Americans spend more than 2.2 billion dollars annually for acne treatment. One type of in-office treatment for acne is a chemical peel, using ingredients like beta hydroxy acid.

The sebaceous glands make sebum, an oily substance that flows through the follicle and out through the pore. Sometimes sebum, hair and dead cells form a plug inside the follicle, blocking the exit for sebum. Bacteria that normally live on the skin can grow inside the blocked follicle. Eventually, the body senses the presence of the bacteria and sends white blood cells to attack, causing inflammation inside the follicle. If the wall of the follicle breaks down, the blocked contents spill into the skin, causing the appearance of pimples.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 40 to 50 million people in the U.S. have acne. It affects 85 percent of people at some point in their lives. Although acne is most often associated with teens, it can also occur in adults.

Treating Acne – Chemical Peels
Acne is often considered a cosmetic problem that most people eventually outgrow. However, it can cause a significant amount of stress for teens and others who have the condition. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates Americans spend more than 2.2 billion dollars annually for acne treatment.

There are several types of over-the-counter products that can be used to clear or control acne. The most commonly used ingredient in these products is benzoyl peroxide. If over-the-counter products are not working, prescription products may be tried. These may be applied to the skin or taken orally. Some common prescription acne therapies include: oral antibiotics, birth control pills, isotretinoin and topical retinoids (vitamin A derivatives).

One type of in-office treatment for acne is a chemical peel – the application of a substance that intentionally damages the outer layer of skin, causing it to flake and shed. Julie Anderson, R.N., with Sheftel Associates Dermatology in Tucson, Arizona, likes to use peels containing beta hydroxy acids (BHA). The most common form of BHA is salicylic acid. Another class of skin peels are alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs. BHA penetrates more deeply into the pores than AHA and is more effective in removing oil and unclogging plugged follicles. BHA can also kill the bacteria that’s hiding inside the follicle.

Anderson says BHA chemical peels only take about five minutes to do. The skin is washed with a mild cleanser and degreased with a wipe of alcohol. The peel is applied to the face and allowed to stand for two to three minutes. While it sits on the skin, the BHA pulls the oils out of the skin and causes the skin layers to separate. The peel is then removed.

It takes a few days to start to see the results. Initially, the skin will flake and peel. About one month later, the treatment is repeated. Patients return regularly until the skin has cleared. Anderson says if the treatment is started before an acne breakout becomes severe, most cases can be cleared up within six months.

Anderson recommends that anyone who is concerned about their acne see a family physician or dermatologist. Over-the-counter (OTC) products also contain BHA, but the concentrations are much less. The average OTC contains 2 percent salicylic acid, whereas the chemical peels used in doctors’ offices contain 30 percent salicylic acid.

AUDIENCE INQUIRY
For general information on acne:
American Academy of Dermatology, http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, http://www.niams.nih.gov

For general information on chemical peels:
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, http://www.asds.net
American Society of Plastic Surgeons, http://www.plasticsurgery.org

Research compiled and edited by Barbara J. Fister

© 2009 Medstar Television, Inc. All Rights Reserved
 

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