Chemical peeling for stretch marks: the essence of the method, pros and cons

Scars and hems are a problem not only for women, but also for men. These defects often appear as a result of injuries, acne, after surgery, etc. Scars do not disappear on their own, to make them as invisible as possible, many decide to undergo surgery.

However, there are more delicate methods for correcting scars. Peeling or exfoliation is a procedure during which the upper keratinized layer of the epidermis is removed, and new healthy cells are formed in its place.

After several sessions, the skin is evened out, renewed, and the scar becomes barely noticeable. There are different types of peels that need to be chosen based on the size and age of the scar.

Types of peeling to remove scar tissue

All types of exfoliation help to remove or soften scar tissue to varying degrees. As mentioned, there are many factors to consider when choosing the appropriate technique. Types of peeling by size and duration:

Superficial (such as a scrub) helps reduce small, immature scars in the outer layer of the skin;
Median affects the loose fibrous connective tissue under the epidermis. Helps eliminate many scars, while simultaneously rejuvenating the skin at the affected area;
Deep affects an even deeper layer of skin (the mesh ball), but it is quite traumatic, so it is used in extreme cases. Allows you to get rid of the largest and oldest scar formations.

There are these types of peeling depending on the structure of the scar:

Chemical. During the procedure, acidic compounds based on retinoic, TCA, glycolic acid, etc. are applied to the skin. Their mechanism of action is similar: softening of scars, thinning and exfoliation of scar tissue in several sessions. More often used in the presence of atrophic scars that are located below the skin level;
Mechanical - the top layer of skin is polished with various abrasive compounds of natural or artificial origin. This procedure is prescribed in the presence of hypertrophic scars that protrude far above the skin level;

Hardware is the impact on the scar with various devices, for example, a laser or devices with a diamond-coated attachment. Suitable for different types of scars.

Superficial exfoliation can be carried out 1 – 2 times a week for 2 – 6 months. Medium peeling for scars is performed 2–3 times with a break between sessions of 4 weeks. The frequency of deep exfoliation is determined by the doctor.

Reviews

Alina, 25 years old: “I struggled with acne for a long time, but when I got rid of the disease I did not experience joy, because my whole face was covered with post-acne. I decided to do carbon cleaning - the procedure went without any problems; during laser treatment I felt a slight tingling sensation. After the first cleansing, my face felt fresh, and after the course I was able to get rid of my problem.”
Elena, 27 years old: “When I was a teenager, my friends were jealous of my clean face. The trouble came when we didn’t expect it – acne appeared at the age of 25. I was able to cure the disease and its consequences only with the help of professional cleansing with salicylic acid.”
Svetlana, 29 years old: “Microdermabrasion helped me get rid of post-acne. Honestly, the sensations during the procedure are very unpleasant, but the result is worth it - now my face is smooth, elastic and clean.”

Do not forget that peeling of scars can be done only after acne is completely cured and inflammatory processes are eliminated. A variety of types of chemical therapeutic peeling for scars will allow you to choose the best option, taking into account your skin type and severity of the problem.

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How exfoliation works

Various methods are used to remove scar formations, but peeling often turns out to be the most effective and less traumatic, especially when compared with plastic surgery or many hardware techniques.

To make the scar as invisible as possible, you need to contact a dermatologist or cosmetologist immediately after its appearance.

Young scars are much easier to remove than mature ones. During peeling, the top layer of skin and dense scar tissue are destroyed. At the same time, collagen and elastin fibers, which are responsible for the formation of new skin, begin to be actively produced in the lower layers of the dermis.

That is, the upper stratum corneum of the skin exfoliates along with scars and other defects (striae, age spots, etc.). Then the skin becomes smoother, more even, and tightened.

Of course, scars do not disappear immediately; first they peel off with the stratum corneum, and after 10 days new skin will appear on the treated area. The main thing at this time is not to touch the skin with your hands and not to remove the crusts yourself. To achieve maximum effect, you need to carry out several procedures.

How to remove scars and scars using mesotherapy

This type of cosmetic procedure involves injections of vitamins, amino acids and other substances. The essence of the method: the mesotherapy drug fills any “gaps/pits/cracks” in the epidermis, which causes visual smoothing of the surface of the skin. At the same time as this “hiding”, the active substances of the drug have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin - they saturate it with vitamins, make it firmer and more elastic, and correct the color.

