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Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
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Chemical Peels for Acne Treatment
   AHA peels can help exfoliate skin and improve acne
   AHA peels also improve acne scarring and induce collagen growth
   Peels increase skin cell turnover

AHA Peels Helpful with Acne

AHA peels can be very helpful in treating acne, especially as a part of an overall acne management program. AHA peels work by exfoliating the upper layers of the skin, and removing debris and irritants from the skin. This improves the skin and increases cell turnover. AHA peels also stimulate new collagen formation and improve acne scarring. So you can actually kill two birds with one stone when you have an AHA peel for acne treatment. Also helpful are Retin-A medicines as they too will improve acne.

Physician Prescriptions Generally Work Better

There are a number of over-the-counter products which do work for acne, however prescription and by-physician treatments generally work much better. A dermatologist can determine whether oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics and keratolytics are needed.

What Causes Acne?

Acne is a difficult problem to treat because it has several underlying causes. Some are genetic, some hormonal, others involve external factors. There is no 'cure' for acne, but management is possible.

The problem with acne really begins within our skin as it naturally produces oil in our sebaceous gland. Acne-causing bacteria metabolize this oil and that metabolized oil is irritating to our skin. As the skin becomes increasingly irritated by this oil our hair follicles will become plugged, thereby collecting debris. This debris then erupts down into the deeper layer of our skin, the dermis. This debris is an intruder in the dermis, a foreign body, which doesn't belong there. As a result our body attempts to get rid of this foreign body with an inflammatory response.

To learn about chemical peel treatments and choosing a doctor, see: Chemical Peels Comparison Chart, Pre-Treatment Questions, & Choosing a Physician
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Last Modified: January 2, 2008

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Chemical Peel? What is TCA Peel (Trichloroacetic Acid)?
What can a Chemical Peel Treat? What are Phenol Peels?
Does a Chemical Peel Hurt? What is an Erbium Laser?
How much does a Chemical Peel Cost? What is a CO2 laser?
What are the Recovery Times? What is Hypopigmentation?
How long does it take? What is Hyperpigmentation?
Are there possible side effects? What is the Stratum Corneum?
What are Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peels? What is the Epidermis?
What are Glycolic Acid Peels? What are Keratolytics?
The information contained in the above article is purely for educational purposes and is not intended to provide any medical advice. Always consult with your physician before having any medical procedure performed.
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