Homemade Chemical Peel For Acne Scars

Are you tired of concealing your face with layers of makeup? Are you annoyed by how long it takes to hide all of your facial scars so you can feel comfortable enough to go out in public?

Well, you’re not by yourself. The majority of people actually experience some degree of insecurity regarding their appearance. Everyone wants to feel good about themselves, regardless of their wrinkles, dark circles under their eyes, freckles, blotchy skin, or scars. However, when we feel like people are always judging us, it can be difficult.

It may be time to get a home skin peel if you’ve been dealing with acne or scars from previous injuries that have left your face pockmarked and unsightly. In order to even out your complexion and lessen the visibility of scars, these peels are specifically designed to resurface and revitalize your skin.

We’ll also talk about powerful DIY chemical peels and homemade face peels for dead skin in this post.

While it would be comforting to see my fair complexion in the mirror, certain insecurities, such as acne scars, contradict this notion. That being said, I know there’s nothing wrong with acne scars; in fact, women have been embracing these so-called “flaws” rather than feeling ashamed by them.

Still, for those of you who are interested, or maybe just a little bit curious, I’ve done the research and checked in with top skincare professionals on all there is to know about how to treat acne scars. While there are preventative measures we can take to keep acne scars from forming—like washing our faces daily, controlling oil buildup in our pores, and not picking at blemishes once they appear—the most effective tool for diminishing and even vanishing acne scars from the skin’s surface may be a chemical peel. It’s gentle on the skin but tough on scars. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about using chemical peels to treat acne scars.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment in which acids with exfoliating properties are applied to the skin—typically the face. The chemical solution removes dead skin, oil, and debris to reveal newer, smoother, and clearer skin.

According to NYC plastic surgeon Melissa Doft, MD, chemical peels are a strong form of chemical exfoliation in which “an acid solution” does away with dead skin and pore-clogging impurities on contact. Doft says that they “cause a controlled injury to surface skin cells.” It sounds a lot scarier than it is, but remember these injuries are on a cellular level (kind of like microneedling). “The strength of the peeling solution will determine the level of injury to your skin,” Doft says. “After the skin is injured, it will peel off and new cells will replace the old ones. Stronger peels will cause a deeper injury and thus require more downtime to heal.” Since brand-new cells replace the old, expect the skin to look more even, glowy, and fresh.

Benefits of a Chemical Peel

If trying to decide whether a chemical peel is right for you, consider the benefits, which, according to Jennifer MacGregor, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City, are many:

• Brightens pigment
• Smooths skin
• Evens skin tone
• Unclogs pores
• Reduces acne
• Improves the penetration and efficacy of your other skincare products³

Not too shabby if you ask us. She adds, “If you use a peeling agent regularly for four to six weeks or more (or opt for a stronger peel), you can also smooth texture by building new and healthier collagen and elastin and even boost skin’s own internal hyaluronic acid, which gives it that plump, luminous quality.”

As for the pros of peels, if you have acne-prone skin, “The improvement in comedonal acne—the type where pores are blocked and skin is oily—is significant and there can be a mild improvement in texture for shallow-depth boxcar scars over time,” says MacGregor. She continues, “More aggressive peeling can improve acne scars significantly, but these have fallen out of favor due to the recovery profile as it compares to laser and energy devices (the latter having a better ratio of improvement to downtime). Occasionally, we place a stronger peeling agent just into the center of deeper scars, which is a spot treatment often called the cross method.”

How to Prepare for a Chemical Peel

“If you have routine skincare, stick to your regimen before the peel. If you use any new and active cosmeceuticals that irritate you before your peel, it could cause even more irritation, unnecessary recovery, and uneven peeling,” says MacGregor.

When it comes to retinoids, she explains, “If you use [them] regularly, just inform your physician and don’t change anything leading up to the peel. Some people disagree on this point since retinoids are also peeling agents that thin out the outer dead cell layer, so a peel will be stronger; however, retinoids can also thicken the epidermis. The outer healthy cell layer of skin is thicker in retinoid users, not thinner. Just don’t start new retinoids a few weeks before and don’t go to have a professional peel without informing them of your retinoid use and strength.”

Lastly, “Definitely don’t get waxed before a peel. If you are doing peel pads or solutions at home, start very gently and gradually build to more frequent use. If it’s a new product, always test a small area first,” advises MacGregor. 

The Best At-Home Chemical Peels

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel 30 Pk $88.00

At home, Darden recommends using Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads, which use a combination of acidic ingredients meant to target uneven tone and texture, fine lines and wrinkles, and enlarged pores through cell turnover.

