Best Home Skin Peel

In a world where everyone wants to have perfect skin, it’s understandable that many people are looking for the best home skin peel they can find. That way, they can improve their skin’s appearance without having to spend lots of money on treatments at a spa.

However, before you go out and buy the first product you find, there are some things you should think about. When it comes to the best home skin peel, there are many different types available and each one has its own pros and cons. You’ll want to read through these carefully so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you!

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Whipping up your very own chemical peel at home may seem like a lot of work, but it’s actually a relatively easy and cost-effective way to give your skin a big-time boost.

Just like the more expensive varieties performed by skincare professionals, do-it-yourself (DIY) chemical peels also provide a slew of beautifying benefits.

While there are many chemical peels to choose from, here we share the recipe for some of the best DIY chemical peels that you can try at-home.

How do chemical peels work?

Chemical peels work by exfoliating dead skin cells and eventually causing the top dermal layers to peel off, effectively leaving behind new skin that looks bright and feels soft and supple. By simultaneously cleaning pores while moisturizing the skin, chemical peels are a fast and relatively gentle way to give your skin a nourishing boost.

Although the phrase “chemical peel” might sound harsh, these homemade facials generally only use natural chemicals — naturally-derived acids, antioxidants, and moisturizers — to rejuvenate the skin.

They aid in reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, acne scars, and enlarged pores while simultaneously evening the skin out and treating dark spots.

This article is geared towards helping you find the perfect do-it-yourself facial chemical peel for your own unique skin issues, whether that be a gentle DIY chemical peel to reinvigorate your skin’s turnover rate, or just something to correct frustrating wrinkles and uneven skin.

Tailoring your chemical peel to your skin type

Depending on the type of chemical peel and the ingredients you choose to add, you can customize your peel to suit your individual skincare issues. Most DIY chemical peels are suitable for acne scars as the active ingredients resurface the top layers of the skin, thereby reducing their appearance.

You can also make a homemade chemical peel to address dark spots by adding certain key ingredients like glycolic acid, which help even out and brighten the skin. Other recipes are better for removing dead skin on the feet, elbows, and legs.

In order to craft a chemical cocktail that suits your own personal needs, let’s take a look at some of the ingredients commonly added to homemade peels.

• Glycolic acid — Found in everything from cane sugar to sour cream, glycolic acid is a key ingredient in many peels, especially homemade chemical peels for exfoliation. This acid sloughs away the top layers of the skin for a refreshing, rejuvenated result. Glycolic acid is also found in yogurt, vinegar, apples, blackberries, and a wide variety of citrus fruits — including lemons, limes and grapefruits. It’s easy availability makes it a go-to choice to add to your own at-home concoctions.
• Antioxidants — Antioxidants have been proven to be highly beneficial to the skin, and they’re also easy to incorporate into your DIY chemical peel with ingredients found in the grocery store. You can craft chemical fruit peels with citrus juice and berry extracts in order to provide your skin with a natural antioxidant boost. For a powerful homemade chemical peel, lemon juice or another antioxidant-rich citrus can help cleanse and rejuvenate. Add extra antioxidants if you’re looking for a homemade chemical peel for melasma, acne, or irritated skin.
• Natural moisturizers — There are all kinds of gentle, all-natural ingredients that you can use to add hydration to your homemade peel. We recommend implementing avocado, honey, or egg whites into your peels for a simple way to moisturize and ensure that the exfoliating ingredients don’t draw out too much hydration.
• Aspirin — This over-the-counter analgesic is commonly added to DIY chemical facial peels in order to provide a boost of salicylic acid, which helps encourage the shedding of the outer layer of skin while providing an effective treatment for acne and psoriasis, among a variety of other skin conditions. You can easily dissolve uncoated aspirin tablets in water and crush them using the back of a spoon to add them to your DIY peels.
• Lemon — A natural source of antioxidants, lemon juice is a common additive in a wide variety of homemade facial peels. As you may know, lemon also has lightening properties, which makes it a popular ingredient for skincare masks, peels and products aimed at correcting age spots. Lemon and other citrus juices are quite acidic, they have high pH levels, so for safest results they should be combined with neutralizers, like baking soda.
• Baking soda — With its alkaline nature, baking soda can be used as a neutralizer in your homemade chemical peel, ensuring that the acids found in other ingredients — especially citrus juice — don’t dry out or damage your skin.

