Does A Chemical Peel Work For Acne?

You know how hard it is to remove those annoying bumps, whiteheads and blackheads from your face. Acne affects the majority of teens and young adults living in America. You’re probably curious if a chemical skin peel can be used to treat acne.

You’re in luck. A chemical peel can be used to treat acne. These peels are a great way to treat acne, and they can even help with acne scars. Chemical peels should be performed by a dermatologist who is board-certified. We’ll explain a little about chemical peels and the different types.

What Is Acne?

Acne vulgaris occurs when your pores are clogged by dirt, bacteria, dead skin cells or excess oil. These clogged pores may cause inflammation in some cases. Acne occurs more often in adolescents and young adults. Some older women may develop acne. This can result in raised bumps, which may appear as:

  • Small, tender red bumps.
  • Pimples or pustules with pus at their tips
  • Blackheads and whiteheads are clogged or closed pores.
  • Large nodules or cystic acne

Untreated acne can lead to large nodules and cystic scars. Acne can be caused by hormones, genetics or stress. It could also be a side effect from certain medications. The majority of cases respond well to both over-the-counter and prescription medications. Some patients with mild acne and scarring need additional help.

Peel Back The Curtain On Chemical Peels.

Chemical peels consist of special acid solutions that are applied by dermatologists or estheticians who have received certification. The acid solution, when applied correctly, damages the skin and removes it over a period of 2 weeks or more. Peeling reveals a smoother, healthier layer of skin beneath. Since the 1970s, chemical peels have treated a variety of skin problems. These include:

  • Hyperpigmentation (dark spots), sun spots, age spots, and liver spots
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Melasma
  • Fine wrinkles and lines
  • Dull skin or rough skin
  • Scars
  • Acne

Even deep acne scars can be treated with chemical peels. Your dermatologist may use different types to treat different layers of skin.

Types Of Chemical Peels

The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of our skin. Other layers include epidermis and dermis. Different chemical peels have different effects on our skin. Your dermatologist can perform three different types of chemical peels.

  1. The superficial peel or lunchtime treatment targets the epidermis or top layer. These peels are quick and only take a few moments. These peels are ideal for minor skin problems.
  2. The medium-depth peel penetrates deeper into the epidermis, affecting a part of the dermis. This peel is good for deeper problems like wrinkles or scars.
  3. Deep chemical peels are used to treat severe skin conditions. These peels affect the deeper layers in the dermis, and they require a lengthy recovery period. Deep peels are performed under anesthesia, and require extensive skincare both before and after. Deep peels are often performed for sun damage, scars and pre-cancerous skin growths.

For each peel, your dermatologist will use different acids at different concentrations. These peels are also effective for different types of acne. Your dermatologist will first perform a detailed, individual skin examination to determine which peel is best for you.

The Benefits Of Chemical Peels For Acne

Your dermatologist may recommend that you undergo several peels in a short period of time to achieve the best possible results. Deep chemical peels are performed only once, and they require a long healing period. Chemical peels will remove your acne and damaged skin after the treatment. Your chemical peel also contains some hidden bonuses. Your peel can improve the absorption rate of any topical treatment you use in order to treat acne.

Chemical peels can also reduce the size of pores and decrease sebum, which is the oil that causes acne. This means you will have fewer breakouts over time. Who wouldn’t want a new, fresh face? Clearing your acne can also boost your confidence.

How Do You Treat Acne Using A Chemical Peel

We will determine the best type of peel to use for your acne after your initial consultation. You may be prescribed topical medications to prepare your skin for the first chemical peel. This could include a combination hydroquinone, tretinoin and lower strength alpha hydroxy acids. Before your peel, follow all instructions, including avoiding excessive sun exposure, wearing makeup and exfoliating.

Your dermatologist or aesthetician first cleans your face on the day of treatment. After cleansing your face, the chemical solution will be applied to the skin using an applicator. The chemical peel is applied for a few moments, then neutralized with a neutralizer. This prevents burning. The entire process takes less that 20 minutes. The process may take longer for deeper peels. You will need to have a series over 2 or 3 months.

Which Chemical Treatment Is Best For Acne?