The advantage of mesotherapy in the fight against scars is obtaining a quick, almost instant result. But the effect will not last long - after a maximum of six months you will have to repeat the injections, which can be attributed to the disadvantages of the method.

Mesotherapy has a large number of contraindications, so before starting treatment for post-acne conditions, you need to consult a doctor. For example, if there are keloid scars, then the administration of corticosteroid drugs will be required, and they are prohibited for some diseases.

The best chemical peels

According to experts, chemical exfoliation of scars is one of the most effective types of correction procedures. It affects not only the superficial and middle, but also the deep layers of the skin.

To cleanse and smooth out unevenness, more than 50 types of chemical compounds are used , for example, TCA (trichloroacetic acid), retinoic, glycolic. These solutions soften scar tissue, thin it and exfoliate it in several sessions.

After completing the course, the skin is smoothed and renewed.

Each acid composition has its pros and cons. They differ in the degree of stress on the skin, so it is important to follow the recommendations of a specialist during rehabilitation.

TCA peel for scars

Exfoliation using trichloroacetic acid affects the deep layers of the skin. The composition (from 30%) is applied to the scar area and left for 15 minutes. Then the acid is washed off with a special liquid and moisturizing, softening, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents are applied.

TCA peeling will help solve the following aesthetic problems:

Removes scars, acne depressions, fine wrinkles, evens out the skin;
Clears clogged sebaceous ducts, narrows enlarged pores;
Exfoliates dead skin layers, removes surface defects (freckles, dull complexion, etc.);
Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin;
Removes pathogenic microorganisms and cleanses the skin of toxins.

TCA peeling is a serious procedure that requires preparation before it and following the recommendations after.

If you violate the rules of skin care after a session, the likelihood of the following complications increases:

Exacerbation of herpes;
Skin infection in the treated area;
Pigmentation disorders;
The appearance of a visible boundary on the skin between the treated and untreated areas.

According to reviews, chemical TCA peeling for acne scars is an effective procedure that helps cope with minor scarring changes in the skin.

Many women complain of burning during the session, as well as tightness and redness after it. Another difficult stage is exfoliation of the top layer of skin; this process is accompanied by itching, but you should not itch. If you follow all the cosmetologist’s recommendations, the scar will smooth out with each procedure and become almost invisible.

Watch the use of TCA chemical peeling for facial scars after acne in this video:

Yellow peeling

Retinol (yellow) peeling will help remove scars and improve skin condition. Based on the depth of impact, it is classified as mid-superficial.

Yellow peeling has the following advantages:

Removes post-acne (acne marks), reduces the severity of scars;
Stops inflammatory processes;
Perfectly cleanses the skin and promotes its renewal;
Evens out skin color, brightens it, makes it smoother;
Recovery will take not 10 days, as usual, but only 2 - 3 days.

When using yellow peeling on sensitive skin, the likelihood of hyperpigmentation increases.

Other adverse reactions can occur with an overdose of vitamin A, then severe itching, rash, dryness, and fever appear. This is possible if the person took medications based on retinol or its analogues before the procedure.

According to reviews, yellow peeling for scars is more superficial than middle. The composition helps reduce acne marks and small fresh scars, tighten pores, and rejuvenate the skin. It will not reduce large or long-standing scars.

Jessner peel for scars

This type of peeling is considered superficial, although it can create an effect similar to the middle type of exfoliation. The depth of influence of the composition (lactic, salicylic acid, resorcinol) depends on the concentration of the components and the number of layers.

Jessner peeling allows you to achieve the following results:

Visibly reduces scars and depressions after acne;
Eliminates the stratum corneum along with the pathogenic microorganisms that live in it, relieves inflammation;
Evens out, brightens skin color, makes age spots less noticeable;
Improves blood microcirculation in the scar area and activates regeneration processes.

After the procedure, redness always remains, but if it does not disappear after 2–3 days, then you need to visit a cosmetologist.

Other complications of the Jessner peel include swelling, darkening, increased sensitivity of the skin, infection of the treated area, exacerbation of herpes, or allergies to the components of the composition.

According to reviews from people who have experienced Jessner peeling themselves, this procedure allows you to get rid of shallow scars and acne marks, but the composition cannot cope with large or deep scars.

