25
Feb
Treating “bacne” (back acne) with chemical peels
Back acne (“bacne”) is common. It tends to develop due to friction on the back from things like sweaty shirts, backpacks, and sports equipment. As sweat gets trapped under these objects, the skin’s pores may become clogged up. Sweat, sebum (oil), dirt, and dead skin cells in these pores give rise to characteristic blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, nodules, and pimples. Bacne can be embarrassing and quite uncomfortable. Fortunately, in your search for “professional acne treatment near me in Fremont, Ohio,” our Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Hope Mitchell, has the expertise and technologies to effectively, safely, and gently care for inflamed skin – including with chemical peel or resurfacing treatment.
What are chemical peels?
Chemical peels are a resurfacing technique. This means they encourage the controlled removal of the outermost layers of irritated, inflamed, discolored, and otherwise damaged skin. As these damaged skin cells are removed, the process encourages the growth of new, healthy skin cells. Chemical peels are not a single treatment, but rather a variety of different formulations applied to the skin. They are largely characterized by how deeply they penetrate, which corresponds with the nature of the severity of the condition that peels treat. So, on one end of the spectrum are lighter or “superficial peels.” In the middle in terms of intensity are medium-strength peels. And no peel penetrates as deeply and treats as intensely as a deep peel.
How do chemical peels treat bacne?
Chemical peels “work” in several ways to treat acne. After your customized peel/solution is applied to your back and acne-prone areas, the acids or ingredients within it:
- Exfoliate the skin.
- Cleanse deeply.
- Unclog pores.
- Remove the build-up of oil, dead skin cells, and other impurities.
- Promote tissue regeneration.
- Support healthy skin renewal, cell turnover.
- Improve the look and feel of associated red inflammation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and scars by smoothing and softening the skin.
- Targeting and destroying acne-causing bacteria (depending on ingredients used).
What strength of chemical peel is used for bacne?
This depends on the type and severity of the acne. Lower concentrations of certain acids, such as salicylic acid, are largely associated with lighter or superficial peels. They may be suitable for active acne and can exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce oil and unclog pores. Deeper peels may use higher concentrations of acids like glycolic acid. TCA (trichloroacetic acid) is another, more potent acid, so it is generally used at lower concentrations. Deeper peels are typically best suited for more persistent breakouts, as well as for treating scars left by past breakouts.
Real Patient Before and After Images
Call Our Office for More Information
Perrysburg Patients: 419.871.3737 | Fremont Patients: 419.871.3636 Request an Appointment
Do I only need treatment once?
Many chemical peels require a series of treatments, with the exception of the deepest peels. These peels are only appropriate for certain patients and conditions. They also carry with them more extensive risks, as well as potentially considerable recovery and downtime. Generally, the lighter the chemical peel, the more treatment sessions may be necessary to control your acne. Depending on your needs and how your skin responds, you may need anywhere from three and six peels, with treatments scheduled every four to six weeks.
Of course, chemical peels are just one of many professional acne/bacne services available at Mitchell Dermatology. To learn about your treatment options, schedule a consultation with our team at one of our two offices today – in Fremont, OH 419.871.3737 or Perrysburg 419.871.3636.
Hope Mitchell, MD
Connect on LinkedIn
Hope Mitchell, MD, is the founder and medical director of Mitchell Dermatology and an Ohio board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist with over 25 years of experience and expertise. Dr. Mitchell obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Rochester and Doctorate of Medicine from The Medical College of Ohio, where she also completed an internship in Internal Medicine and a Pathology Fellowship. She also completed a residency in dermatology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, and is certified by the American Board of Dermatology. She advocates mentorship, education, and diversity in medicine and dermatology. She is the founder of the Mitchell Dermatology Student Gap Year Internship Program. She has been featured in many newspapers and magazines and is also a speaker for Google and Black Women in Media too. Dr. Mitchell is the Vice Chair and Director of Research for The National Medical Association, Dermatology Section. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and a Member of the Skin of Color Society and National Medical Association.