This Chemical Peel Will Get Rid Of Your Bacne Scars In Time For Swim Season

Acne is a sore subject for me.

Since starting to write about my skin issues, I’ve begun to accept the dark marks left behind by years of acne. But, I didn’t realize how much self-consciousness I still harbor about my discolored skin until my editor suggested getting a back acne facial at Smooth Synergy Cosmedical Spa.

I remember all too well when cystic acne peppered my back and I was teased for not having flawless skin. Instead of consistently visiting my doctor, I accepted that my skin would never be Lupita-levels of perfect. I just use over-the-counter products to keep breakouts from going HAM. I also avoid making my spots the center of attention.

As you can imagine, I wasn’t particularly jazzed about a stranger dissecting my scars. However, the spa promised to cleanse, exfoliate and steam my acne-prone skin as I enjoyed a light massage. What could be so bad about a spa treatment on a Tuesday?

I expected the spa to be brightly lit, but this place was angelic, like a waiting room for heaven. My esthetician Michele ushered me down a narrow hallway to a private back room. Inside, there was a desk, a sink and what looked to be a Transformer-sized version of a garment steamer.

When Michele requested to see my back, I pulled off my sweatshirt and sports bra instead of waiting for her to step out of the room and give me some privacy. Since she was about to witness what I discuss with virtually no one, standing before her naked was the least of my worries.

After she immediately determined a SkinMedica Vitalize Peel would trump a back facial. It’s a three-step process that includes a prepping solution (isopropyl alcohol, water, acetone), a peeling solution packed with salicylic acid, and retinol, a key ingredient in accelerating cell turnover. Most patients peel like reptiles just a few days after the application.

I was down with whatever treatment Michele thought would actually yield noticeable results. Even though Samantha Jones’ bright red face is seared into my memory forever, getting a peel is way less eventful than I imagined. The solutions were cold, but not nearly as startling as a stethoscope on your chest. From start to finish, the procedure took less than 15 minutes, the same amount of time it takes for a decent hour-long show to even start getting good.

My main concern was post-care: How could I avoid looking like a snake shedding skin, and would my back be healed by the time I want to frolic around in a bikini? Michele assured me my skin would be back to normal as long as I didn’t sweat heavily, moisturized and didn’t use any acne products with salicylic acid. Michele also slid me some samples of Smooth Synergy’s light, medical-grade moisturizer and calming serum for any redness.

Now, you can’t necessarily stop your body from sweating altogether, but I was specifically told to ditch my workouts for at least 48 hours. No exercise for two days? No problem.

Two days later, I haven’t had any peeling. Besides a few breakouts, not much has changed. I was told it might take a second or third round for the Vitalize peel to really lessen my dark marks. However, I’m not so sure I’d keep going back for more. To me, shelling out almost $200 for a treatment that may not work seems counterproductive, especially for my budget. But, depending on the severity of your scars, it may be worthwhile.

This Chemical Peel Will Get Rid Of Your Bacne Scars In Time For Swim Season

Credit: Women – Elite Daily