More than 80% of the women folk in this world experience developing stretch marks once in their lifetime. However, the sad part is that there is still a lot of taboo attached to the striae. People tend to forget that they are as normal as the fine lines that come as we age. Then how did Chemical peel for stretch marks come into the minds of the people?
Well, firstly, I am going to tell you directly that chemical peels are very much capable of diminishing the appearance of rigid marks. Further leaving you with smooth and softer skin. Besides, reducing the look of scars on the outer layer of the skin.
The cause of stretch marks is mainly due to the stretching of the skin. What affects the severity of the mark again depends on various factors. Genetics, the level of the hormone cortisol in the body, and the abrupt changes in the elasticity of the skin are a few of the causes behind their development.
If you are here, you likely want to know whether using the best chemical peel for stretch mark removal is safe or beneficial. So, without further ado, let’s head straight to the main topic. I am sure after reading the entire article, you will definitely be able to make the correct decision for yourself.
What is Chemical Peel Treatment for Stretch Marks?
Chemical peeling for stretch marks is a non-surgical application of chemical-based ingredients. The consequence of the application of one or more chemical agents is dry desquamation, deep exfoliation, and resurfacing of the epidermis.
Basically, this type of peel remodels the collagen and elastic fibers and helps in the repair process of the dermis. The exfoliation is so deep that it allows the regeneration of the appendageal structures.
The ones who are not aware but these peels are effective because of their acidic nature and help in revealing the perfect and clear skin. No harsh acidic chemicals are used on the skin; in fact, peels like glycolic or salicylic acid are used. Only the intensity of the chemical used is altered depending on the skin texture, area, severity of the marks, and more.
Chemical Peels that work on Stretch Marks Perfectly
There was a time when very few people knew and chose to take care of skin issues with the help of safe-to-use acids. However, it has become very popular recently, and people are adopting these treatments to solve skin issues like stretch marks.
As mentioned above, there are many other acids that work perfectly in the correction of stretch marks. Let’s find out what works for what.
Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Peel
This non-toxic chemical peel is very much safe to use and is effective in treating sun-damaged skin, acne scars, age spots, wrinkle lines, melasma, and white stretch marks.
To let the skin under the marks shine and become visible, the application of TCA exfoliates the dead scared skin and fades away the very prominent marks. What does the solution do? It breaks down excess connective tissue and increases the gap between them. As a result, the regenerative ability of the dead skin cells also increases, leading to the diminishing of the scars.
Moreover, TCA peel is considered the strongest chemical peel of all and is known to deliver unbelievable results. No, it is not long-lasting, as it depends a great deal on the type of skin or severity of the issues.
Salicylic Acid Peel
Derived from the bark of willow trees, this peel does wonders by breaking down the outer layer comprising dead skin cells. What exactly does Salicylic acid do in the affected area? It kills off microbes and bacteria. Not only that, it loosens up the tissue which is damaged.
So, you can expect quick results with improved appearance and texture of the skin. However, note that it is absolutely normal to experience some inflammation, itchiness, and redness after the treatment. So, don’t panic. It will slowly go down, and you will see a lot of difference.
Glycolic Acid Peel
The third peeling option for stretch marks is Glycolic acid peel. Its application helps in the promotion of new and healthy-looking skin. Besides, it also promotes the growth of new cells, which again reduces hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, deep wrinkles and stretch marks. After all, the main aim of the application of these chemical peels is to diminish the stark visibility of these marks.
Can it Really Remove the Stretch Marks?
Basically, stretch marks are not present in the epidermis. In fact, they are formed in the middle layer of the skin. Whatever the reason may be, these sudden changes in the body cause marks and makes a person very conscious of their appearance.
Now if you are thinking of choosing Phenol Peel, then do not. Since it can penetrate the dermis and is capable of going deep beyond it, it is going to help you in reducing the look of the marks but can turn out to be very harsh.
With any of the three peels, you can notice a substantial improvement in terms of how the marks appear and their severity.
Risks Involved in the Process
If you get an acid peel application on the decided area, there are chances that you will have to deal with the following mentioned side effects or risks. Having said that, it does not really mean you will definitely experience it all. You can have a skin type that does not get affected negatively by the peel.
What people don’t realize is that it takes a well-learned and skilled dermatologist to do the treatments involving deep chemical peels. There are various cases when that a skin professional should take care of. Check out –
- Redness, burning sensation on and around the chemically peeled area, dryness, and in some cases, swelling is a few risks that a person should be aware of.