DIY chemical peel for wrinkles: the egg white peel

Ingredients

• 1 egg white
• ½ cup de-seeded cucumber pulp
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

This DIY chemical peel recipe is very simple. All you have to do is beat one egg white and mix it with cucumber pulp. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice and mix well, creating a spreadable paste.

Apply the finished product to your face and allow it to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off with water. The combination of egg whites — which naturally smooths wrinkles — and cucumbers will help de-wrinkle and moisturize the skin at once.

DIY chemical peel for dry skin: the AHA chemical peel

Ingredients

• ¼ cup white cane sugar
• ¼ cup yogurt

Instructions

This homemade glycolic acid peel is a great option for those with dry, itchy, irritated skin. The cane sugar provides natural exfoliation while the yogurt helps to restore hydration. Try this nourishing option as a DIY chemical peel for dark spots, as the natural glycolic acid helps to even out the skin.

To make the AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) peel, mix the cane sugar and yogurt until you have a slightly granulated paste. Use your fingers to apply the mask to your face, avoiding the eye area. Let the peel rest on your face for ten to 15 minutes before wiping it away with a towel and cool water.

DIY chemical peel for oily skin: the BHA chemical peel

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 cup water
• 12 uncoated aspirin tablets
• Lemon juice

Instructions

With this homemade chemical peel, aspirin delivers salicylic acid to wash away excess oil and encourage natural hydration. The baking soda acts as your homemade chemical peel neutralizer, which works against the acid of the lemon juice.

To make the BHA (beta hydroxy acid) peel, combine the baking soda with the water in a bowl and set the mixture aside. Place the aspirin in a shallow dish and sprinkle the lemon juice over the aspirin. Use the backside of a spoon to crush the aspirin into the lemon juice, creating a thick paste.

Use your fingers to spread the peel over your face, avoiding the eyes. Let it sit until dry, about ten minutes, and then wipe it off with a cotton ball soaked with the baking soda mixture.

DIY chemical peel for feet: the aspirin foot peel

Ingredients

• 12 uncoated aspirin tablets
• Lemon juice
• A thick moisturizer

Instructions

Much like the BHA chemical peel, this concoction utilizes aspirin as a source of salicylic acid. To make the mixture, place the non-coated aspirin tablets in a bowl while you soak your feet in hot water for about 20 minutes. Before allowing the aspirin to completely dissolve, pour the juice of one lemon over the aspirin and mix it into a thick paste.

Dry off your feet before applying the paste all over them. Then, wrap your feet in plastic bags with plastic wrap. Leave the mixture on for two hours or more. Once the time is up, rinse your feet and dry them well. Finish the treatment with a layer of thick, hydrating lotion. We recommend this homemade chemical peel for legs, ankles, and feet.

DIY chemical peel for acne scars: apple cider vinegar peel

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon applesauce

Instructions

Apple cider vinegar has long been touted as a natural way to diminish the appearance of acne scars, since it removes dead skin cells and helps regenerate the top layers of the skin. To make this corrective facial mask, simply combine the apple cider vinegar with the applesauce and stir well until fully combined.

Apply the mixture to your face and let it sit for ten to 15 minutes before thoroughly removing it with a soft cloth and water.

DIY chemical peel for sensitive skin: cucumber and tea peel

Ingredients

• 1 cup green tea
• 1 cup chamomile tea
• 1 small cucumber
• 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
• 4 ounces of water

Instructions

Irritated, itchy, and dry skin gets love with this unique facial peel. The green tea calms irritated skin, while the cucumber provides ascorbic acid (vitamin C) which can soothe skin irritations and help reduce swelling.

To make this mask, steep the chamomile and green teas together in approximately 4 oz (100ml) of water and add the unflavored gelatin. Blend a cucumber until it resembles the consistency of a paste, and add the cucumber juice to the tea and gelatin mixture.

Before applying to your face, allow the mix to cool in the refrigerator for about a half an hour to thicken up. Apply to your face for between 15 and 20 minutes, or until it completely dries, and then peel off the mask using warm water.

