Chemical Peels For Acne

There are many ways to treat acne – from adjusting one’s diet and switching skin care products to microdermabrasion or chemical peels for acne.

A chemical peel for acne works by removing the surface layers of skin to stimulate the body’s natural rejuvenation processes, brighten one’s complexion and remove built-up impurities. People may use a chemical peel for acne scars or for mild to moderate acne. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and people suffering from severe acne may not be good candidates for this type of treatment. Added bonuses of chemical peels for acne include improved skin pigmentation and a reduction in wrinkles.

Typically, a clinician will choose Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) or Betahydroxy acids (BHAs), as they are milder chemical peel formulas that are well-suited to acne. Some chemical peels for acne include salicylic acid, which is included in many acne washes and topical treatments. One of the benefits of chemical peels for acne scars and breakouts is the lack of downtime and side effects. Patients typically encounter mild irritation, redness and some initial scabbing as the skin heals itself. However, this all subsides, leaving behind smoother, softer and more pleasant skin beneath.  Normally, another chemical peel for acne will be repeated every six weeks or so

“I had a salicylic acid peel and lactic acid peel done about a week ago, and I love the results,” says one reviewer.  He explains that he had horrible acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. “Now, my skin looks so much better, and I feel very confident going out in public now…You can still see some slight imperfections on my skin, but its nowhere near as noticeable.” He plans to get two or three additional chemical peels for acne to get even better results.

Another reviewer was a 50-year-old African American woman who suffered with acne scars for eight years. “The  first thing I noticed four days after the first peel was that I did not need to wear as much foundation makeup — in fact there are days when I go without any foundation,” she writes. “The acne scars have faded by 50 percent, my skin is clearer and it feels very smooth.” Even though a chemical peel for acne is not cheap, she said it was an investment in herself — and it paid off.

Chemical peels for acne may not be for everyone, but it is certainly one of the solutions to consider.