- Next in line are darkening of the skin. If you are unable to follow a proper aftercare routine like soothing cream and sunscreen, you are inviting problems.
- In contrast, there is a possibility that instead of darkening, the skin gets lightened.
- If, during or after the peeling process, you observe some scars, there is a probability that it is permanent.
- Another risk involved while peeling the stretch marks is that it can cause bacterial or fungal infections on the treated skin.
- The ones who already have some physical problems in the heart, liver, or kidney should 100 percent avoid any acid peel treatment for stretch marks.
- When it comes to acid peels, the options are endless, and choosing the one that suits you the most is very important. So, it is advisable to do not to take these decisions into your hands and let a certified skin doctor decide for your skin.
How To Choose the Correct Peel for Marks
In the first place, you need to throw away this common notion that only strong chemical peels work their magic on the marks. It only and only depends on your skin type and what doesn’t harm your skin or worsen your skin condition.
Enzyme peels are considered to be natural acids that are derived from fruits. The ones who have sensitive skin and are prone to issues related to sensitivity should go for such acid peels. Although they remove the layer of dead skin, they still have no power to regenerate the cells.
The next peel, which is a bit stronger than the Enzyme peel, is Mandelic Acid. One of the very popular chemical peels that fight textured skin, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars.
The list is followed by Lactic acid, Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid, and Trichloroacetic acid, which are all good for reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
Are you the Right Person to Get a Chemical Peel to Fade the Stretch Marks?
Not many are aware of the Fitzpatrick Scale that helps in the determination of two things. A, the suitable intensity of the acid. B, the time that the skin will take to recover itself.
To understand in a simple way, the scale classifies the skin tones with the level of melanin pigment present in an individual’s skin. So, this scale can be misinterpreted by you, so it is best that you let the doctor decide the combination of the peel and its acidic concentration.
Of course, you can also get the chemical peel for your skin, but again be cautious of the time you plan to go for a peel and also the doctor you choose. Make sure to insist on a batch test, which will spare you some horrors and assure you that you are not going to get a reaction after the peel.
Right Time to Opt for this Process
Stretch marks can be present on any part of the body, but the fact that it is your skin that will be chemically peeled means that your skin is going to be extra sensitive. Sun is the biggest enemy of any chemically peeled skin, even if it is for the removal of hard stretch marks.
As a consequence, the hottest summertime should be at any cost avoided and, if it is unavoidable, then make sure that you don’t go in direct sunlight. Having said that, do not forget SPFs in day-to-day life. The best you can do is avoid direct exposure to the sun for younger-looking skin.
What are the Alternatives to Using Acid Peels?
By now, you have got a basic idea that chemical peels are quite effective in reducing the appearance of stretch marks. However, this treatment does not come without some disadvantages or side effects. As mentioned above, the long recovery period and related infections decrease its value considerably.
But fortunately, there are additional other remedies that are also effective in treating striae alba. However, if you still want to go all out for chemical peels, the option is always available.
Let’s look at some other treatments available in the market for people looking to reduce the appearance of marks. First, there are various anti-stretch mark creams that can be termed over-the-counter remedial creams. The removal process of marks through this alternative is extremely slow, and the effectiveness is not significant.
The second alternative treatment to chemical peel for stretch marks is laser treatment. The most effective of all procedures is laser stretch mark removal which removes the striae through laser resurfacing.
The process includes directing beams of light in concentric circles on the stretch-marked area for the promotion of new cell growth. There are majorly two types of lasers Ablative lasers like CO2 and Erbium YAG, which help in the generation of new skin tissues.
Then there are Non-Ablative lasers that are known to target the under layers of skin. As a consequence, it leads to collagen production and contributes to resurfacing from the inside out. The best part is that they can last for years and years, provided you take good aftercare of the skin.
FAQs
There are some questions that are frequently asked regarding this subject.
1. How many sessions does it take the reduction of stretch marks?
When it comes to chemical peels, you cannot expect overnight or sudden effects. For the skin to produce more collagen and generation of new cells, at least eight to ten sessions of acid peeling are required. However, the speed of the healing process mainly depends on the skin type, quality of the skin, and severity or depth of the stretch marks.
2. Who should never go for this type of Peeling?
Although there are rare chances that people experience adverse effects from peeling on the skin, some should not use them. Expecting mothers, lactating mothers, and people with wounds or cuts or already skin allergies should not go for these peels.