Is Chemical Peel for Acne Good For Your Skin?

Acne can cause a variety of skin issues, from mild irritation to severe problems that may impact your self-confidence and appearance.

It doesn’t have to be difficult to find the best acne treatment. Working with the right skin specialist can quickly narrow down the best options for healthy, glowing skin.

A chemical peel for acne may be an option if you are prone to breakouts. It is not only effective for treating acne but also offers many other benefits, such as the ability to remove certain scarring or reverse some signs of aging.

Are you curious about this procedure? We’ve outlined the science behind chemical skin peeling to treat acne scarring. Keep reading below!

What is a Chemical Peel?

Chemical peel is a painless cosmetic treatment that uses botanical and physician-approved acids, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and trichloroacetic acid (TCAs). The chemical solution can be used to remove layers of dead skin cells that have been damaged by the sun, surfaces with age spots, and discoloration.

As the damaged layers are removed, your skin will appear younger, plumper, and brighter.

How Chemical Peel for Acne Works

Acne refers to a condition where your hair follicles become clogged with oil or dead skin cells which may lead to whiteheads or blackheads as well as pimples.

Oftentimes, acne is caused by excessive production of oil in the skin (sebum), clogged pores, inflammation, hormonal changes, and bacteria.

Along with these common skin problems, dead skin cells can be removed by most chemical peeling procedures, which may reduce your chances of developing or making your acne severe in the long term.

Chemical peels offer many other benefits beyond treating acne. In fact, chemical peels have been used for active acne vulgaris and other skin conditions for many decades. In 2018, researchers reviewed 12 trials of chemical peels for the treatment of acne. They concluded that the peels can be tolerated well by facial skin and are effective in treating mild to moderate acne.

Chemical peels are available at different depths (superficial, medium, and deep peels). Your skin type, history of acne, and desired results will determine which chemical peel is best for you.

There are three types:

• Superficial Chemical Peels. Superficial chemical peeling only penetrates the epidermis, the outermost layer of your skin.
• Medium-depth Chemical Peels. Medium depth peels penetrate the outer and middle layers.
• Deep Chemical Peels: Deep peels use stronger chemicals to remove the dermis, which is the middle layer of skin, as well as any damaged cells. This type of peel requires consultations after the treatments to check the skin.

These ingredients are some of the most effective chemical peels:

• Glycolic acid
• Salicylic acid
• Lactic acid
• Mandelic acid

What are the Benefits of a Chemical Peel?

While multiple chemical peels can have long-lasting, skin-changing results, most patients notice a difference in their skin after their first treatment. A chemical peel can provide many benefits.

• Improved appearance of various signs of aging such as freckles, liver spots, fine lines, and wrinkles
• Increased production of collagen
• Reduce acne scars and blemishes
• Sun damage reversal
• Healthier and smoother skin texture and tone
• Minimize dark spots
• Rejuvenated skin
• It gives skin a firmer, tauter appearance
• Can also be used on the neck, hands, and anywhere else on your body

Can You Use Chemical Peels to Treat Acne Scars?

Chemical peels are not only great in treating acne, but also in reducing small to mild scarring. 

In fact, many studies have found the procedure effective in improving the appearance of acne scars and other skin disorders. 

As the layers peel, your skin will look younger, plumper, brighter, cleared, and finer.

Are You A Perfect Candidate For A Chemical Peel For Acne?

You’re a great candidate for a session of chemical peels if you have any one of these problems.

• Acne-prone skin
• Acne Scars
• Age spots
• Hyperpigmentation
• Melasma
• Sun-damaged skin
• Fine lines, wrinkles

Make sure to call and consult your preferred skin specialist to give you advice on the right type of peel for your skin. 

We’d love to hear from you! Leave us a comment below if you have any questions or thoughts about your skin problems!