Dealing with breakouts is frustrating enough, but the acne scars they leave behind can make it feel like you’re facing an entirely new battle with your skin. You may have tried a variety of serums, creams, moisturizers, and home remedies, only to find that nothing seems to fade your acne scars. If topical products aren’t fading scars, chemical peels have become a popular treatment to treat acne scars and smooth skin.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a professional skin resurfacing treatment where a combination of one or more acids is gently applied to the skin to exfoliate damaged outer layers, and stimulate the body’s natural healing response. As the old skin sheds, it reveals new skin that is smoother, more even in tone, and less scarred. The process also stimulates collagen production deep within the dermis. Since many acne scars result from collagen loss during the healing of a breakout, this boost in collagen helps plump up pitted scars from the inside out.

What Causes Acne Scars?

Acne scars form when breakouts damage the skin and its underlying tissue. When a pimple becomes inflamed, the pore can enlarge and break the wall of the hair follicle. If the skin doesn’t heal smoothly during the repair process, it may produce too little or too much collagen, causing a visible acne scar. Common causes of acne include:

• Inflamed breakouts⎯Severe acne, especially cystic acne can damage the skin and underlying tissue.

• Picking pimples⎯Picking blemishes can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of permanent skin damage.

• Untreated acne⎯The longer breakouts persist, the more inflammation increases the risk of permanent scarring because prolonged irritation gives the skin additional time to damage tissue.

• Repeated breakouts in the same area⎯Ongoing skin inflammation makes it harder for the skin to heal properly.

• Genetics⎯Some people are naturally more prone to acne scarring based on how the skin repairs itself.

Types of Chemical Peels for Acne Scars

Not all chemical peels are the same. They’re typically categorized into three main types based on how deeply the solution penetrates the skin.

Light Chemical Peels

Light chemical peels use mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid. These solutions only penetrate the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) to help treat hyperpigmentation. Light chemical peels have minimal downtime so you return to your normal routine almost immediately. You will most likely need a series of treatments to see significant results.

Medium Chemical Peels

Medium chemical peels penetrate the epidermis, and reach the upper part of the middle layer of skin (dermis). These chemical peels are really effective for shallow depressed acne scars. By reaching deeper layers of the skin, medium chemical peels trigger a deeper collagen regeneration process. With this type of chemical peel, you can expect more noticeable peeling and redness, and the recovery period is about one to two weeks.

Deep Chemical Peels

Deep peels use strong chemicals to penetrate the lower dermal layer. Because they reach so deeply into the skin, these chemical peels can show dramatic improvements in boxcar acne scars and textural irregularities. 

Will Chemical Peels Help With Recurring Acne?

Chemical peels offer a wide range of benefits for acne-prone and scarred skin because they improve skin texture and tone by removing dead and damaged skin cells, as well as reducing active acne. Ingredients like salicylic acid work within the pores to break down oil and debris, helping treat active breakouts while also helping prevent new breakouts from forming. Over time, getting light or medium chemical peels can significantly improve overall skin health.

Chemical peels can also improve the effectiveness of your at-home skincare routine. By clearing away the buildup of dead skin cells, they allow serums and moisturizers to absorb more efficiently and deliver better results.

Chemical Peel Treatment at NM Aesthetics in the DMV Area

The best chemical peel for acne scars depends on your skin type, the amount of recovery time you have available, and skincare goals. Contact us to schedule a skin consultation or to reserve a chemical peel treatment by filling out our form online or calling us at (571) 310-3223. We offer virtual and in-person consultations, and are conveniently located in the Ballston Exchange.

FAQs

How often should you get a chemical peel?

The number of chemical peel treatments you’ll need depends on your skin concerns and goals. Many patients see best results with a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart.

Do chemical peels help with wrinkles?

Chemical peels improve the appearance of wrinkles by applying a chemical solution that gently exfoliates damaged outer layers of skin for healthier, smoother, and more rejuvenated skin underneath.

Is there downtime after a chemical peel?

Downtime depends on the strength of the chemical peel. Light peels typically cause mild flaking, while deeper peels can result in more visible peeling and may require anywhere from several days to a couple of weeks of recovery time.

Does a chemical peel hurt?

Most patients experience mild tingling or warmth during the treatment. Deeper peels may cause more discomfort, but it is typically well tolerated.

What should I avoid after a chemical peel?

After a chemical peel you should avoid sun exposure, picking or peeling the skin, and harsh skincare products until your skin has fully healed.

How long does a chemical peel take?

A chemical peel treatment usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete, depending on the type and strength of the peel.

Can I combine chemical peel treatments with other skincare procedures?

Yes, chemical peels can often be combined with other skincare treatments, but it depends on your skin type, goals, and the type of peel being used. Many patients pair chemical peels with treatments like microneedling, red light therapy, and dermal fillers.