Glycolic peeling

The basis of this type of exfoliation is glycolic acid, which cleanses the sebaceous ducts and rejuvenates the skin. Glycolic peeling can be superficial or medium.

After a course of procedures, the thickness of the layer of horn cells decreased, and new cells began to form faster.

The severity of scars has decreased, the skin has evened out, become smoother, and fine wrinkles have decreased. The higher the concentration of the composition, the more activated is the synthesis of collagen, which is responsible for the regeneration of the skin.

The following complications may occur after the procedure:

Burns;
Allergic reaction to the components of the composition;
The appearance of age spots.
Drying of the skin.

Most people who have experienced the effects of glycolic peeling are not happy with the results. This is due to the fact that the composition helps to get rid of only small scars; it cannot cope with large, deep or old defects.

Effective acids for post-acne

Acid peeling compositions help smooth out only shallow acne scars. Moreover, superficial chemical exfoliation is powerless to destroy scar tissue. Only medium and deep peeling techniques can get rid of scars and nodules. In response to the question of which chemical peeling will best smooth out acne, cosmetologists give the following rating.

Peeling 35-50% trichloroacetic acid (TCA)

For medium or deep cleansing of the skin using trichloroacetic acid, glycolate is added to the exfoliation product. This chemical “neighborhood” allows you to soften scar tissue and completely exfoliate it in 3-5 procedures. TCA peeling significantly injures the skin, so you need to repeat sessions no more than once a month.

Retinoic peeling

Retinol in the “yellow” peeling slows down the aging of cells, prolonging their youth by stimulating the production of collagen threads. In addition, a synthetic analogue of vitamin A has a beneficial effect on the microrelief of the skin, gently smoothing out irregularities at the site of boils or small pimples.

Phenol peeling

Deep peeling with 50% phenolic acid is recommended only for mature and aging skin. The procedure is comparable to plastic surgery - during it, the skin of the face is destroyed almost to the level of subcutaneous fatty tissue. Phenol peeling is rarely prescribed only to get rid of acne scars. This indication usually becomes concomitant in complex therapy of serious age-related changes.

Whatever the peeling for scars and stretch marks on the face after acne, it is better to carry it out in a cosmetology clinic or beauty salon. Properly selected exfoliation performed by a professional will help correct unpleasant appearance defects in just 2-3 procedures without the risk of complications.

Laser exfoliation of scars

During the procedure, a laser beam is applied to the scar area, which burns the top layer of skin. This is a surface grinding method that is performed to a depth of up to 0.001 mm.

Laser peeling is a non-contact way to remove scars, since only laser beams touch the skin, so the risk of infection during the session is minimal.

During laser scar correction, 2 types of apparatus are used:

Carbon dioxide laser. This is a fairly traumatic procedure that requires a long recovery. Under the influence of the laser, the scar area is burned and the skin becomes very red. It helps remove minor defects and significantly reduce deep scars;
Erbium laser is a more modern and gentle method of removing scar tissue. It acts precisely, burning only defective areas of the skin. This procedure is suitable even for those with thin, sensitive skin.

Laser peeling can be combined with other procedures, such as photorejuvenation or fractional resurfacing. The first combination will help reduce the severity of the scar and get rid of fine wrinkles, while the second can cope with deep skin defects.

Alternative options for removing stretch marks

There are other effective ways to get rid of stretch marks on the body.

Laser peeling

Laser peeling is one of the most radical methods that can cope even with old and deep stretch marks. Its main disadvantage is the long rehabilitation period, which lasts for several months.

Coral peeling

In this procedure, corals crushed into dust, containing beneficial substances from the Red Sea, are used as an abrasive substance. Exfoliation affects the upper and middle layers of the dermis. Thanks to its natural composition, peeling rarely causes allergies, but the sensations from it can be quite painful.

Salons usually use the Rose de Mer line of products, created by the Israeli company Christina.

Diamond grinding

Diamond grinding is the treatment of the skin with a special device with a nozzle coated with diamond dust. Suitable for getting rid of shallow stretch marks - it is ineffective against serious defects.

