13 Jan Chemical Peels and Acne Scarring
If you have acne scarring, you don’t have to live with it forever. One of the best treatments for acne scarring is a chemical peel, and at Parson Skin Center we offer an array of chemical peels suitable for your personal skin tone and type. One major contraindication of all peels is open lesions, which means no current breakouts that have open heads. However, if you’re simply looking to clear up acne scarring—or the myriad of other issues that peels can help, such as hyperpigmentation—a chemical peel can be a great solution.
Chemical peels are just what they sound like: a chemical concoction that peels away the top layer(s) of skin. They exfoliate, brighten, and even out skin tone. They are also well-known for their ability to lighten scarring, especially acne scarring. Technically, an acne scar presents as a textural change and/or indentation related to an acne breakout and it should be present for a minimum of one year to qualify. However, you don’t need to wait a year for acne scars to be treated. Keep in mind that there’s no one size fits all solution for chemical peels and that everyone is unique, every acne scar is unique, and all treatments should be customized.
Which Chemical Peel is for You?
There’s no singular answer. However, all chemical peels will not only exfoliate but also stimulate collagen production. Peels come in light/superficial, medium, and deep depths. The deeper the chemical peel, the more collagen it will induce but also the longer the recovery period. Most clinics, including Parson Skin Center, do not offer deep peels because the benefits are not worth the demanded recovery time. A lighter peel will exfoliate and brighten the face, but you’ll need a deeper peel to actually undo acne scarring. These medium depth peels can also be effective for melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation, too.
Historically, medium depth peels are the gold standard for treating more intensive scarring. You can also combine all kinds of peels with complementary treatments like laser skin rejuvenation and microneedling. The exact treatment regimen will depend on you and your needs and can be discussed during a consultation. When it comes to the peel itself, your provider will consider where you are in your acne journey (it may be best to stop acne breakouts first before addressing scarring, which we can also help with), the depth of the scar being treated, and any alternatives.
The Importance of In-Office Treatments
You might notice chemical peels for sale online or in stores, but those are not medical grade and provide a very light exfoliation. They do not have the strength to undo any kind of scarring. Securing a medical-grade chemical peel yourself and attempting an at-home treatment is highly dangerous and can lead to serious, long-term damage. Instead, only work with a trusted provider for a peel.
Lighter, in-office chemical peels can actually be an effective tool in stopping acne rather than addressing acne scarring. They can help to prevent scarring while improving texture and color, too. It will offer a little collagen induction and these formulas are typically comprised of glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, or lactic acid, all of which are acne-fighting ingredients that can help you achieve clearer skin. For more aggressive peels that do erase acne scarring, trichloroacetic acid in a stronger strength is a great choice. This can treat more intensive acne scars, like ice pick scars, too in a targeted and precise manner. Phenol peels may also be a good option for some clients.
A Holistic Approach to Signs of Acne Past
Scarring is just one lingering effect of acne. There is also post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which occurs when skin darkens in spots where you used to have acne. These are often temporary and do not scar, but in some cases can remain for a long time and you may want to remove them. Lighter peels can be effective for this because this form of hyperpigmentation is mild.
If you are interested in learning more about chemical peels or other procedures and treatments to treat old acne signs, contact us today. Call Parson Skin Center during business hours or simply complete the online contact form right now.