Skinbetter Alpharet® Exfoliating Peel Pads $110.00

Although MacGregor says, “No at-home peel products will work for acne scars,” she recommends using “Skinbetter Alpharet peel pads one to two times weekly for blackheads, pigment, smooth texture, and glow.”

Topix Glycolix Elite Treatment Pads 20% (60 count) $32.00

MacGregor is also a fan of these peel pads, which happen to come in a variety of strengths. They promise to address skin concerns like large pores, acne, blackheads, and whiteheads by gently exfoliating and moisturizing.

Editor’s note: If you’re in between chemical peels and you aren’t gearing up for one or healing from one, retinol is a good idea for reducing acne scarring. Darden says, “For reducing the appearance of acne scars and the chance of new scars from forming, I recommend using Retinol Reform. It stimulates cell regeneration, which reduces the signs of aging, scarring, and acne.” This retinol is a Byrdie editor favorite for its effective yet gentle formula, which promises to brighten and even your complexion.

What are the best chemical peels for acne scars?

OK, so we’ve convinced you that chemical peels for acne scars aren’t a scary thing. Great! Let’s jump into our favorite chemical peels for scarring.

1. Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Instant Resurfacing Peel with 9.9% AHAs + BHA ml

Formulated for acne scars and large pores, Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Instant Resurfacing Peel with 9.9% AHAs + BHA 50 ml balances a high concentration of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) with calming Hyaluronic Acid to curb irritation.

Inspired by professional chemical peels, just one use of this treatment accelerates the skin’s natural cell turnover and immediately unveils a smooth, glowing complexion. For optimal results, use it 2 times per week in the evening. Remember to limit sun exposure and wear SPF daily to protect your healing skin.

2. Skinstitut Enzymatic Micro Peel

The mild formulation of Skinstitut Enzymatic Micro Peel is suitable for all skin types. This exfoliating peel is infused with a blend of moisturizing papaya extract, chamomile, passionfruit oil, grapeseed oil, and niacinamide. Papaya contains gentle enzymes that work to selectively break down dead cells, revealing the radiant skin underneath. By ‘selectively,’ I mean that the enzymes stop exfoliating when no more dead skin remains. Pretty clever!

In addition to its exfoliating properties, the formulation utilizes Vitamin B5 and Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) to nourish skin and help heal barrier damage. Plus, anti-inflammatory Chamomile Extract and hydrating Hyaluronic Acid calm the redness of acne scars.

Another plus of this chemical peel is that it can be used either daily after cleansing or as a weekly face mask. Choose the exfoliation method that suits your skin’s needs.

3. Pixi Peel & Polish

We offer an affordable peel solution for you. Pixi Peel & Polish is an enzyme-rich exfoliator that offers a combination of physical scrubbing (sugar extract) and gentle chemical exfoliants to help improve skin-cell turnover and heal your acne scars faster. Lactic acid offers a gentle peel to lighten dark scar tissue and smooth the texture of the skin. This affordable peel is suitable for all skin types and should be used 2 to 3 times per week. Not tested on animals and paraben-free.

4. EmerginC Vitamin C + Retinol Mask

Tap into the power of Vitamin C with this clay mask that brightens and smooths your skin.  Vitamin C (an antioxidant to firm and brighten) preps the skin, while retinol gently exfoliates to brighten scarring and pigmentation. This exfoliating treatment removes dead skin cells to reveal new skin, increasing your skin’s production of collagen. Your skin is left looking luminous and comfortable. You may want to use EmerginC Vitamin C + Retinol Mask weekly for best results. Free from phthalates, parabens, and petrolatum/mineral oil.

5. Murad Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel

A gentle yet effective treatment, Murad Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel is a unique, biphase chemical peel that leaves the skin radiant and nourished. This peel contains an exfoliant trifecta: Salicylic Acid (BHA), Tranexamic Acid (TXA), and Lactic Acid and Malic Acid (AHAs). This effective combination of acids works on different layers of the skin to gently buff away roughness and hyperpigmentation from acne scarring. Holy Basil Leaf Extract (Tulsi), an adaptogen, is added to support your skin’s barrier so your skin can resist stress. This product can be used daily and is suitable for all skin types and ages.

6. Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel

Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel is a bestseller for a reason. This powerful night cream combines active cosmeceuticals to brighten scars and clear the complexion. Key ingredients include Glycolic Acid, an effective exfoliator, to decongest skin and clear the pathway for other active ingredients to penetrate more deeply and easily. Retinol, another powerful ingredient, helps increase collagen production, fade discoloration, reduce scarring, and minimize acne breakouts.  Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel is also enriched with Chronodyn, an algae derivative that helps with skin repair and skin-cell renewal. Axolight assists with skin brightening and helps prevent age spots.

