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Because acne scars are a permanent reminder of the suffering caused by acne, most people feel it is important to have them removed. The problem is that this is easier sad than done. Chemical peels are a common suggestion of doctors, dermatologists, and skin specialists in the treatment of acne scars, but is this a wise choice?

THE GOOD: CHEMICAL PEELS CAN BE SUCCESSFUL WITH MILD ACNE SCARS

These treatments begin with a smothering of acid onto the scarred region, which then burns away at the top layer skin, disintegrating it until it is able to be peeled off. As soon as the burnt skin is peeled away, a new layer of smoother skin is brought to the surface, and due to the reduction of most mild scar tissue, it gives off a fresher and clearer appearance.

THE BAD: CHEMICAL PEELS LEAVE THE SKIN SORE AND RED

As is generally the case, the deeper the chemical peel, the more severe and pronounced the recovery. Even the most shallow of chemical peels will require a recovery period where the fresh, exposed skin may appear unusually red, crusty, swollen, and be sore to touch for at least the first few days. However, with deeper chemical peels that use much more potent acid the recovery period can stretch for close to three weeks, and when multiple treatments are required, which is usually the case, this can be somewhat of a debilitating process.

THE UGLY: CHEMICAL PEELS AND THEIR SIDE EFFECTS

It is important to remember that regardless of the results, chemical peels bring with them a list of dangerous side effects. In the case of deeper chemical peels, the side effects include unintended color changes in the skin, known as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation, on top of lines of demarcation and pigment imperfections that may result in the new skin being unable to tan.

THE SAFER OPTION: USE A NATURAL EXFOLIATION PRODUCT

Because your skin is sacred it should not be treated as a science experiment. Applying corrosive chemicals with dangerous side effects to your skin is never the best option, especially when there are safe, natural solutions available that successfully remove acne scars.