Can Deep Chemical Peel Remove Acne Scars

Chemical peels are an increasingly popular treatment at spas and dermatologist offices, as they can help treat a variety of skin issues and concerns.

As you can tell by the name, chemical peels utilize chemicals—sometimes classified as acids—to loosen the top layer of the dermis and promote new skin cell renewal. By doing this, it can help treat a variety of skin issues, such as discoloration, uneven skin tone, and fine lines and wrinkles.

One of most popular questions asked is if chemical peels help with acne scarring. Acne scarring can range from discoloration to pockmarks in the skin—can chemical peels treat all of those marks? And if so, which chemical peel is best?

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.

Can deep chemical peel remove acne scars?

Yes, chemical peels help with acne scars. Chemical peels work beneath the surface of the skin to turn over new skin cells and promote new skin cell growth, which can help lessen the appearance of acne scars over time.

Whether you have discoloration or pock marks from past acne, chemical peels can help reduce the appearance of multiple types of acne scarring.

The AAD describes how dermatologists use resurfacing procedures to reduce the appearance of acne scarring.

Chemical peels, dermabrasion, and microdermabrasion are all resurfacing procedures. They remove layers of skin to encourage the body to produce new skin cells.

The chemicals that a professional applies in a chemical peel have a high acid content that may suit people with minor or deep scarring.

OTC products may not be right for everyone and may not have the desired effect, due to their low acid concentration and gentle exfoliation.

What Type of Chemical Peel Should I Get for Acne Scars?

Glycolic Acid Power Peel

Power Peels are an exfoliating treatment that reveals fresh, refined skin without abrasion or down time. Our Power Peels will loosen the top layer of the dermis and promote new cell renewal. You’ll likely see results after a single treatment, but results will be best maintained with regular Power Peel treatments.

This treatment utilizes 25% Lactic, 22% Beta Salicylic, or 33% Glycolic properties. Your esthetician will determine the highest yielding choice during treatment to ensure that your skin receives the best combination of acids.

This peel is perfect for acne-prone or oily skin types. If you have severe eczema, psoriasis, or sunburn, it is not recommended that you receive a Power Peel.

PCA Peel

PCA Corrective Peels are one of the top five non-surgical procedures that improve skin texture and appearance. PCA Peels have been refined and are designed to deliver rejuvenated results without the burning of past peels or the downtime of surgery.

These peels are customized to improve your skin type. Whether you have oily or dehydrated skin, sun damage, melasma, or acne problems, you can restore your glowing, youthful skin—and, most importantly, reduce the appearance of acne scars.

PCA Peels are great for a variety of skin types, ages, and skintones, so you can feel confident that your skin will be treated with the type of chemical peel that is right for you. PCA Peels can be adjusted based on your skin needs, with gentler chemicals being used for less severe scarring, and more aggressive peels being used to treat deeper acne scars.

How do chemical peels get rid of acne scars?

The ingredients in chemical peels help shed the top layer of skin. This turnover of skin cells can help reveal fresh skin that will likely be clearer, and more even in tone and texture.

For acne-prone skin specifically, chemical peels can help:

• Prevent future breakouts. Light chemical peels can help remove pore-clogging gunk to prevent pimples.
• Smooth out the texture of acne scars. Medium and deep chemical peels can reach deeper levels of skin, and remove these layers to help improve skin texture.
• Lighten dark spots. Peels can also help fade dark patches (akahyperpigmentation) caused by acne.

What are the best peels for acne scars?

For deep acne scars

Atrophic acne scars are those that form deep indentations in the skin. These are the kind you think of as pits or craters. Medically, the three types of atrophic acne scars are categorized as:

• Ice pick acne scars. Small and narrow pits, almost like deep pores.
• Boxcar acne scars. Flat bottomed divots with raised edges.
• Rolling acne scars. Indentation without a defined edge that’s usually on your cheeks.

According to a 2015 review, medium and deep chemical peels are likely your best option to help treat these deep scars. But results can vary and you’ll likely still have some scarring.

You’ll also have to see a professional to get a legit medium or deep peel done safely and properly.

For raised acne scars

Raised scars, or hypertrophic acne scars, are less common and look like bumps on the surface of your skin. These can form when the skin has an abnormal response to healing from injury (more reasons to stop picking your zits). Hypertrophic scars are also more likely to form from body acne.

