Acne-prone skin often requires a multi-faceted approach to corrective care, including a solid at-home skincare routine and regular professional treatments. The right chemical peel can be a great tool in the fight against acne, helping you address the root causes and lingering effects of breakouts. In this guide, we’ll highlight the benefits of chemical peels for acne and the best options for your skin.

How does a chemical peel help treat acne?

Although different types of chemical peel treatments work differently to counteract skin conditions like acne, most have the following effects:

Exfoliation

Many chemical peels gently dissolve the molecular bonds between dead skin cells, resulting in more thorough exfoliation. This can correct active breakouts, smooth scars, and minimize hyperpigmentation. Over time, it can drastically improve skin texture and soften fine lines and wrinkles.

Unclogs pores

Some chemical peel solutions dissolve excessive oils in your skin to penetrate deep within pores and eliminate blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammatory acne.

Reduces inflammation

Certain chemical peels for acne have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the redness and swelling often associated with cystic acne.

Helps reduce scarring

While you’ll find many light or superficial chemical peels to improve active acne breakouts, some people need a more robust solution to address old acne scars. A medium-depth chemical peel regimen can stimulate collagen production and encourage cellular regeneration, revitalizing your complexion and enhancing skin tone and texture.

What types of chemical peels are used for acne?

Ready to discover the best chemical peel for your unique acne? Here are some of the most effective solutions:

Salicylic acid peels

If you have oily, acne-prone skin, a salicylic acid chemical peel might be your new best friend. This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) breaks down sebum, dead skin cells, and other impurities deep within clogged pores. It also contains natural anti-inflammatory properties to improve the appearance of redness and lingering discoloration.

Glycolic acid

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates skin, increases cell turnover, and brightens dark spots and dull skin. Its small molecular size allows this acid to penetrate more deeply than other AHAs to revitalize skin from the inside out.

Lactic acid

Folks with dry, dehydrated skin or signs of chronic sun damage may benefit from a gentle lactic acid chemical peel for acne. This AHA works on the outermost layer to address breakouts and blemishes on even the most sensitive skin. It also draws water to the skin for a moisturizing effect. Most lactic acid chemical peels require zero downtime.

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels

TCA is a potent acid that’s great for acne scars, stubborn discoloration, and uneven skin texture. Found in many popular branded products like the VI Peel from Vitality Institute, it penetrates deep into the skin to stimulate collagen production and support skin resurfacing. So you can expect a more substantial recovery period with visible redness and peeling.

Dermamelan peels

When severe melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation don’t respond to standard chemical peel applications, you may need to consider a more intensive approach. Dermamelan peels work on deeper layers of skin and require a longer recovery time, but the results can be dramatic.

What to consider when treating acne with chemical peels

A trusted esthetician can help you find the perfect chemical peel for your acne using a few key factors.

Grade of acne

Your ideal chemical peel treatment plan may depend on the severity of your acne. There are also several factors that go into deciding which will be the most effective chemical peel treatment plan for you.

Some of these factors include your skin type, skin sensitivity, and the grade of acne you have, including mild, moderate, or severe. Particularly severe acne may call for additional treatments besides chemical peels, like prescription-strength solutions or advanced treatments like our Acne Bootcamp program.

Skin type and sensitivity

closeup of woman's face with facial mask treatment chemical peel for acne

Your skin’s unique qualities will also play a role in the best chemical peel for acne:

Oily skin: Salicylic acid can break down excess oils that clog pores, while glycolic acid encourages cellular regeneration at the surface.
Dry, dehydrated skin: Consider a lactic acid peel to exfoliate dead cells and restore moisture.
Sensitive skin: A low-strength lactic acid chemical peel can address acne without extreme redness, peeling, and purging.
Darker skin tone: Choose a lighter peel to minimize the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Post-peel care

In the days after your acne chemical peel, be prepared to give your skin a little extra love by:

Avoiding sun exposure: Wear protective clothing and broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Prioritizing hydration: Drink plenty of water and moisturize your skin with a soothing, fragrance-free cream.
Opting for gentle skincare products: Avoid retinoids, scrubs, acids, and other harsh active ingredients.
Not picking at flaky skin: Let dry, flaky skin shed naturally to avoid skin damage and infections.
Sticking to your treatment plan: Visit your esthetician every three to four weeks or until your initial treatment series is complete.

The path to clearer, brighter skin starts at Ally B Aesthetics!

At Ally B Aesthetics, we provide personalized solutions for your unique skin. Book a consultation today to begin your journey to a healthy, vibrant complexion!