Skin Peeling Treatment

A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to remove layers of skin, revealing the more youthful skin underneath. Chemical peels can reduce or improve fine lines and wrinkles, acne, scars, uneven skin coloring and other skin imperfections. Different chemicals determine the depth of your peel and type of skin condition treated.

OVERVIEW

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel, also known as chemexfoliation or derma peeling, uses a chemical solution to improve the appearance of your skin. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to your skin, which causes trauma or injury to your skin’s layers. The skin layers eventually peel off revealing more youthful skin. The new skin is usually smoother with fewer lines and wrinkles, has a more even color and is brighter in complexion.

What conditions does a chemical peel treat?

Chemical peels are used to treat certain skin conditions or to improve your appearance by improving the tone and texture of your skin.

Chemical peels are most commonly performed on your face, neck or hands. They can help reduce or improve:

• Fine lines under your eyes or around your mouth and wrinkling caused by sun damage, aging and hereditary factors.
• Certain types of acne.
• Mild scarring.
• Sun spots, age spots, liver spots, freckles, uneven skin coloring.
• Precancerous scaly spots called actinic keratosis.
• Rough skin, scaly patches, dull complexion.
• Dark patches (melasma) due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills.

You will work with your dermatologist to determine the depth of your peel. This joint decision can vary depending upon the condition of your skin and the objectives of treatment.

Sags, bulges, deep scars, deep facial lines and more severe wrinkles don’t respond well to chemical peels. If these are your concerns, other cosmetic surgical procedures, such as carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, a face lift, brow lift, eye lift or soft tissue filler will be better options. A dermatologic surgeon can help determine the best treatment for your concerns.

Is a chemical peel good for all skin types?

Generally, superficial peels can be used on all skin types. However, if you have a darker skin tone, you have a greater risk of experiencing a darkening of your skin after treatment. This condition is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If you have a naturally darker skin tone, you may want to get the advice of your dermatologist about other less aggressive treatments to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.

Chemical peeling may also not be recommended if you:

• Have a history of abnormal skin scarring.
• Have extra coloring in your scars.
• Have skin conditions or take medications that make your skin more sensitive.
• Can’t stay out of the sun for the healing period.

PROCEDURE DETAILS

How are chemical peels performed?

A chemical peel can be performed in a doctor’s office or in a surgery center as an outpatient procedure. Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed with an agent that removes excess oils, while your eyes and hair are protected. A chemical solution is then applied to your skin. Chemical solutions typically used include glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid or carbolic acid (phenol). The different types of chemicals cause a controlled injury, each penetrating through to a different skin depth, then peeling away to reveal a new layer of skin.

The different chemical solutions provide different results. The choice of chemical depends on your goal. You will work with your dermatologist to determine the depth of your peel.

• A light (“lunchtime”) chemical peel provides subtle improvement over time and is often done in a series. The outermost layer of skin is removed. This choice may be best if you have fine wrinkling, acne, uneven skin coloring or dry, rough sun-damaged skin to help promote a healthy glow. Recovery from this type of peel may be within hours to a few days but with little to no down time.
• A medium chemical peel gives your skin a smooth, fresh look. The outermost layer and the upper part of your middle skin layer are removed. This choice may be best if you have uneven or moderate skin discoloring, age spots, acne scarring or fine-to-moderate wrinkles. Recovery from this type of peel may take a week or more and require some down time.
• A deep chemical peel produces the most dramatic results. This chemical penetrates down to the lower middle layer of your skin. Recovery time is longer with a deep peel. This choice may be best if you have moderate lines and wrinkles, extensive sun-damaged skin, deep acne scars, blotchy skin, and/or precancerous growths called actinic keratosis. A deep chemical peel requires pretreatment for up to eight weeks. Your doctor will provide specific instructions. A deep chemical peel is a one-time only treatment if applied to your face and does have significant down time.

To prepare for your chemical peel, some general instructions include:

• Avoid tanning and direct sun exposure for two weeks before each treatment.
• Apply topical products (such as hydroquinone) as instructed before treatment to prepare your skin.
• Don’t use any products containing retinoids (such as tretinoin) one to two weeks before treatment, unless your physician tells you differently.
• If you have been prescribed oral antibiotics or an oral antiviral medicine, start taking it at least 24 hours before your chemical peel.
• Peel areas must be free of any open sores, lesions or skin infections.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions for your peel type and your unique skin condition.

