Chemical peels can be an effective treatment for reducing the appearance of acne scars, among other skin concerns such as dark spots, fine lines, and dullness. Chemical peels work by removing the top layer of skin, allowing new, healthy skin to present. They stimulate new collagen production and slough away discolored, dead skin cells to promote the growth of healthy, new skin cells. Chemical peels can help fill in scars by stimulating the body’s natural response to produce collagen. However, it is important to note that chemical peels cannot completely remove acne scars or any other type of scar. The degree to which chemical peels work may depend on the severity of the scars and the type of peel used. Light or superficial peels may help manage acne, while medium and deep peels may help more in treating moderate acne scars.
Some of the common ingredients used in chemical peels include phenol, trichloroacetic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid. Lactic acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid are common ingredients in chemical peels that are effective in treating acne as well as cleaning up its damage. Salicylic acid penetrates deeper than lactic acid and glycolic acids and can penetrate down into the pores to loosen and breakdown the excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria inside each pore and help clean out the bacteria that causes acne.
It is important to note that chemical peels should be performed by a board-certified dermatologist to guarantee safety and ideal results. Most side effects are a result of what you do following a peel, such as avoiding sun exposure, as that’s the primary culprit in pigmentation problems. Scarring can occur if the peel isn’t strong or used incorrectly. Patients may experience a reaction similar to sunburn in the treatment area, and they should avoid the sun for several months following a procedure. Light peels may be repeated in one- to four-week intervals, while medium-depth peels may be repeated every six to 12 months.
In summary, chemical peels can be an effective treatment for reducing the appearance of acne scars, but the degree to which they work may depend on the severity of the scars and the type of peel used. It is important to have chemical peels performed by a board-certified dermatologist to guarantee safety and ideal results.
