with chemical peeling

Some discomfort will result as the skin peels. Your doctor may prescribe lotions to reduce the discomfort. Exposure to sun must be avoided for some time and protection must be taken from sun till the new skin forms and all the side effects disappear. With chemical peeling, surface skin damage is removed.

By: Carson Danfield

About the Author:

While it is true that physical beauty is just skin deep, it is still no reason why people, particularly women, should disregard basic skin care. Since the skin is our outermost layer, it is exposed to the harsh elements of the environment. And because it is not uncommon for people to base judgments from our cover, with the face being the first thing they look at, it is only proper that we go to great lengths to keep our skin looking clean and fresh.

There are a lot of skin care products in the market today. Unlike before when a normal bar of soap was used for skin cleansing, cosmetic companies are now producing a wide variety of skin care treatments that can address various skin concerns. However, there are cases when treatments need to be more aggressive, especially for those who have aging or blemished skin. Most, if not all, of the over-the-counter products are topical in nature, meaning it only affects the epidermis or the outer layer of the skin. Aging or blemished skin needs to be treated down to the root of the problem to see definite changes.

This is where skin peeling comes in. While OTC medicines treat minor skin irritations, skin peeling makes use of more concentrated drugs to accelerate the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, thus producing regeneration of new and younger-looking skin cells. Out of all the skin peeling procedures available, the TCA skin peel is the most popular.

TCA Peel, which stands for Trichloroacetic Peel, used trichloroacetic acid to remove superficial blemishes such as post-acne scars, correct pigment problems (melasma) and smooth out fine surface wrinkles. On some occasions, TCA Peel has even been used to remove and prevent the growth of pre-cancerous lesions. It is an intermediate to deep peeling agent that is normally used in 10 to 35% concentrations, depending on the extent of peeling that the patient wishes to achieve.

According to Dr. Jean M. Loftus, an American plastic surgeon who is recognized as an expert in the field of cosmetic surgery, claims that the TCA peel is “perfect for women who want to have more than superficial peel but cannot afford the expense or recovery time of a deeper treatment. A good alternative to having the treatment done at a clinic would be through one of the medically-certified kits available online.

Unlike more aggressive modes of treatment, the TCA skin peel is considered as a minor office procedure and can be done within 15 minutes to an hour. Since TCA is a chemical that will slough off the dead surface of the skin, patients may feel a burning sensation once it is applied. Some surgeons offer their patients pain killers or sedatives in order to tolerate the pain of the procedure. After taking the medicine, TCA is then applied to the problem areas, one area at a time. It is only normal that the face turns slightly red after the chemical has been applied - this means that the TCA is already working its purpose. Iced saline is applied on the face after the procedure, to avoid further discomfort brought about by the chemical. The face will achieve to its normal color after 15 to 45 minutes. To finish off the procedure, an oil-based or steroid ointment will be slathered on the face to prevent the skin from being overly dry and to retain its normal moisture level.

By: David Maillie

About the Author:

A skin peel is surely better than peeling skin. That’s something that the skin conscious are quite sure about. For skin peels are now a hot favorite in non-surgical skin treatments. Skin peels are not only an assured and easy way to a youthful skin but are also a great cure and medication for acne and hyperpigmentation.

What makes skin peels so popular is that the treatment generally takes only about 30 minutes to an hour, per session. The best bit is that skin peels can also be used in the comfort of your home.

To start off, it’s best you visit a dermatologist for advice on the kind of peels that would suit your skin type. The best chemical peels contain Tricholoracetic Acid (TCA), a safe and non-toxic chemical. TCA is a deep peel that acts as a safe medicine for acne, wrinkles, spotty skin, blackheads, sun burns, age spots, acne scarring, oily skin and dull complexion.

However, you can always talk to your doctor if you are taking prescribed medication. The doc will suggest whether to continue the medicines during the chemical peel treatment. Skin peels containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) are generally superficial. A Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Peel is deeper.

“TCA Peel is widely recommended for darker skin medication.

It also ensures a quicker recovery period than a deep phenol peel,” says Dr Dorothy Moss. What’s more, while OTC medicines work well on minor skin problems, skin peels are a more effective and speedy medication for the removal of dead skin cells and acute acne.

Moreover, it’s an easy treatment that involves application of the chemical peel to the affected areas (neck, upper arms, back and face, avoiding the eyes, brows and lips). Iced saline is used after the treatment, to soothe the skin. The skin is back to its natural glow after 15 to 45 minutes. To round off the treatment, an oil-based ointment is smeared to soften the skin. And the greatest news is that the TCA Peel is also an effective medication to keep pre-cancerous lesions away.

