Chemical Peels for Acne Scars: What to Expect

If your skin shows the negative effects of previous battles with acne, you may wonder how to deal with it. Many adults, both men and women, choose to get chemical peels to address their acne scars. After a chemical peel, your skin looks younger and more refreshed.

Chemical peels are a very effective way to deal with acne scars. But there are several different types of chemical peels, and we use them for different purposes and conditions. 

Our providers at eleven19 Medical + Weight Loss in Southern California explain more about the types of chemical peels and what you can expect when you get one.

What are chemical peels?

Chemical peels use specific acids to peel away the outer layers of your skin. The types of chemicals used in peels include:

• Glycolic acid
• Salicylic acid
• Lactic acid
• Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
• Polyhydroxy acid

We apply the chemicals to your skin but only leave them there for a very short time, usually 3-5 minutes.

What types of chemical peels exist

There are several different types of chemical peels, each one addressing certain layers of your skin. 

You can get chemical peels that address only the surface layer of your skin, making your face look less dull and more refreshed. 

But if you have acne scars, we’re more likely to recommend a deeper peel, which affects the layers of skin beneath the surface. These deeper peels deliver more powerful results, but you may deal with side effects like redness or swelling for longer.

What to expect from the experience

When you get a chemical peel, here’s what you can expect. First, we apply the acids to your face and leave them there for a couple of minutes. Afterward, we wipe off the acids and thoroughly clean your skin.

The peel removes the outer layer of old skin, and the new skin that replaces it tends to be smoother with less scarring. You may feel some redness or even swelling after the procedure. This goes away in a few days, but your skin will be more sensitive to sunlight, so be sure to use sunscreen.

Keep up with your regular skin care routine, especially using moisturizer day and night.

You may wish to postpone social engagements after your chemical peel heals, but you are otherwise clear to return to your normal duties.

When to do a peel again

Most people find that they need to get chemical peels on a somewhat regular basis. Your initial results last for several months, but you may want to get one again, because skin discoloration tends to return.

Good lifestyle habits also benefit your skin. We recommend eating a healthy diet, wearing sunscreen, and using a daily skin care routine of cleansing and moisturizing your skin.

If you want to look into an option to minimize your acne scars, a chemical peel is a good place to start. Contact us at eleven19 Medical + Weight Loss today or request an appointment online. We’re located in Santa Ana, Fullerton, and Ontario, California.