Day of peel: Your skin will be thoroughly cleaned. If you are having a deep chemical peel, you will receive general anesthesia (you will be asleep).

The procedure: During a chemical peel, solution is applied to your skin. You may feel a warm to somewhat hot sensation that will last a few minutes. This is followed by a stinging sensation. To relieve the sting, a cool compress may be applied your skin. The chemical is then washed off and/or neutralized.

RISKS / BENEFITS

What are the possible complications of chemical peels?

In certain skin types, there’s a risk of a temporary or permanent change in the color of your skin. Taking birth control pills, pregnancy or a family history of brownish discoloration on your face may increase your risk of developing abnormal pigmentation.

There’s also a low risk of scarring in certain areas of your face and certain individuals may be more prone to scarring. If scarring does occur, it can usually be treated with good results.

If you’ve had a history of herpes outbreaks, there’s a small chance of reactivating the cold sore. Your dermatologist can prescribe medication to reduce the chance of a flare up. Follow the instructions of your doctor.

Before your chemical peel, be sure to tell your dermatologist if you have a history of keloids (scar tissue overgrowth created at the site of a skin injury), any unusual scarring tendencies, any X-rays of your face or history of cold sores.

Infections are rare but still a risk.

RECOVERY AND OUTLOOK

What should I expect after the chemical peel?

What to expect varies depending on the depth of your chemical peel.

If you’ve had a light chemical peel:

• Expect a sunburn-like reaction to occur after your peel, meaning you’ll see redness followed by scaling that lasts between three and seven days.
• Apply lotion or cream as directed until your skin heals. After your skin heals, apply daily sunscreen.
• You can wear makeup immediately after treatment or the next day.
• Additional peels may be repeated every two to five weeks until you achieve your desired results. Typically three to five peels are needed to achieve your goal.

If you’ve had a medium chemical peel:

• Expect some redness, swelling, stinging and flaking of your skin. Swelling may last and/or worsen for 48 hours. Blisters can develop and will break open. Skin will crust and peel off over seven to 14 days.
• Perform daily soaks as directed by your doctor. Apply ointment after each soak. Apply lotion or cream daily. Don’t expose your skin to sunlight until completely healed.
• Antiviral medication will need to be taken for 10 to 14 days.
• You can wear makeup after five to seven days.
• Additional medium-depth peels may be repeated at six to 12 months intervals, if needed, to maintain results.

If you’ve had a deep chemical peel:

• The treatment area will be bandaged. Your bandages will be removed in a few days. Expect a healing time of 14 to 21 days.
• Perform daily soaks as directed by your doctor. Apply ointment after each soak. After 14 days, apply moisturizer as directed. Don’t expose your skin to sun for three to six months.
• Antiviral medication will need to be taken for 10 to 14 days.
• Wait at least 14 days before using any makeup.
• You can only have one deep peel performed on your face.

To get the best results, regardless of the depth of your peel, follow these tips:

• Don’t use a tanning bed or other type of indoor or even outdoor tanning while your skin is healing.
• After your skin heals, always apply a daily sunscreen.
• Apply a daily moisturizer, as directed, to keep your skin moist to prevent scarring.

Your new skin is fragile and more susceptible to complications. Your doctor will provide you with post-treatment instructions to reduce the chance of developing abnormal skin color after your peel and other complications.

If your skin itches, swells or burns, call your doctor. Scratching your skin could lead to an infection.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Is a chemical peel covered under insurance?

No, usually not. Chemical peels are considered a cosmetic treatment and therefore not covered by insurance.

best chemical peel for acne scars at home

Chemical peels have been proven to help reduce the appearance of acne scars, but there are a variety of treatments available, as well as multiple variables to keep in mind.

What Type of Acne Scarring Will Chemical Peels Help?

Chemical peels are incredibly effective when it comes to improving the overall appearance of the skin. However, they work better on certain types of acne scars over others.

“Generally, chemical peels do not address the deeper types of scars, such as ice pick scars,” says Dr. Anna Guanche, a board-certified dermatologist based in Calabasas, CA.

Hypertrophic (or raised) scars also aren’t suitable for chemical peels. That being said, those with less severe atrophic scars or hyperpigmentation may find success with chemical peels.