You could also make natural skin peels right at home. Natural skin peels ensure elasticity, open clogged pores, soften fine lines, wrinkles, reduce hyperpigmentation and boost collagen production.

“To make a natural peel, mildly heat a pack of unflavored gelatin, add the juice of a lemon and an orange until the gelatin is well blended. Let cool and then whip an egg yolk into the mix. Apply on the face and neck and let it dry. Rinse off properly with warm water,” suggests skin specialist Rita Bogart.

And once you have made your choice of skin peels just sit back and bask in the afterglow.

By: David Maillie

About the Author:

The Obagi Blue Peel has been featured on numerous talk shows, reality shows, and even on Oprah. So, what exactly is the infamous Obagi Blue Peel and what makes it so famous or desirable? Why do womens magazines rave about it and why do women wait in line to pay $500+ per peel? This article will fully explain the Obagi Blue Peel, pure TCA alternatives, pre and post skin care treatments, what one can expect, and how to save big on a TCA peel and post treatment.

The Obagi Blue Peel is really a blue green cream invented by Dr. Obagi with dyes that color the skin so doctors, dermatologists and plastic surgeons know where the skin peel has and hasn’t been applied. It actual doesn’t have any acid in it until it is added by the doctor. Obagi Blue Peels are used with trichloroacetic acid (TCA), the active ingredient, which must be obtained seperately (for more information on the leading manufacturer of TCA for skin peels please see the link below) and then added in various strengths to the Obagi cream. Many doctors have found that using the TCA by itself in strengths of 20-50% has had better and longer lasting results and quicker application times (this results in happier patients).

The purpose of any chemical skin peels is to remove the top most layers of the skin revealing fresh, younger looking skin. Chemical skin peels range in strength from light glycolic acid to deeper TCA and phenol skin peels (we won’t mention phenol peels as thay are highly toxic, can cause skin bleaching and most doctors will not even offer them). TCA peels, like the Obagi Blue Peel mixture are the most effective of the chemical peels and have been used by tens of thousands of dootors to treat acne, rosacea, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, aging and sun damaged skin, etc… TCA has also been found to increase the production of collagen which can result in younger, more elastic and plump skin.

The Obagi Blue Peel cream slows the activity of the TCA and also weakens it so pretreatment with alpha hydroxy solutions is necessary for best results. Pure TCA, on the other hand, is a very fast acting acid and requires no pretreatment other than removing excess oil with a good soap or cleanser. The Obagi Blue Peel is applied in layers, depending on the depth desired and skin problems being addressed. Pure TCA is applied in sections. The skin will turn red and/or whiten indicating it is done and needs to be neutralized. The pure TCA is then neutralized with a soothing mixture of water, ice and baking soda. The Obagi Blue Peel does not usually need to be neutralized as it is a much weaker solution and will self neutralize on the skin.

Post peel, for any chemical peel, solutions and creams to promote healing and prevent bacterial infections are necessary. There are many over priced solutions on the market, but none work better than Neosporin antibacterial crème or its generic equivalents. Neosporin costs at most $3 (compare this to the cost of some of the post treatment cremes available as they can cost up to $100 and aren’t any more effective). Obagi Blue Peel will usually cost $500+ and requires several applications and expensive pretreatments (the required pretreatment, Obagi Nu Derm, can cost $250+) as it is a weaker peel. Pure TCA, is now available for in home use at a tremendous savings (see the link below) and requires fewer treatments for significant results.

By: David Maillie

About the Author:

So, what is a chemical peel? In a nutshell, chemical peels are a process which is used to improve the texture and smoothness of facial skin. A strong solution of chemicals is used which causes the skin to blister and peel. After an individual has gone through a chemical peel treatment, the new skin is typically more smooth and less wrinkled.

At this point, you may be wondering where to go to have this beautifying technique administered. While some chemical peels can be bought without a medical license, I would strongly recommend that you find a professional such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to do this for you.

There are several types of chemical peels being administered today:

1. Phenol peels - The strongest of all chemical peel solutions, phenol peels produce a very deep skin peel. The effects of this procedure are long lasting and improvements to an individual’s skin can be very dramatic. This method typically calls for a single treatment.

2. Beta hydroxy acid peels - Not as strong as some of the other peels, BHA peels do a good job at controlling oil, acne, and also removing dead skin cells.

3. Trichloroacetic acid peels - TCA peels are an intermediate to deep peeling agent, depending on the concentration used.