Unfortunately, using chemical peels to treat hypertrophic scars isn’t very effective. Other medical or at-home treatments recommended by your dermatologist are a better bet.

Using at-home peels for resurfacing acne scars

Certain chemical peels can be done as a part of your skin care routine. The key is trying to select the right chemical peel products for your skin type and acne situation.

Most products available for home use are going to be milder, lighter-impact peels. They’re aimed at helping with more superficial skin issues like surface acne scars, spots of discoloration, and minor wrinkles. So, temper your expectations to some degree.

Look for quality, reputable products that feature these acids (which are what do the peeling):

How to give yourself a chemical peel at home

• Skip the chemical peel if your skin is inflamed.
• Always do a patch test on a discreet part of your body, like the inside of your wrist, when trying a new product.
• Apply the peel according to the product instructions and use the minimum duration the first time you use it. Don’t apply the chemical peel on or near your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid scrubbing or otherwise physically exfoliating your skin for a day before or after your peel.
• Skip retin-A, other acids, and acne-clearing treatments for several days pre- and post-peel.
• Don’t use products containing trichloroacetic acid (TCA) — they’re a bit advanced for amateur/self-use.
• Stick to proper aftercare, like moisturizing.
• Avoid sun exposure after your peel and wear sunscreen.

Getting a professional chemical peel

There are two types of skin care experts to consider when looking for a chemical peel pro: dermatologists and estheticians. Dermatologists are medical doctors with additional specialized training in skin health; they practice in a variety of healthcare and medspa settings. Estheticians are nonmedical skin care specialists who work in spas and salons.

If you have deep acne scars, visiting a pro for a more potent, medical-grade chemical peel is typically a more effective treatment — including ingredients like phenol and trichloroacetic acid (TCA).

Chemical peels you can get from a qualified professional might include:

What can affect your chemical peel results?

Many factors can affect the final outcome of your chemical peel. These include:

• severity of your acne
• your skin type
• your skin tone
• other treatments you’re pursuing (for acne or other conditions)

A 2018 study of 473 chemical peels done over 5 years found that people with darker skin tones experienced higher rates of negative side effects like crusting and hyperpigmentation. Other research concluded folks with darker skin tones should avoid deep peels because they are more susceptible to scarring and severe discoloration.

But if you have darker skin prone to hyperpigmentation and still want to try a chemical peel, research suggests glycolic peels might be best.

Also, because different kinds of skin, acne, and acne scars respond differently to various chemical peels, it may take some trial and error.

To find what chemical peel works for you, it may be necessary to:

• Try a variety of chemical peels (both in terms of agents used as well as how deep they go into the skin).
• Repeat the application of chemical peels over time (i.e., 3–4 rounds spaced 6–8 weeks apart).
• Employ complementary treatments in addition to peels — like an over-the-counter scar cream or dermabrasion sesh.

Chemical peels not a-peeling? Try these alternative scar treatments

If you’re not interested in getting a chemical peel — or they haven’t worked the way you hoped — consider an alternative like:

• topical over-the counter scar and acne treatments
• dermabrasion
• microneedling or dermarolling
• platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facials
• laser resurfacing and treatments
• punch excision
• subcision or surgical removal
• fillers
• punch grafting
• steroid injections
• TCA CROSS

Chemical Peel For Acne Scars Cost

The average cost of a chemical peel is around $500, but the price can range from $200 up to $6,000. This wide price range for chemical peel treatments can be attributed to a number of factors that can impact the price of treatment, including:

• Type of chemical peel
• Chemical peel provider
• Consultation fees
• Geographic location
• Recovery expenses⁵

One of the biggest impacts on the cost of a chemical peel is what type of chemical peel you receive. Below is a breakdown of the average cost by type of chemical peel.

• Light chemical peels can cost between $100 to $300 per session. This type of chemical peel is the least expensive. Multiple treatments may be recommended for best results.⁶
• Medium chemical peels can cost from $1,000 to $3,000 per session. Again, multiple treatments may be recommended for best results.⁶
• Deep chemical peels can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000. The final price for the chemical peel will depend on your specific provider and geographic location. These are the most costly type of chemical peels available.⁶

Does Insurance Cover Chemical Peels?

Health insurance plans may not cover the cost of chemical peels if the health insurer doesn’t consider the treatments to be medically necessary. With insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs for a chemical peel can include deductibles, coinsurance and co-pays. It’s a good idea to contact your insurance company in advance for details about your specific plan and benefits.