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.
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 exfoliate without abrasion or downtime to reveal polished skin. Our Power Peels increase dermal cell renewal by loosening the top layer. A single Power Peel treatment may yield effects, but recurring treatments are recommended.
This treatment uses 25% Lactic, 22% Beta Salicylic, or 33% Glycolic. Your esthetician will choose the highest-yielding option during treatment to provide your skin the greatest acids.
This peel is ideal for oily or acne-prone skin. Power Peels are not advised for severe eczema, psoriasis, or sunburn.
PCA Peel
PCA Corrective Peels are one of the top five non-surgical skin-improvement treatments. PCA Peels are now improved to renew without the burning or operation downtime.
Customized peels improve your skin type. No matter your skin type—oily, dehydrated, sun damaged, melasma, or acne—you can restore your youthful shine and eliminate acne scars.
PCA Peels work for all skin types, ages, and skintones, so you can trust that your skin will receive the proper chemical peel. PCA peels can be altered to treat deeper acne scars with harsher chemicals and lighter scarring with softer chemicals.
How can chemical peels remove acne scars?
Chemical peels use substances to remove the top layer of skin. Fresh, clearer, and more even-toned skin can result from cell turnover.
As for acne-prone skin, chemical peels can help:
Prevent outbreaks. Light chemical peels can prevent pimples by removing pore-clogging muck.
Reduce acne scar texture. Medium and deep chemical peels enhance skin texture by removing deeper layers of skin.
Brighten dark spots. Peels can fade acne-related hyperpigmentation.
What are the finest acne scar peels?
For deep acne scars
Deep skin indentations are known as atrophic acne scars. These are pits or craters. The three types of atrophic acne scars are medically classified:
Pick acne scars with ice. Akin to deep pores, narrow pits.
Scars from boxcar acne. Raised-edge flat divots.
Ache scars roll. An undefined cheek indentation.
A 2015 analysis suggests medium and deep chemical peels are the best treatment for deep scars. Results may vary and scarring may remain.
For a safe and effective medium or deep peel, see a professional.
Raised acne scars
Hypertrophic acne scars, or raised scars, are less prevalent and resemble skin lumps. These can grow when the skin has an aberrant response to recovering from injury (more reasons to quit picking your zits). Hypertrophic scars are also more likely to emerge from body acne.
Chemical peels don’t work well for hypertrophic scars. Your dermatologist may prescribe superior medical or home remedies.
Resurfacing acne scars at home using peels
Certain chemical peels might be part of your skin care program. Choose the appropriate chemical peel products for your skin type and acne condition.
Most home peels are gentler and lighter. They target superficial skin concerns like acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. Try to lower your expectations.
Look for quality, reputable products that feature these acids (which are what do the peeling):
| Type of acid | Skin types | Benefit |
| salicylic acid | oily, acne-prone skin | lifts dirt out of the pores |
| glycolic acid | normal to oily skin | exfoliates epidermis |
| lactic acid | all skin types | lightens dark spots |
| mandelic acid | all skin types + darker skin tones | shrinks big pores |
| phytic acid | sensitive skin | lessens appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation |
Getting a professional chemical peel
- 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.
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:
| Type of peel | Potential ingredients/ peel names | Healing time |
| light, refreshing, superficial, or “lunchtime” peels | alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), glycolic acid, lactic and mandelic acids, salicylic acid, pyruvic acid | 1–7 days of red, flakey skin (It might require a few sessions to get results.) |
| medium peels | low-to-moderate-concentration TCA solutions, glycolic acid, Jessner’s peel, salicylic acid, pyruvic acid | 7–14 days (It might make your face and eyelids swell during first 2 days — you may also get blisters that burst and crust over for 2 weeks.) |
| deep peels | high-concentration TCA solutions, Baker-Gordon phenol peel, phenol (aka carbolic acid) | 14–21 days (You’ll need to keep the area bandaged, take antiviral meds, do daily soaks, and have several follow-up appointments.) |
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
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.
