Acne scars are permanent reminders of your past breakouts. However, the solution may be easier than you imagined.
Chemical peels have become popular treatments for various skin concerns, including acne scars. But can they help you say goodbye to those pesky marks?
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rick J. Smith and licensed esthetician Kathy Kuehne explain the types of acne scars, how chemical peels work to address them, and which treatment is best for your skin.
Acne scars result from your skin healing after a breakout. While severe cases of acne are more likely to leave scars, even mild breakouts can sometimes cause visible marks. Understanding the type of scar you have is key to determining whether chemical peels are a good treatment option.
Acne scars come in various forms:
Atrophic scars (depressed scars) form when tissue loss leaves indents in your skin. Common types include:
Hypertrophic scars (raised scars) appear as bumpy, raised areas caused by excess tissue formed during the healing process.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), while not technically scars, refers to dark or discolored spots left after a breakout.
Each type of scar requires tailored interventions, and chemical peels may not be equally effective for all categories.
A chemical peel applies a chemical solution to your skin to exfoliate and remove damaged outer layers. It stimulates the production of new skin cells, enhances collagen production, and can reduce the appearance of scars over time.
Chemical peels typically fall into three categories:
These use mild acids like glycolic and salicylic. It’s ideal for minor surface-level issues, such as discoloration or shallow scars.
Using chemicals like trichloroacetic acid (TCA), these penetrate deeper into your skin to address moderate scarring and improve texture.
Featuring strong agents like phenol, these reach the deepest layers of your skin and are recommended for severe scars. However, they come with significant downtime and risks.
If you’re considering chemical peels, it’s a good idea to know what’s in them:
An AHA that is known for exfoliating and brightening the skin. Perfect for treating hyperpigmentation and minor textural issues.
Salicylic acid is a BHA ideal for those with oily, acne-prone skin. It helps reduce discoloration and unclog pores.
Often used for medium-depth peels, TCA can effectively reduce moderate scars like boxcar and rolling scars.
A gentle AHA for sensitive skin that addresses light pigmentation issues.
A deep peel for severe scars but comes with extended downtime and is generally suitable only for lighter skin tones.
Chemical peels tend to produce better results for fair-skinned people. However, darker skin tones are at an increased risk of hyperpigmentation, so it’s essential to choose gentler peels and work with experienced professionals.
Now that you understand the types of acne scars and the types of chemical peels, let’s look at how to pair the right treatment with your skin condition.
The effectiveness of chemical peels varies depending on the type of acne scar:
Ice pick scars are generally difficult to treat with chemical peels alone. These deep, narrow scars often require more targeted treatments, such as microneedling or laser resurfacing.
Boxcar scars respond well to medium-depth peels, like those that use TCA, because they penetrate the skin deeply enough to smooth sharper edges.
Rolling scars can improve with a combination of medium-depth peels and increased collagen production.
PIH often needs nothing more than a superficial peel, which works wonders on discoloration. The peel exfoliates the top layer of skin and encourages new, even-toned skin cells to replace the damaged ones.
Chemical peels may not yield significant improvements for raised scars (hypertrophic scars). These scars often require alternative treatments, so talk to Kathy and Dr. Smith about the best solution.
If you’re considering a chemical peel or want to explore other scar-reduction options, Call Rick J. Smith, MD, or request an appointment online with Kathy Kuehne, LE.