Atrophic Scarring

Atrophic scars occur when there is a loss of tissue, resulting in an indent in the skin.

• Ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars are all types of atrophic scars.
• Boxcar scars have defined borders and a flat bottom surface, whereas rolling scars don’t have clearly defined borders.
• Ice pick scars are small but noticeable holes in the skin. Most often, atrophic scars don’t fade on their own.

Chemical peels help diminish the appearance of boxcar scars and rolling scars, but likely won’t be effective on ice pick scars (pitted acne scars).

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Many people with acne-prone skin deal with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

• This type of hyperpigmentation visually appears as a dark, flat spot on the skin where inflammation existed (often a pimple).
• While mild to moderate spots typically clear up on their own within 4 to 24 months, chemical peels help speed up the process.

Other types of hyperpigmentation, like melasma and sun spots, are also treatable with chemical peels.

Best Chemical Peels for Acne Scars (At Home)

If you are looking for an effective treatment to do at home, these are some of the best chemical peels for acne scars.

1. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Best Chemical Peel for Atrophic Acne Scars

This chemical peel from The Ordinary is potent and effective, and the low price point makes it one of the best chemical peels for acne scars for those on a budget. The formula contains a powerful 30% concentration of exfoliating glycolic and lactic acid, as well as a 2% concentration of salicylic acid. In addition to the acids, the solution contains Tasmanian Pepperberry, which reduces irritation, as well as vitamin B5 to assist with healing.

How to Use: Apply to clean and dry skin. Leave on for up to 10 minute, and then rinse it off. Use at night, and use no more than twice a week.

2. Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial Mask

Best Chemical Peel for Hyperpigmentation

This mask has a strong 25% concentration of an AHA blend that includes glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acid. It also has a 2% concentration of salicylic acid. These acids work together to resurface the skin, revealing a smooth surface and an even skin tone. Drunk Elephant’s mask also contains a variety of plant extracts that calm the skin. The formula is free of essential oils, silicones, and fragrances, and is vegan and cruelty-free.

How to Use: Cleanse and dry the skin. Apply an even layer all over the skin, and then leave it on for up to 20 minutes. Rinse the product thoroughly when done. Use once weekly.

3. Makeup Artist’s Choice 40% Lactic Acid Peel

Best for Acne Scars and Discoloration

Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that is less irritating than the popular glycolic acid. This chemical peel has a 40% concentration of lactic acid. The potent formula is excellent for treating acne scars and improving the overall tone and texture of the skin. It also contains licorice extract, a skin lightening ingredient. This chemical peel kit comes with a pH prep solution, which removes debris and prepares the skin for the peel.

How to Use: Cleanse and dry the skin. Dispense the pH Prep Solution on a cotton ball, and sweep it across the face. Apply a thin layer of the peeling serum over the skin. Leave on for 3 to 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and cleanse the skin again. Use once a week.

4. Makeup Artist’s Choice 25% Mandelic Acid Peel

Best Chemical Peel for Minor Acne Scarring

This peel from Makeup Artist’s Choice uses mandelic acid, another AHA that is even less irritating than lactic acid. Mandelic acid has a larger molecular structure, which means it takes longer to penetrate the skin’s surface, leading to less irritation. That said, this peel still exfoliates the skin to diminish scars and improve the appearance of the skin. Mandelic acid doesn’t cause skin lightening, so this is one of the best chemical peels for acne scars for those with darker skin tones.

How to Use: Cleanse and dry the skin. Apply a thin layer of the peeling serum all over the skin. Leave on for 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Use once a week for the first 2 weeks, then every 4 days.

5. Makeup Artist’s Choice Mandelic/Salicylic Peel

Best Chemical Peel for Acne and Scarring

The combination of 15% mandelic acid and 15% salicylic acid makes this chemical peel particularly effective for those dealing with both scars and clogged pores. Salicylic acid works deep in the pores to unclog debris, while mandelic acid works on the surface to reveal even and smooth skin. These chemical exfoliants work particularly well on post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

How to Use: Cleanse and dry the skin. Apply a thin layer of the peeling serum all over the skin. Leave on for 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Use once a week.

