Acne scarring meets its match with professional chemical peels

The American Academy of Dermatology reports that about 40 million Americans have acne, making it the most common skin condition in this county. An estimated 40 percent of adolescents require professional care for acne or resulting scars. In an independent study of individuals with acne scarring, 71 percent said it had a negative impact on self esteem. Dr. Jeanine Downie offers a non-surgical solution for mild to moderate acne scar revision. She is helping patients throughout the Glen Ridge area enjoy smooth, even skin tone and texture with chemical peels.

Understanding chemical peels

A peel is a compound applied to the skin in a controlled manner to chemically abrade the surface and trigger cell regeneration. Your body replaces damaged skin with fresh new layers through the natural healing process. Dulling dead skin cells are shed and a radiant, smoother complexion emerges.

Chemical peels are typically classified as superficial, medium, and deep. Deep chemical peels, which reach well into the dermis, are most effective in the treatment of acne scars. A deep peel is achieved through a precise concentration of peeling solution containing trichloracetic acid (a compound derived from vinegar), permitted to react with skin for a precise period of time.

How chemical peels improve acne scarring

A scar is your body’s inflammatory reaction to a wound or infection. Injury signals the body to replace destroyed tissue and close the wound with extra production of collagen, a meshwork of protein fibers. Much like darning a sock, healing can result in a raised scar or pull surface skin downward into pits.

A deep chemical peel drives past visible skin to reach deep layers where collagen bundles from acne scarring reside. The acids break up scarring and encourage skin to peel. As skin heals, uniform collagen remodeling takes place, smoothing the complexion.

Deep chemical peels involve a healing and recovery period of a week or more. Dr. Downie and her team at image Dermatology ® P.C. will explain how to prepare for treatment, what to expect during your peel session, how to protect your skin and speed healing afterward, and whether you might benefit from multiple peels.

Dr. Downie understands that your acne scars, skin type, and lifestyle are unique. She designs acne scar remediation protocols individualized for each patient’s specific situation. She may prescribe chemical peels in conjunction with laser resurfacing and other complexion rejuvenation techniques.

It’s time to take control of your acne scars and start loving your skin again. Call image Dermatology ® P.C. today at (973) 509-6900 to schedule a consultation.

Dr. Jeanine Downie
image Dermatology ® P.C.

Dr. Jeanine Downie is an experienced and popular dermatologist in Montclair. She possesses extensive experience and training in all aspects of dermatology, including cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. Dr. Downie provides modern and cutting-edge dermatology treatments to everyone in your family in a professional, competent and compassionate manner while ensuring that your individual and unique needs are met. Having received rigorous academic training, she completed her residency in Dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City and also served as Chief Resident. She continues to upgrade her skills set and share her knowledge through professional affiliations and lecturing assignments on behalf of several renowned medical societies such as The Skin Cancer Foundation and The American Academy of Dermatology, among others. She also frequently interacts with the public through popular television shows such as Good Morning America, The Today Show, and The Dr. Oz Show, to name a few.