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How do I Choose the Best Chemical Peel for Acne Scarring?

Alicia Sparks
Alicia Sparks

The best chemical peel for acne scarring will be unique to you. In other words, a variety of factors combine to help you choose the chemical peel that will work best to reduce your acne scarring. Those factors include the severity of your acne scars, your skin type, and your skin color. How well a chemical acne peel works will also depend on whether you choose to use an at-home acne peel or one administered by a dermatologist. Keep in mind that the end goal is to see skin with diminished acne scarring, so a chemical peel might still be considered successful even if you can still see some acne damage.

In the simplest terms, the three basic kinds of chemical peels to reduce acne scarring include light, medium, and deep chemical peels. These peels contain a variety of ingredients including salicylic acid, glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, phenol, and the Jessner’s solution. The presence and level of these ingredients in a particular peel helps determine factors such as the peel’s strength and the kinds of results the peel will produce. If you obtain a chemical peel for acne scarring from a dermatologist, he will determine which ingredient or combination of ingredients will work best for your skin. If you choose to use an at-home chemical peel though, you might need to learn more about these ingredients to purchase the best product for the results you want.

A chemical peel can reduce scarring from acne.
A chemical peel can reduce scarring from acne.

In addition to effective ingredients, the type of acne scars you have, your skin type, and your skin color will help determine the best chemical peel for acne scarring. For example, deep acne scarring usually requires a deep chemical peel for the best results. On the other hand, if you have mild acne scarring, a light or medium chemical peel might be the best choice. People with dark skin or skin that easily tans must also consider the discoloration that chemical peels can cause them. If this sounds like your skin, you might need a lighter chemical peel or you might need to try another method for reducing acne scarring.

Heavy acne scarring may require a deep chemical peel.
Heavy acne scarring may require a deep chemical peel.

Whether you choose to receive a chemical peel for acne scarring from a dermatologist or to purchase an at-home acne peel will depend on several factors. These factors include the results you want and the price you’re willing to pay. Typically, the kind of chemical acne peel you can obtain from a trained professional is much stronger and produces much more visible results than at-home products. Therefore, an acne peel from a dermatologist costs more than an over-the-counter product. If you have minimal acne scarring, a less expensive acne peel might be sufficient.

Light, medium, and deep chemical peels may be used to treat acne scarring.
Light, medium, and deep chemical peels may be used to treat acne scarring.

The goal for most peels is to improve the look of the scarred skin. Therefore, it’s important to understand that even though a chemical peel can significantly reduce the appearance of acne scarring, typically it won’t make the scars completely disappear. Your results will depend on the kinds of acne scars you have, your skin type, and the method you choose. If you aren’t happy with your results, talk with your dermatologist about additional acne scar treatments that might benefit you. Also be sure to ask how long you should let your skin heal after receiving a chemical peel for acne scarring before you try other products.

Discussion Comments

ddljohn

@fify-- I'm not an expert on this topic but I think deep chemical peels are reserved for very serious cases. It's usually used for aged skin with deep wrinkles and scars.

A deep chemical peel is very strong and penetrates far into skin. So there is also a lot of pain and swelling involved with this treatment. You're probably better off with a medium chemical peel. Sometimes, doctors also recommend a light peel more frequently rather than a medium or deep peel because light peels are safer.

bear78

@fify-- Where did you get the light chemical peel done?

If you used a home kit or got one from a spa, that might be the reason for its failure. You really need to see a doctor -- dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon who does chemical peels frequently. He or she will check your skin and determine the best peel for you.

I'm against the idea of people selecting peels for themselves. Although it's a good idea to read about the various type of peels, their side effects, etc., it's the doctor who needs to make the call on this. An experienced doctor knows which peel is most likely to work for a patient based on their needs. The article already mentioned this but it can't be overemphasized.

fify

I think I will have to get a deep chemical peel to get rid of my acne scars. I had a light chemical peel done last year and it made little difference. A few of the blemishes did go away but the scars have remained. I clearly need something stronger.

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    • A chemical peel can reduce scarring from acne.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      A chemical peel can reduce scarring from acne.
    • Heavy acne scarring may require a deep chemical peel.
      By: belahoche
      Heavy acne scarring may require a deep chemical peel.
    • Light, medium, and deep chemical peels may be used to treat acne scarring.
      By: belahoche
      Light, medium, and deep chemical peels may be used to treat acne scarring.
    • A dermatologist will be able to determine which chemical peel ingredients work best for each skin type.
      By: michaeljung
      A dermatologist will be able to determine which chemical peel ingredients work best for each skin type.
    • Chemical peels may be used in conjunction with other topical treatments if breakouts are still present.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Chemical peels may be used in conjunction with other topical treatments if breakouts are still present.
    • Drinking plenty of water can help keep the skin hydrated and reduce the occurence of acne.
      By: vgstudio
      Drinking plenty of water can help keep the skin hydrated and reduce the occurence of acne.