Are chemical peels beneficial in acne treatment?

Chemical peels are one of the staples of medical and cosmetic dermatology for very good reasons. They are extremely versatile and can be customized according to each patient’s individual needs. Various ingredients can be added to address specific skin conditions. Acne, in particular, can benefit from therapeutic chemical peeling as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

How chemical peels help acne prone skin

Light chemical peels work to exfoliate the skin and clear pores. They remove accumulated skin flakes, oil (sebum), cosmetic residue, and other debris. The procedure is usually completed in about 10 minutes with little to no downtime. There may be mild redness, which typically resolves in a day or two, revealing refreshed and renewed skin. The peels improve texture, tone and fine lines as well.

Superficial peels may be repeated every several weeks or months to maintain skin health and help prevent breakouts. However, this alone will not keep your skin clear. Daily care is a critical aspect of acne prevention. We will advise you about the best skincare and cosmetic products for your skin type. We will also help you develop a convenient, effective skincare regimen. Although cleaning and exfoliation are important, they can irritate the skin if done too frequently or too aggressively.

Chemical peels for acne scars

When active breakouts occur, it is important to take action promptly, because severe, untreated acne can lead to scarring. This usually occurs in the form of raised scars, rolling scars that create an uneven skin surface, or skin depressions, such as icepick scars (deep, narrow pits) or boxcar scars (shallower and wider pits). Treatments include injectable medications, laser resurfacing, dermal fillers for depressed scars, and occasionally even surgical revision for raised scars.

Chemical peels are not among the best treatments for genuine acne scars. However, acne often leaves skin discoloration, which is often confused with actual scarring. Chemical peeling can be very helpful in evening out the skin tone and reducing or eliminating dark spots, including those caused by acne.

Let the skincare experts at image Dermatology ® P.C. help you achieve and maintain the radiant, healthy, clear skin you desire. Call +1 (973) 509-6900 and schedule a consultation today.

Dr. Jeanine Downie
image Dermatology ® P.C.

Dr. Jeanine Downie is an experienced and popular dermatologist in Montclair. She possesses extensive experience and training in all aspects of dermatology, including cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. Dr. Downie provides modern and cutting-edge dermatology treatments to everyone in your family in a professional, competent and compassionate manner while ensuring that your individual and unique needs are met. Having received rigorous academic training, she completed her residency in Dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City and also served as Chief Resident. She continues to upgrade her skills set and share her knowledge through professional affiliations and lecturing assignments on behalf of several renowned medical societies such as The Skin Cancer Foundation and The American Academy of Dermatology, among others. She also frequently interacts with the public through popular television shows such as Good Morning America, The Today Show, and The Dr. Oz Show, to name a few.