Contraindications for the procedure

As mentioned, peeling is a fairly traumatic procedure that must be performed according to all the rules, otherwise the risk of complications increases. Cleaning the skin to remove scars is prohibited in the following cases:

A genetic predisposition to the formation of keloid scars (raised scars that can grow);
Pregnancy and lactation;
Pathologies of the cardiovascular system, the presence of a pacemaker;
Oncological formations;
Liver and kidney diseases;
Impaired functionality of the endocrine glands, diabetes mellitus;
Herpes in the acute stage;
Psoriasis;
Damage to the skin at the scar site;
Fresh tan;
Mental disorders, epilepsy;
Intolerance to the components of the peeling composition;
Infections that are accompanied by fever.

These restrictions must be adhered to to avoid complications. In addition, experts recommend peeling only in autumn and winter.

The effectiveness of peelings for scars

Achieving a visually noticeable cosmetic effect requires a procedure in two/three stages. Moreover, the interval between these stages should be from 1 to 3 months (depending on how the skin regeneration proceeds). It is dangerous to use peelings for sensitive and thin skin. Under the influence of acids, her condition can be made even worse.

All peels, from the most gentle to the most radical, have a number of contraindications.

Any peeling is a protracted procedure, quite complex, painful and stressful for the body. You should not decide on it when the skin clearly has a tendency to form keloid scars. There is also a certain list of contraindications related to the general condition of the body.

pregnancy and breastfeeding months;
the presence of benign or malignant tumors;
heart and vascular diseases, as well as hypertension;
liver and kidney diseases;
endocrine disorders and diabetes;
manifestations of rosacea and rosacea;
mental illnesses and disorders;
allergic manifestations to the components of peeling compositions.

In order to achieve a noticeable visual effect, it is necessary to carry out a facial peeling procedure for acne scars in 2-3 stages with an interval of 1 to 3 months, this depends on the restoration of the skin. As for the thin and sensitive dermis, peelings are dangerous for it; the action of acids negatively affects its condition.

The first step is to perform a test. Be sure to check for allergic reactions before the procedure. All peels, including the most gentle one, have a number of contraindications that you need to familiarize yourself with. These procedures are complex, lengthy, stressful, and many of them are quite painful for the body. They are not recommended if the dermis is prone to forming keloid scars.

For many, the solution to scars after acne and acne involves turning to plastic surgeons or hardware cosmetology. But doctors say that with regular use, pharmaceutical ointments will get rid of scars or make them less noticeable. There are several effective drugs:

Contratubeks. The ointment contains several components, which together provide accelerated exfoliation of epidermal particles and stop the growth of connective tissue cells. The drug is especially effective for normotrophic scars; it can be used as a prophylactic agent at the risk of keloid and hypertrophic scars.

Contratubeks is applied locally, rubbed directly into the scar twice a day. The duration of therapy is 30 days, further treatment is prescribed by the doctor based on the results of previous procedures.

Fermenkol. The product contains animal enzymes that are responsible for the normal functioning of their digestive system. These substances have the ability to break down collagen fibers, which makes the formation of connective tissue impossible. Most often, this ointment is used for physiotherapy. In particular, it demonstrates particular effectiveness when performing electrophoresis.

Fermenkol set for scars and Elfor electrophoresis device

It is strictly not recommended to use Fermenkol on your own! The appointment must be made by a dermatologist/cosmetologist, who will also determine the number of procedures and the total duration of the course of treatment.

Zinc, synthomycin and salicylic ointments. These three drugs are especially popular because they combine two positive aspects - high efficiency and low cost. Regular use of the drugs ensures exfoliation of epidermal particles, normalization of metabolic processes in the skin and lightening them. Ointments have a comprehensive effect on the lesion and can eliminate all traces of post-acne.

Zinc, salicylic and syntomycin ointments are used in the same way: they are applied in a fairly thick layer to the scars, and after 50 - 60 minutes they are washed off with warm water. The course of therapy is unlimited, usually procedures are performed twice a day until the desired result is obtained.

Dermatix. This ointment does not belong to the medicinal category; doctors recommend it to those patients who already have scars with a high risk of turning into hypertrophic and keloid scars. When applied to the problem area, the drug forms a film on the surface, which is designed to protect the scar from external factors.

Dermatix should be applied every day in a thin layer, preferably in the morning. Whether acne scars will disappear is a controversial issue, but the formation of other, more durable and “gnarly” scars will be stopped.

Possible complications

As mentioned, there is always a risk of complications after the procedure, one of the most serious and difficult to correct are hypertrophic or keloid scars. They may appear if the patient violated the rules of care during the rehabilitation period or the specialist performed the procedure incorrectly.

