Glycolic Acid possible treatment for scar tissue?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the potential use of Glycolic Acid as a treatment for scar tissue. Participants explore its application in cosmetic treatments, particularly in relation to different types of scars, including superficial and deeper tissue scars. The conversation includes considerations of efficacy, safety, and comparisons with other substances like hyaluronic acid and retinol.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that Glycolic Acid can help in breaking down binding lipids, potentially allowing for restructuring of scarred tissue and making scars less noticeable.
  • Others caution that excessive use of Glycolic Acid may lead to separation of the dermis from the epidermis, indicating it is a powerful agent that requires careful consideration.
  • One participant notes that the effectiveness of Glycolic Acid may depend on the type of scar, stating it is primarily used for superficial scars like acne scars, while deeper scars may not respond as well.
  • There is interest in discussing the complications and limitations of using Glycolic Acid for deeper tissue scars, with some participants expressing a desire for a more in-depth exploration of this topic.
  • Concerns are raised about the applicability of topical treatments for deep tissue scars, with skepticism about their effectiveness for surgical scars compared to more superficial scars.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the effectiveness of Glycolic Acid for treating scar tissue, with no consensus reached. Some agree on its potential for superficial scars, while others emphasize the limitations and risks associated with deeper scars.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various factors that may influence the effectiveness of Glycolic Acid, including the type of scar and the depth of tissue involved. There is also a discussion about the need for further exploration into related substances and their effects.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring treatment options for scar tissue, particularly those curious about cosmetic dermatology and the efficacy of various chemical agents in skin care.

rebeka
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Glycolic Acid possible treatment for scar tissue?

I'm looking into possible treatments for scarred tissue. One substance I have come across is Glycolic Acid. It is used extensively in cosmetic creams and skin peels in a <10% concentration and is used for deep tissue skin peels by dermatologists in >10% concentration. The essential activity incurred is the breaking down of the binding lipids which in turn releases dead skin cells from the surface layers of the epidermis. As it is to my understanding, the same activity can occur deeper inside the tissue also allowing for restructuring of the skin in the process reducing wrinkles and creating softer skin. Could this be an effective means of reworking scarred tissue?
 
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rebeka said:
I'm looking into possible treatments for scarred tissue. One substance I have come across is Glycolic Acid. It is used extensively in cosmetic creams and skin peels in a <10% concentration and is used for deep tissue skin peels by dermatologists in >10% concentration. The essential activity incurred is the breaking down of the binding lipids which in turn releases dead skin cells from the surface layers of the epidermis. As it is to my understanding, the same activity can occur deeper inside the tissue also allowing for restructuring of the skin in the process reducing wrinkles and creating softer skin. Could this be an effective means of reworking scarred tissue?
It is simply exfoliating the top layer of skin cells, which can lighten the scar, perhaps making the scar less noticeable.
 


Actually as is to my understanding excessive use of this product can lead to separation of the dermis from the epidermis. It is a powerful agent not to be played with.... Regardless I was hoping for a more detailed discussion into why it wouldn't be effective. Perhaps because the lipids are less present in scar tissue as there maybe an excess of T-III Collagen or something crazy like that :) !
 


It depends on what type of scar you are trying to heal. I think glycolic acid peels are used mostly for facial blemishes such as acne scars. These scars are usually very superficial and involve a thin layer of dead skin cells and collagen. Glycolic acid would work for most superficial scars but not for anything much deeper than the epidermis.

It is used in medium and deeper peeling but there are severe complications.
 


Yes, and this is what I'm interested in discussing, the complications and the inhibitions in using glycolic acid as an effective method of reducing or treating deep tissue scars. I'm not looking for a method of dealing with my scars, of which I have a few of varying types! I'm really hoping to have a not so brief conversation on the logical use or avoidance of use of this substance in dealing with scar tissue. We could call it a disinterested pursuit of knowledge! I'm also interested in the effects of hyaluronic acid, collagen, beta hydroxy acids, retinol it's just something I'm trying to learn about... Is this not a discussion forum, I seem to be abbreviated every time I try to have a conversation of personal interest.
 


rebeka said:
Is this not a discussion forum, I seem to be abbreviated every time I try to have a conversation of personal interest.
Could be that no one else is that interested in it.
 


rebeka said:
Yes, and this is what I'm interested in discussing, the complications and the inhibitions in using glycolic acid as an effective method of reducing or treating deep tissue scars. I'm not looking for a method of dealing with my scars, of which I have a few of varying types! I'm really hoping to have a not so brief conversation on the logical use or avoidance of use of this substance in dealing with scar tissue. We could call it a disinterested pursuit of knowledge! I'm also interested in the effects of hyaluronic acid, collagen, beta hydroxy acids, retinol it's just something I'm trying to learn about... Is this not a discussion forum, I seem to be abbreviated every time I try to have a conversation of personal interest.

I think it's a good question...I just don't have any answers beyond those already given. That might be the problem too, just that it's a question without anyone with an answer here.

I doubt anything applied topically is going to help a deep tissue scar (i.e., a surgical scar) simply because it goes so deep that there's nothing left there beneath it for good, normal skin to grow on, but I don't know how legit or not any of these products are for more minor scars (such as the acne scars mentioned above).
 

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