Can A Chemical Peel Treat Acne Scars?

Chemical peels are a non-invasive skin treatment that uses a chemical solution to remove layers of dead skin, thereby enhancing your skin’s appearance. Removing the layer of old, dead skin on top reveals fresh layers of healthy skin for a refreshed look and faded acne scars. Do you suffer from acne? A common question we hear is “Can a Chemical peel treat acne scars?”

The results unveiled after a series of chemical peels include skin with a smoother appearance, both in texture and tone, which helps to reduce the appearance of acne scars. If you’ve been considering a chemical peel for acne scars, learn more about this treatment below.

Do Chemical Peels Help Acne Scars?

When performed by a licensed Esthetician, chemical peels are extremely effective at helping reduce the appearance of acne scars. Chemical peels target acne scars by accelerating skin turnover, unclogging pores, and stimulating collagen production. By removing the top layer of skin, chemical peels leave behind fresh, new skin and trigger your body to stimulate new cell growth. 

Once the top layer of skin is removed, the body then actively tries to repair and replace the skin that has been removed. This contributes to your refreshed, rejuvenated look and diminishes the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (acne scarring).

Chemical peels come in various types, ranging from light to deep peels. At Aiken Medical Aesthetics, our providers will work with you to determine the best chemical peel to treat your acne scars and other skin concerns. Each patient’s chemical peel treatment plan will differ.

Will I See Immediate Results from a Chemical Peel for Acne Scars?

Chemical peels can offer immediate results for many patients seeking to improve the appearance of acne scars. However, multiple chemical peel treatments (usually between 3 to 6) yield the best results. Chemical peels are effective as an acne treatment as well, which means they can still be performed if you currently have acne on your face.

The number of treatments and success of chemical peels will vary from person to person depending on the severity of acne scars. In general, treatments should be spaced between 4 to 6 weeks apart. You can also support an even-toned complexion and help fade acne scars with a great skincare routine by including daily Vitamin C, skin brighteners and SPF protection.

Best Chemical Peel for Acne Scars

Chemical peels use a variety of different high pH acids such as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), trichloroacetic acid, and citric acid. The type of acid used for your chemical peel will depend on the types and severity of acne scars you wish to target.

Different acids in peels yield different results: Trichloroacetic acid (also known as TCA) is one of the most common acids used as a chemical peel for acne scars. This particular acid is effective at penetrating the deeper layers of the skin which can help to improve the appearance of acne scarring. Used in conjunction with other acids such as retinoic, salicylic, and ascorbic acid- a VI Peel can help not only kill residual bacteria within the skin, but also boost collagen, increase cell turnover, and prevent further free radical damage. In some cases, milder chemical peel acids such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid may be used. While some chemical peel services can cause discomfort, VI Peels include Phenol- which has a unique anesthetic ability when applied topically and helps ensure your chemical peel service is comfortable.

Deep acne scars often respond well to chemical peel treatments. However, a chemical peel may not be the best treatment for some types of raised acne scars (hypertrophic scars). Our medical Aestheticians will help provide other treatment options for these types of acne scars.
With 5 different peel options in our VI Peel portfolio, our team of experienced skin care professionals at Aiken Medical Aesthetics is here to help you develop a treatment plan that can help you feel confident in your skin.

Booking Your Chemical Peel

With personalized treatment plans, complimentary after-care kits, and experienced medical Aestheticians, Aiken Medical Aesthetics is your answer to fresher, more vibrant skin. If you have acne scars you’d like to target, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Just a few chemical peel treatments can greatly improve the appearance of your acne scars and help you feel more confident.