How to Use Chemical Peels at Home (Safety)

At home chemical peels aren’t as strong as professional treatments, but you should still be cautious when using them. And, at-home peels are great for continual skin maintenance, says Angie Seelal, Physician’s Assistant at Advanced Dermatology PC.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using chemical peels for acne scars at home.

Chemical Peel Safety Measures

• You should not do a chemical peel if you are on isotretinoin (Accutane).
• If you have inflamed skin, you should also avoid doing a chemical peel until the inflammation has resolved.
• Eliminate exfoliants and any drying products 3 days before using a chemical peel.
• This means avoiding manual exfoliators, as well as retinol, benzoyl peroxide, acne treatments, and any other strong topicals that may dry or irritate the skin.

Patch Test Your Chemical Peel

Prior to using a peel, you should do a patch test to see how your skin reacts.

• Apply a small amount of the peel on clean skin in a discrete area, like on the inside of your arm or under your ear along the jawline.
• Leave on for the amount of time listed on the instructions, and then wash off. After 48 hours, look for signs of a reaction, like a rash, redness, bumps, or itchiness.
• If you experience an adverse reaction, it is best to avoid using the product.

While doing the peel, follow the instructions closely. If you experience intense stinging or burning, wash off immediately.

After the peel, follow up with a moisturizer. Continue to avoid using exfoliants and drying products at least 24 hours after the treatment.

Best Chemical Peels for Acne Scars (Professional)

There are a variety of professional peels at different strength levels. “The deeper the peel penetrates the more likely it is to correct indented scars, whereas shallow peels can clear up active acne and pigmentation that is associated with it,” says Dr. Guanche. For professional options, these are the best chemical peels for acne scars.

1. Jessner Peel

A Jessner peel contains lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol, and can be a superficial or medium level peel. It has been proven to be an effective treatment for acne scars, even when used as a superficial peel. “This peel not only addresses pigmentation and fine lines but can also help to clear acne,” says Dr. Guanche.

2. TCA Peel

A trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel is a more aggressive medium strength professional peel option. “This peel penetrates deeper into the skin, and has much more visible downtime compared to the Jessners peel,” says Dr. Guanche.

3. 60% Glycolic Acid Peel

As the name suggests, this peel uses a 60% concentration of glycolic acid to deeply exfoliate the skin. While you can buy a medical-grade peel with this concentration online, it is not safe to do at home. “Your skin reacts to peels differently depending on what state it is in, so [it is] best to have a professional board-certified dermatologist and their team take care of you” says Dr. Guanche.

Summary: Best Chemical Peels for Acne Scars

• The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% (Atrophic Acne Scars)
• Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial Mask (Hyperpigmentation)
• Makeup Artist’s Choice 40% Lactic Acid Peel (Discoloration)
• Makeup Artist’s Choice 25% Mandelic Acid Peel (Minor Acne Scarring)
• Makeup Artist’s Choice 15% Mandelic/Salicylic Peel (Acne and Acne Scars)

FAQs

How much does a chemical peel cost?

The price of a chemical peel will vary based on location, peeling depth and the service provider cost. Chemical peels done by estheticians will be significantly cheaper then those done by dermatologist or plastic surgeons. For ball park numbers, they can range $60 to over $1000 per session. For the best price, call your local provider and ask them for a quote.

Do chemical peels help with acne scarring?

Chemical peels have been proven to help with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and atrophic (pitted) scars. At-home treatments may help milder acne scars, and medical-grade peels done at a dermatologist’s office will help deeper scars. Those with hypertrophic (raised) or more severe atrophic scars likely won’t see results with chemical peels, says Angie Seelal.

Can chemical peels make acne scars worse?

There are risk factors associated with chemical peels. It is possible for chemical peels to make acne scars worse, or to cause new scars to form. This is especially true when using medical-grade peels at home, using a peel on inflamed skin, or when not closely following the directions of a treatment.

Can you see results after one peel?

Results depend on the severity of scars and how deep the peel is. Typically, chemical peels require multiple treatments to see the best results. “In general, chemical peels for acne scars require a series of treatments,” says Dr. Guanche. “It is not a one-and-done treatment.”

The Bottom Line

If you are dealing with atrophic scars or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, chemical peels may help you reduce their appearance and even out your skin tone. When using one of the best chemical peels for acne scars, take all necessary precautions for the safety of your skin, and follow the directions closely.