How Chemical Peels Help with Acne and Acne Scars
Acne is a skin concern that affects people of all ages. Whether it’s the occasional breakout or persistent cystic acne, dealing with it can take a toll on both your skin and your confidence. And even after the acne clears up, many are left with stubborn scars that seem to stick around far too long. That’s where chemical peels come in. This popular treatment, offered by dermatologists and med spas alike, is more than just a skincare trend — it’s a proven method for treating both active acne and the spots it leaves behind.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels resurface the skin by applying a solution to remove its outermost layers. Over time, the outermost layer — where damage, discoloration, and dead skin cells live — peels away, revealing smoother, clearer skin beneath. Depending on your skin type and worries, peels can be light, medium, or deep.
- Light peels typically use alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) like glycolic acid or salicylic acid.
- Medium peels often involve trichloroacetic acid (TCA), targeting deeper skin imperfections.
- Deep peels use stronger solutions and penetrate further into the skin but require more downtime.
How Do Chemical Peels Help with Acne?
When it comes to treating active acne, chemical peels can offer multiple benefits:
1. Unclogging Pores:
Acne often begins with clogged pores. Chemical peels help clear out oil, dead skin cells, and debris from the skin’s surface and inside the pores. Salicylic acid peels, in particular, are known for their oil-soluble properties, which allow them to penetrate deeply into the pores and dissolve buildup.
2. Reducing Oil Production:
Frequent light peels can help regulate oil production over time, making breakouts less frequent. Less oil means fewer clogged pores, and fewer clogged pores mean fewer pimples.
3. Killing Acne-Causing Bacteria:
Some chemical peels have antibacterial properties that help reduce the presence of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), the bacteria often responsible for inflammatory acne.
4. Speeding Up Cell Turnover:
One benefit of a chemical peel is its ability to accelerate the skin’s natural exfoliation process. This rapid cell turnover helps fade active blemishes more quickly and can prevent future breakouts from forming.
How Do Chemical Peels Help with Acne Scars?
If you’ve struggled with stubborn acne in the past, you may be familiar with the frustrating aftermath: dark spots, uneven skin tone, and textural scars. Chemical peels can improve the look of acne scarring, especially when done consistently over time.
1. Fading Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH):
PIH appears as dark spots left behind by acne. Lighter chemical peels can gently exfoliate the pigmented layers, encouraging new, evenly toned skin to come forward. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are often used to help lessen skin discoloration.
2. Smoothing Textural Scarring:
Deeper chemical peels — often medium-strength TCA peels — can improve textural irregularities like rolling or boxcar scars by stimulating collagen production. Collagen helps to plump the skin, softening the look of indentations over time.
3. Enhancing Skin Radiance:
Beyond targeting specific scars, chemical peels can dramatically improve overall skin clarity, texture, and brightness. This gives your complexion a more uniform appearance and can help scars blend in more naturally.
What to Expect During and After a Chemical Peel
The process is relatively quick and non-invasive, especially for lighter peels. Your provider will apply the solution to clean skin and leave it on for a few minutes before neutralizing or removing it. You might feel a tingling sensation, but this typically subsides quickly.
After the peel, your skin might be red or slightly flaky, depending on the strength used. Follow aftercare instructions to protect your newly exfoliated skin.
Most people see improvements after one treatment, but scheduling peels spaced several weeks apart often produces the best results, especially for acne scarring.
Are Chemical Peels Right for Everyone?
Chemical peels can benefit most skin types, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. People with sensitive skin, active infections, or certain skin conditions may need a customized treatment plan. A licensed provider can evaluate your skin and help determine the right type and strength of peel based on your goals.
It’s also important to be realistic — while chemical peels can make a significant difference, they may need to be combined with other treatments like microneedling, laser therapy, or topical skincare for optimal results, especially for deep or longstanding scars.
Final Thoughts
Acne and the scars it leaves behind can be frustrating and persistent, but chemical peels offer a practical and results-driven solution. From clearing out clogged pores to stimulating collagen and evening out skin tone, this versatile treatment can be a valuable tool in your skincare journey.
If you’re considering a chemical peel, consult with a trusted professional who understands your skin type and concerns. At Nova Derm Institute, our team of skin specialists is experienced in customizing chemical peel treatments to help you achieve radiant skin. Whether you’re battling active breakouts or looking to smooth out past scars, we’re here to support you every step of the way.