To treat acne, your doctor may perform a superficial peel or a medium-depth one. The superficial peels are good for mild acne and improve the texture and tone of your skin. Medium peels can help with moderate to severe acne scars and wrinkles. They also improve hyperpigmentation. You can choose from the following superficial peels:

  • Glycolic Acid: As a member of the alpha-hydroxy acid group, glycolic is ideal for superficial peels. It increases collagen production while helping with exfoliation. Glycolic acids also reduce inflammation and work on all skin types. The superficial peel starts at a 20% strength.
  • Salicylic acid: A naturally occurring beta-hydroxy acid that comes from the bark of willow trees. It can be used to treat acne and provide a deep exfoliation. It also helps to improve hydration and keep your pores clean for longer. This means less breakouts.
  • Jessner’s Solution: This solution is a mixture of lactic (14%) acid, salicylic (14%), resorcinol (14%).
  • Lactic Acid Lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxyl acid, provides a mild peeling of the epidermis. This acid can also be combined with other acids for an even more effective treatment.
  • Mandelic Acid: A second alpha-hydroxyl acid that is great for mild acne. Mandelic acid has been shown to have antibacterial properties. Your dermatologist may combine mandelic and salicylic acids in some cases.
  • Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA ): An acid specially made that can be used for peeling at all levels.

Medium Peels fall into one of the categories:

  • TCA between 35% to 40%
  • Glycolic acid at 35% or higher

A combination of acids can create a solution that is more effective.

What About Deep Peels?

These patients will have severe cystic acne or deep acne scars. Candidates for deep chemical peels will usually have severe acne cysts or deep acne scars. Deep peels are phenol- or TCA-based beyond 50%. Phenol is particularly known for its ability in treating deep-seated acne. Follow your doctor’s advice if you are a candidate to undergo a deep peel.

Aftercare, possible side effects.

You will receive instructions and aftercare treatments from your dermatologist to help you heal faster and support the healing process. These include:

  • Use sunscreens and moisturizers whenever possible.
  • It may take a while for your skin to improve.
  • Use the topical treatments prescribed to maintain healthy skin.
  • Do not wear makeup or excessive sun exposure for 48 hours.
  • Do not engage in intense physical activity for 24 hours.
  • When your skin peels, you’ll be tempted to pull or pick at it. Picking at your skin may cause irritation, or dirt can be transferred from your hands onto your face.

For deep acne scars we will recommend additional treatments, such as laser therapy, medication, steroid injections, retinol, microneedling and more.

Which People Should Have Chemical Peels Done?

Peels are recommended for anyone who wants a more radiant, brighter complexion. Tell your dermatologist if you have had keloids in the past or if you have very sensitive skin.

Who Should Not Get A Peeling?

Chemical peels are not suitable for everyone, despite their effectiveness. We’ll decide if this treatment is right for you based on your medical background. You should avoid a chemical skin peel for the following reasons:

  • A current or previous bacterial or fungal infection
  • Take medication to treat these infections
  • Patients that have used prescription acne medication within the past year
  • Keloids or irregular scarring
  • Current immune-related diseases
  • Pregnant or nursing women should avoid peels to be on the safe side.
  • Patients who have unrealistic expectations of the process are not likely to be suitable candidates. It may be necessary to use a holistic method that involves multiple peels. Most patients will not be able to achieve a face free of acne after just one peel.

Be sure to discuss any concerns you may have before trying a chemical peel. Your dermatologist can tell you if a chemical peel is the best option for you. If not, they will offer alternatives.

A Note About Skin Of Color

Acne can affect anyone, regardless of skin color or type. Chemical peels are not suitable for all patients. It is a misconception that people with darker skin should avoid chemical peels. Some chemical peels can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones due to the excessive melanin produced.

Dermatologists are increasingly equipped to handle skin of every shade. We will only use superficial peels for darker skin types. You will likely receive one of these peels:

  • A glycolic acid peel at 20% concentration
  • A salicylic acid peel at 20% concentration
  • TCA between 10% and 30%
  • Jessner’s solution
  • Combination of acids, such as mandelic or lactic acid.

Dermatologists start with the lowest concentrations and gradually increase the strength of the peel to test the skin’s response. Medium peels are suitable for patients with lighter skin. Deep peels, however, are not recommended for those with dark skin. These peels may cause skin damage. Consult your dermatologist to find the best acne treatment.

Treat Your Acne Today With A Chemical Skin Peel

Acne can affect your quality of life. Many patients have acne from their teenage years and even into adulthood. When used correctly, a chemical peel can be used to treat acne. These peels remove the dead skin from both the epidermis as well as dermis. The result is acne-free, smooth skin. You’ll then continue treating your skin as prescribed and see your dermatologist to have maintenance peels.

We perform chemical peels at Aesthetics as an outpatient, simple and quick procedure. Some patients may benefit from medium-depth chemical peels. Ife Rodney MD, FAAD is a dermatologist who has a vast knowledge of chemical peels for all skin types and colors. She will perform the right routine to give you the most effective results.