Chemical scarification is the use of chemical agents to damage the skin and induce scarring. Most people agree that the results achieved using this technique are not that different from those achieved using other, far simpler, safer, and more predicable methods. As such, little research has been done into this method.

Instead of using base or acidic chemicals to burn down into the skin, and instead of rubbing chemicals into cuts, some people actually inject questionable chemicals under the skin. In some cases, these blister up and form a permanent scar, resembling the inoculation marks of the past.

Abrasive scarification is scarring achieved using friction to remove enough layers of skin to create scarring. Abrasive scarification is generally used to create subtle unraised scars, but it can be used to create almost every type and texture of scar.

Certain activities -- be it BMX racing and other extreme sports, or be it fighting or punching out windows -- tend to lead to scars because of the injuries they bring. Many view these scars as desirable, and not only seek them out by putting themselves in harm's way, and by rubbing irritants into any wounds to induce them to scar.

Almost every (but not EVERY) scarification artist working in the Western world is also a body piercer. The easiest way to find scarification artists local to you is an Internet search, coupled with visiting the better piercing and tattoo studios in your area.

I can't stop you from doing this, but the best way to get a low quality scar is to do it yourself. Self scarification, while common, is not recommended.

Most artists are self trained, but this is not the most responsible option, especially nowadays. The best way to become a scarification artist is by apprenticing under an experienced practitioner. As far as how to achieve that, get to know one on a personal level and take it from there. In addition, it is important that young people reading this realise that under no circumstances should scarification be considered as a "career" -- the commercial market is just not large enough.

Fakir Musafar (www.bodyplay.com) offers group training in traditional scarification techniques, and has recently added some modern (cautery) techniques as well.

The purpose of a chemical peel is to remove the layers of dead skin, revealing fresh skin underneath. The body creates new cells to replace the ones that the peel removes. Many medical specialists believe that new collagen is also generated following the peel procedure. In a chemical peel, we apply an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) to cleansed skin. The acid is left on for a short time (this depends on the condition of the skin, your tolerance level, etc).

The basic categories are branding (scarification through burns, either from heat, or from lasers or electrocautery devices), cuttings (fine scarification using a thin blade, sometimes coloured using tattoo ink, sometimes including the removal of patches of skin), and various other less common means including the use of chemicals and other non-traditional means.

By far the largest risk is the aesthetic one. Branding, cutting, and scarification are far from precise arts, and because the call for scarification is much smaller than that for piercing or tattooing, most artists are simply not that experienced. In addition, even experienced artists have trouble getting consistent results because there are so many variables in the healing process.

Tattooing works by reciprocating needles passing repeatedly through the surface of the skin. If a tattoo artists is too "heavy handed" (that is, tattooing too deep, or needlessly spending too much time in a given area, grinding it up), the tattoo will heal with some degree of scarring. This can be done on purpose as well.

Chemical peels are techniques that employ chemical treatments to produce improved appearance of the face. Chemical peels produce controlled injury to the skin which promotes growth of new skin with improved appearance. Many different chemicals are used for chemical peels and include glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid, “Jessners” solution, and phenol. The different chemical solutions produce different degrees of injury of the skin.

There are many analytical laboratories available for the analysis of chemical parameters in your water. Simply look up 'analytical laboratories' in the phone book or on-line. Keep in mind that you will have to advise the lab as to what parameters that you want tested. If you have questions with regards to which parameters you need to have tested, please contact R-Can directly.

A chemical peel is a procedure that rejuvenates skin. Most individuals find benefit from the application of glycolic acid. In almost all cases, patients will notice a improved vitality of skin.

No. There is a mild degree of "tingling" or a slightly itchy sensation while the glycolic acid is in contact with the skin. Upon neutralizing the peel, the skin feels fresh and smooth without discomfort.

You may go outside, but sunscreen must be worn for at least a few days after the peel as your skin will likely be a little more sensitive to sun exposure.