Homemade Face Peel For Dead Skin

1. A peel with lactic acid for dull, dry skin
Made from milk, lactic acid is one of the milder alpha hydroxy acids. It is well-known for having moisturizing qualities, which is exactly what your dry skin needs. It is hydrating as well as exfoliating. The skin seems moisturized thanks to the acid’s ability to bind water into it. “Buttermilk, which is a great source of lactic acid and helps get rid of dead and dull skin, can be used as a substitute for this at home,” explains Sethi. First, take two tablespoons of buttermilk and start. It won’t sit on the skin, so be careful not to dilute it too much. Avoid the eye area and apply liberally to the face. For ten minutes, let it sit. Use warm water for rinsing.

2. A glycolic acid exfoliation to combat fine wrinkles
Typically made from sugarcane, glycolic acid is one of the more potent AHAs available. It is well-known for its anti-aging qualities, which include preventing wrinkles, pigmentation, and fine lines. Along with sugar’s long-standing reputation as a natural exfoliator, glycolic acid is also well-known for its antibacterial qualities. And that’s where they meet. For firm, plump-looking skin, a sugar peel works wonders, according to Sethi. Put two teaspoons of honey and sugar together. Fill it with two to three tablespoons of water. Combine all of them to create a paste. Evenly distribute this mixture throughout the face. Rinse after five minutes of holding.

3. For oily skin with acne and plugged pores, a salicylic acid peel
A potent BHA, salicylic acid is well-known for treating blocked pores, irritation, outbreaks, and acne. Every anti-acne product contains this ingredient, which is produced from willow bark. According to Dr. Sethi, “Mint leaves are a great alternative to willow bark extract because they also contain a high amount of salicylic acid.” How about the method? Put the crushed mint leaves in a glass jar after washing them with water. Stir in the grapeseed oil and leave for 48 hours. Make a thick paste out of soaked cabbage and buttermilk, then apply it on the face, she advises. Since buttermilk can calm the skin and cabbage is high in antioxidants, this is essentially an AHA-BHA peel. Dr. Sethi advises concentrating on the nose and T-zone, which are particularly vulnerable to clogged pores.

Strong Homemade Chemical Peel

You can go very mild with this recipe or go for a deeper peel with stronger acids. The variations are listed after the recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 small cucumber, seeded and pureed (about 1 cup)
• 1 package or 1 Tbsp. unflavored gelatin
• a few drops natural liquid meat tenderizer OR ¼ tsp. powdered meat tenderizer
• a dash of ground cinnamon (adding too much may irritate skin)
• water if necessary

Process

1. Place the cucumber inside a medium-sized bowl and sprinkle with the gelatin. Add a little water if it doesn’t start to dissolve.
2. Sprinkle the meat tenderizer and cinnamon over the cucumber mixture and stir well to combine. The gelatin will dissolve and become pasty. Add water if you need to make it spreadable.
3. Spread this over your face and allow it to dry for 15-20 minutes.
4. When completely dry, start at the jawline and slowly peel from your face. Rinse off any residue and follow with moisturizer if you wish.

Note: You can do this once a month, but no more often, as it may irritate skin.

Variations

Cucumber is the most mild, but you can substitute other ingredients for this.

• Papaya and pineapple contain papain and bromelain, both of which are used in tenderizing meats. This is why I add a small amount of meat tenderizer to the recipe. You can omit the meat tenderizer and use pureed fruit instead.
• Pumpkin has a great deal of fruit acids. You can steam some fresh pumpkin or use it from the can. (Be sure it’s plain pumpkin and not pie mix.)
• Avocados are high in acid too and have added moisturizers.
• Tomatoes are another good choice. The newer hybrid tomatoes are lower in acid but are still great for this type of application. Use fresh puree or juice.
• Sugar can work well too. Sugarcane is high in acid and makes a great chemical peel. Use the same amount as you would puree or juice.

Do you have a problem with acne? Crush an aspirin or two and add this to the mixture. The salicylic acid is one of the only things that dissolves blackheads. The cinnamon in the recipe should help to keep new blackheads from forming.

Conclusion

As always, it’s best to consult with your primary healthcare professional first before deciding to do a chemical peel at home. This information is for educational purposes to ensure that if you choose to do a chemical peel, you have the accurate know-how. With whatever peel you start with, patch test first! For a patch test: Apply a small amount of product on your skin in a discreet area, like the inside of your wrist or your inner arm. Wait 48 hours to see if there’s a reaction. Check the area 96 hours after application to see if you have a delayed reaction. Incorporate it slowly into your routine. Your patience will be rewarded, and safety is of utmost importance. More isn’t necessarily better here! Now, if you still want to take the plunge for healthier skin, follow these steps precisely to mitigate any potential hazards.