4. Alpha hydroxy acid peels - AHA peels are the mildest of all chemical peel methods and they are primarily used to treat dryness, fine wrinkles, acne, and uneven pigmentation.

5. Jessner’s peel - A technique which combines the use of resorcinol, lactic, and salicylic acids.[edit] Retinoic acid peel.

By: Jennifer Simpson

About the Author:

When it comes to beauty, a general rule of thumb is “the less the pain, the less dramatic the gain.” Keep this in mind if you’re looking for big results. For instance, if you’d like to create a satiny-smooth finish on pockmarked skin, eradicate moderate lines, or restore firmness to a slack area of the face, the quick “lunchtime” procedures we have just described probably won’t give you what you want. However, there are more intensive procedures available.

Not all big-deal treatments are performed in hospital. In fact, many are done in a dermatologist’s in-office surgery suite.

TCA peels

With the advent of laser resurfacing, PhotoFacials, and microbrasion treatments, the TCA peel has waned in popularity. Named after its active ingredient, trichloroacetic acid, the TCA peel is a medium-deep treatment that “freshens” the skin, removes some sun damage and rough scaly patches, reduces freckles and irregular pigmentation, and softens fine wrinkles. There is some evidence that it may also reduce the risk of skin cancer by destroying precancerous cells. The treatment involves painting trichloroacetic acid onto clean skin until the skin whitens.

During the 24 hours following the procedure, your skin will be slightly swollen and red. Over the next few days, the treated skin dries to a crispy brown; to keep things moist, your doctor may suggest coating your face with a thick layer of Vaseline. Things get uglier: between days 5 and 7, the leathery skin begins peeling in large sheets.

As irresistible as picking at skin is after a skin treatment, let it peel at its own pace: pulling it can cause deep scars and infections. As soon as “lour face is done shedding, you can return to your regular skin-care routine.

Jessner’s peel

The Jessner’s peel resembles the TCA peel: a medium­deep treatment that is designed to remove the top layers of skin, thus evening pigmentation, improving the skin’s texture, and minimizing fine lines. Instead of containing trichloroacetic acid, however, the Jessner’s peel consists of a mixture of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol.

The Jessner’s peel solution is applied to clean skin. Immediately afterward, your skin will be red and slightly swollen, and after 3 or 4 days, it will become dry and tight. At this point it should begin to crack and peel; to keep things moist, your doctor may suggest coating your face with a thick layer of petroleum jelly. After 5 to 7 days, skin should be healed enough for you to return to your regular skin-care routine.

On dark skin, olive-toned skin, or skin that scars easily, chemical peels, laser treatments, and dermabrasion can cause scarring, light­ colored patches, or dark patches. Do not consider any of these resurfacing treatments before getting a dermatologist’s evaluation.

By: Alien

About the Author:

When it comes to plastic surgery, many patients look to a chemical peel for returning to a more youthful skin texture. Chemical peels are noninvasive facial plastic surgical procedures and offer recovery options to meet every patient’s needs. However, as with all cosmetic procedures, chemical peels involve an unavoidable level of risk. Learn more about the risks and benefits to decide if a chemical peel is the right choice for you.

There are different levels of the chemical peel– each with its own set of risks and benefits. Procedures can be light, medium or deep. All chemical peels work to exfoliate damaged outer layers of the skin. Chemical peels also reduce acne and acne scars, eliminate sun damage and produce an even skin tone.

The Risk and Benefits Associated with Light Chemical Peels

Light chemical peels are performed with alpha-hydroxy acids. The solution is made according to the chemistry of your skin. Commonly referred to as AHA peels, light chemical peels are a perfect choice for patients wishing to create an even skin texture, reduce acne scars, fine lines and mild sun damage. The result is fresh looking, healthier skin.

The AHA peel treatment is performed in an outpatient facility and takes as little as 15 minutes. Side effects are mild and patients can immediately return to normal activities. Following the procedure, the patient may feel slight irritation or redness. Flakes and dryness are other common side effects.

Because the AHA peel is mild compared with other chemical peels, your treatment plan may require repeat treatments to achieve desired results. Your doctor may also prescribe facial creams filled with alpha-hydroxy acids to maintain results. Sun protection is also necessary, as skin is more susceptible after any chemical peel.

Medium Chemical Peels: Risks and Benefits

Medium chemical peels use solutions with trichloroacetic acid. The medium chemical peel, or TCA peel, goes deeper into the skin to reduce acne and acne scars. It also helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and other signs of sun damage.