This is possible if a person whose skin is prone to the growth of fibrous connective tissue has undergone deep combined peeling and other cosmetic procedures.

Scars may appear after an incorrect cleaning procedure.

This possibility exists if a person, during the recovery period, forcibly tore off crusts or flaps of skin that had exfoliated. To eliminate the problem, you need to consult a doctor and undergo serious treatment using injections with glucocorticosteroids and occlusive dressings.

If the above methods are ineffective, then laser therapy is performed or surgery is prescribed.

To avoid such complications, you need to find a qualified specialist and follow his recommendations regarding post-peeling care. After deep cleaning, it is recommended to use antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents, as well as carry out procedures that accelerate metabolic processes and healing of damaged tissues.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of hydroxy acids is that they are less likely to cause complications, but the disadvantage is that the effect is too slow and often unnoticeable. Benefits of alpha hydroxy acids: Minimal swelling and redness. Unlike beta hydroxy acids, alpha hydroxy acids do not need to be neutralized. In addition, whitening of the skin (the “frost” effect) is visible immediately after peeling, which makes it possible to distinguish already treated areas from untouched ones.

Since beta hydroxy acids do not require neutralization, they can be used over large areas to treat hyperpigmented scars, but it is best not to do this because Salicylic acid can accumulate in the body and cause nausea, confusion and tinnitus in the patient. The use of beta hydroxy acids is contraindicated in persons allergic to aspirin or during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The disadvantage of hydroxy acids is that they cause photosensitivity. After peeling with hydroxy acids, you should definitely use sunscreen. Finally, these acids can cause severe damage to the cornea, so use caution when applying them around the eyes.

The advantages of Jessner's solution are that it does not require neutralization and enhances the effect of fluorouracil. Disadvantages: in persons with dark skin (type IV and higher according to the Fitzpatrick classification), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is possible; Peeling of the skin may continue for about 7 days.

Healing lasts 7 days for TCA peels and 7-10 days for TCA peels with Jessner's solution or glycolic acid. After a TCA peel, the treated skin looks scary. On days 1-2 the skin is pink, by days 4 it darkens, and by days 5-10 it peels off. Redness may persist for up to 2 weeks. Streaks may appear along the border with untreated skin, so you need to be especially careful when applying TCA when peeling.

For best results, chemical peels can be used in combination with carbon dioxide laser dermabrasion and mechanical dermabrasion.

Exfoliating mask with bodyaga and hydrogen peroxide

It is not possible to remove large old scars on your own. However, at home it is possible to make small, fresh scars almost invisible. For this purpose, you can use various folk remedies, but one of the most popular is an exfoliating mask with bodyaga and hydrogen peroxide.

This product has the following properties:

Removes a layer of dead skin cells;
Moderately irritates cells, stimulates their immunity, accelerates regeneration processes;
Activates elastin production;
Stops or weakens the inflammatory reaction in the treated area;
Dissolves scar tissue;
Destroys pathogenic microorganisms.

To make a mask, mix 1 tbsp. l. badyagi powder and hydrogen peroxide (3%), leave until foam appears. Apply the composition with a thin ball onto a cleaned area of skin with a scar, preferably before bed. In the morning, wash off the mask and then treat your skin with a cosmetic product with a UV filter.

Masks to remove imperfections

To remove small scars, you can use products and masks that can be prepared from improvised means at home. The following recipes are very popular for acne scars and minor injuries:

Lemon based mask. Lemon has a strong whitening, anti-inflammatory, and smoothing effect. The main substances in its composition are vitamin C, which improves the production of collagen and elastin, and folic acid, which relieves inflammation.
Mask with lemon and honey. Mix lemon juice with heated honey in equal proportions. Apply to skin, after a quarter of an hour, rinse with cool water.
A mask made of clay (suitable for your skin type), lemon juice and egg yolk. Mix a tablespoon of clay with egg yolk, add the juice of half a lemon. Leave the mixture for 10-15 minutes, rinse with water, apply nourishing cream.

Aloe-based masks have proven themselves to be effective in removing imperfections on the face. This plant has regenerating, leveling properties. You need to mix two tablespoons of freshly squeezed aloe juice with a couple of drops of fruit oil, leave for 5 minutes, and then rinse with water at room temperature. If you don’t have time for a mask, you can wipe your face with a slice of lemon or aloe.