The TCA peel is a midpoint between mild and deep chemical peels. This type of chemical peel can also be used on various parts of the body. The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes.

Depending on your circumstances, a medium peel may provide better results. But this level of cosmetic plastic surgery requires some recovery time. Following the procedure, the skin may begin to crust and form scabs. Patients may also experience facial swelling, throbbing, irritation and redness.

Recovery time usually lasts about one week. Keep in mind that while a TCA peel does not prevent you from producing pigment, slight discoloration of the skin is a possible risk. Your doctor may recommend a treatment plan, scheduling a series of TCA peels in intervals separated by a few months.

Deep Chemical Peels: Risks and Benefits

Deep chemical peels involve a one to two hour procedure performed with a phenol solution. Phenol peels provide a dramatic improvement to the skin, penetrating deep wrinkles, restoring pigmentation and eliminating pre-cancerous growths. No follow up treatments are necessary and results are long lasting.

Phenol peels require a lengthy recovery period. While you may be able to return to most daily activities after a couple of weeks, the healing period can take several months. Substantial facial swelling, crusting and scabbing are common. Symptoms usually subside within the first two weeks.

Phenol peels are not recommended for patients with dark skin or freckles. This type of facial plastic surgery permanently lightens the skin tone and can only be performed on the face. Treated areas will no longer will able to produce pigmentation. Sun protection is necessary indefinitely.

Patients with a history of heart disease may not be eligible for a deep chemical peel. If you have a skin condition that produces cold sores, you will need to take medication prior to the procedure to avoid outbreaks. If your skin is prone to keloid formation, a deep chemical peel may not be an appropriate choice.

An important thing to note about the chemical peel is that it will not stop your skin from aging. Chemical peels also cannot eliminate sagging skin.

By: Keion Moradi

About the Author:

Obagi blue peels are one of the most sought after skin care and rejuvenation treatments today. They are only offered in doctors offices on an outpatient basis. The Obagi blue peel was invented by Dr. Obagi and has been clinically proven to treat and cure common skin ailments like pigmentation problems, age spots, mild acne and fine lines and wrinkles. The Obagi blue peel chemically burns the outer layers of the skin and causes them to slough off or peel in a few days revealing younger, rejuvenated skin.

Chemical peels, in general, have been used in skin care and skin treatments for acne and anti aging for over 20 years by doctors and dermatologists everywhere. These chemical peels range from weaker acids like glycolic and salicylic to stronger skin peels like TCA peels, the Obagi Blue Peel, and Phenol peels. Phenol peels are rarely used anymore as they require anesthesia, are very toxic and can result in permanent skin bleaching. Weaker skin peels like glycolic and salicylic are popular for treating pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. They are not very effective on deeper, more underlying skin problems. This is where peels like the Obagi Blue Peel and TCA peels are much more effective.

Obagi blue peels and TCA peels are usually applied as a cream or paste (TCA peels are also applied in liquid for for faster and longer lasting results). The doctor will mix the Obagi blue peel with TCA (trichloroacetic acid) into a paste at various strengths depending on desired depth and then apply it to the face. A typical face mask pattern is used so sensitive areas like around the eyes are avoided. The peel is then applied for usually 10 minutes (or less for TCA peels) or more (up to 1 hour for the Obagi Blue Peel). The Obagi blue peel is weaker than a pure TCA peel and may require multiple applications or layering for the same results. The Obagi blue peel will also stain or dye the face a blue-green color so the doctor knows where it has been applied already. A TCA peel will turn red and whiteout (turn white or frost) on some skins indicating the neutralization point. The doctor will then neutralize the TCA or Obagi blue peel to stop the burning process.

The patient is then sent home and told to apply various creams and antibacterial treatments for the next 3-7 days until it all peels and is fully healed. During this healing and peeling process, the skin will darken and harden and then start to peel away (some people will flake instead of peeling due to drier skin and different skin pH - everyone’s skin is unique). It is usually best to schedule to have this time off as it is best not to go out in public with severe peeling. Makeup cannot be worn as it can cause infection and block healing. Many doctors have found over the counter antibiotic ointments like Neosporin and its generic equivalents to work best and make the skin heal faster after an Obagi blue peel or TCA peel.

The Obagi blue peel (along with the TCA peel) has been proven effective in clinical trials and approved for use in anti aging and acne skin care treatments. For more information on Obagi blue peels and TCA peels for in home use and skin care treatments please see the link below.

By: David Maillie

About the Author: