What Type Of Chemical Peel Do I Need

You can get the skin you want by using one of several different chemical peels. Those with sensitive skin should choose for a light chemical peel, while those looking to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smooth out their skin’s texture, and even out their skin tone should choose a medium or deep peel.

Those with sensitive skin should choose for light chemical peels, which are gentler on the skin’s outer layers and may even be performed at home. Medium and deep peels should only be performed by a dermatologist or other medical practitioner under close supervision.

In the beginning, mild chemical peels like glycolic acid and salicylic acid peels are recommended. A lesser dose of retinol or Jessner peel is likewise safe and effective. Read on to learn more on deep chemical peel and chemical peel for acne.

What Type Of Chemical Peel Do I Need

related to the field of dermatology. It is possible to tailor chemical peels to address a wide range of skin concerns, from acne scars and age spots to melasma and rosacea. To get healthier, younger-looking skin, chemical peels work by exfoliating the skin and removing dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin. New York City dermatologist Dr. Michele Green was an early adopter of TCA, Cosmelan peels, Glycolic acid, and salicylic acid peels for the treatment of melasma and other hyperpigmentation diseases.

There are three distinct chemical peels recognized by the American Academy of Dermatology. The depth to which the chemical peel penetrates the skin’s layers is a key factor in classifying the various varieties. Light chemical peels, medium chemical peels, and deep chemical peels are the three main categories of chemical peels. Alpha-hydroxy acid peels, beta-hydroxy acid peels, trichloroacetic acid peels (TCA), and phenol peels are the four most common peels that fall within the three broad categories.

Chemical peels are a group of treatments that use varying concentrations of a chemical solution to address a wide variety of skin issues. Dr. Michele Green, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, has over 25 years of expertise treating patients with chemical peels and will recommend the optimal peel for your skin type and concerns. Dr. Green creates a treatment plan that is unique to you by incorporating a variety of the most effective cosmetic products and chemical peels. The most crucial part of chemical peel therapy is picking the right chemical peel for your skin type and skin condition. Contact the New York City office of Dr. Michele Green right now to find out which chemical peel treatments are ideal for you.

The function of chemical peels.

To exfoliate the epidermis and reveal fresh, healthy skin underneath, a chemical peel can be performed. Chemical peels are a form of exfoliation that can help skin look younger and healthier by removing dead skin cells and stimulating new cell growth. When applied topically, the chemical solution penetrates the outermost layers of skin and kills off the dead skin cells there. A variety of skin types can benefit from this “controlled trauma” to the skin, since it encourages a natural peeling of the skin that smoothes out the skin’s surface. Acids including glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) are used in chemical peels. The strength and composition of the chemical peel determine the peel’s depth and effect.

As a form of skincare, chemical peels have been available since the 19th century, and have been allowed by the FDA for decades. They are employed in modern skin care to make a bespoke remedy for aging and inflamed skin with minimal recovery time. Chemical peels can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation (such as melasma and age spots), and acne and acne scars. Different chemical peels are effective for rejuvenating and moisturizing the skin in different ways because of the concentration and active chemicals they use.

What are the various chemical peels available?

There is a wide variety of chemical peels for the face that can be used according on the individual’s concerns. Chemical peels can range from superficial to deep, hence the name “light,” “medium,” and “deep” peels. The depth of the peel depends not only on the skin’s texture and tone, but also on the specific skin issue being treated. A superficial peel is more effective on fine lines and deeper wrinkles than it is on melasma and hyperpigmentation. Additionally, chemical peels for darker skin tones need to be milder than those for lighter skin.

Peels that use mild chemicals

Superficial peels, also known as light chemical peels, are designed to gently exfoliate the skin. The epidermis is the sole layer of skin that is removed during the mildest chemical peels.

What are the various superficial peels available?

There are a few widely used acids for superficial peels. Alpha hydroxy acid peels, the mildest type of chemical peel, can help improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, dry skin, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation or an uneven skin tone. Beta hydroxy acid peels, which use chemical solutions based on lipids, can be helpful for those whose skin is naturally oily or prone to acne because they can reduce sebum production.

In order to penetrate deeper into the skin’s layers, Jessner’s peels include lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol. It is common practice to use retinoic acid after a Jessner’s peel. Retinoid acid (retinol) peels penetrate more deeply, which may hasten skin’s recovery and stimulate its creation of new cells.

Glycolic Acid Peels, an Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peel

Citric acid (from citrus fruits), lactic acid (from fermented milk), malic acid (from apples), and tartaric acid (from grapes) are all examples of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA). However, a glycolic acid peel is the most commonly used alpha hydroxy acid peel because of its ability to exfoliate the skin and boost collagen production. Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid has a tiny molecular structure that allows it to penetrate the skin’s layers and comes in a range of strengths to strike a good exfoliation/sensitivity balance.

Salicylic acid (beta hydroxy) peels

BHA peels, or beta hydroxy acid peels, are highly recommended for anyone who wants clearer skin without harsh chemicals. Because of the solution’s ability to bind to the skin’s natural oils, BHA peels can reach deeper layers of the dermis than many AHA peels can. The most popular BHA peel acid, salicylic acid, helps clear up pores and has anti-inflammatory properties that calm redness caused by acne.

Peels of Jessner

The concentrations of the acids used in Jessner’s peels determine their relative potency. Additional acid combinations may be used in Jessner’s peels, including mandelic acid (from almonds) for anti-inflammatory benefit, phytic acid for treating patients with sensitive skin, and lactic acid for brightening and hydrating the skin. A solution including phytic, mandelic, and lactic acids is often used to customize chemical peels for rosacea sufferers.

Peels of Moderate Depth

Chemical solutions for medium peels differ, however Trichloroacetic acid peels are the most prevalent type.

TCA Peels (Trichloroacetic Acid)

TCA peels, which use trichloroacetic acid, come in a variety of concentrations and formulations. At a lesser concentration, TCA can be used in tandem with salicylic acid and other acids in a variety of solutions. When the TCA content is over 20%, however, it is given only by a doctor or other medical practitioner, such as Dr. Green. Patients with pigment abnormalities, UV damage, deep wrinkles, and acne scars can all benefit from TCA peels. TCA peels can also be used to treat actinic keratosis, a precancerous development of skin.

Scar Removal

Peels of this depth aim to reach deeper into the dermis. Recovering after a deep chemical peel can take more time, but the results are more striking and will last much longer.

Patients looking to revitalize their skin may choose to try laser resurfacing in addition to a deeper peel. Because of its efficacy, ease of use, and minimal downtime, laser resurfacing has quickly gained in popularity.

The Benefits of Using Phenol Peels

The peeling agent in a phenol peel is carbolic acid. The chemical peel solution used in phenol peels is among the most potent available, and varying the concentration of carbolic acid or combining it with resorcinol or salicylic acid produces stunning effects. The outcomes of a phenol peel can be life-changing because to its potency, yet in some concentrations, the peel can only be performed once. To ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes, a phenol peel should only be performed by a medical professional with appropriate board certification, such as Dr. Green.

Do chemical peels have any negative effects?

Burning, dryness, redness, and swelling are some of the brief and mild adverse effects of chemical peels. Sun exposure should be avoided and sunscreen used frequently after receiving any type of chemical peel, but especially a deep peel. During the first few days after treatment, your skin tone may temporarily lighten or darken. In the event that a patient experiences a recurrence of herpes simplex (cold sores), Dr. Green is able to provide treatment with an antiviral drug.

Scarring, heart, liver, and kidney damage are extremely unlikely but possible reactions to chemical peels. It is crucial that a chemical solution be chosen by a medical specialist, such as Dr. Green, to reduce the risk of these adverse effects, which are more likely to occur when the wrong chemical peel is applied.

Can you recommend a good chemical peel for me?

Dr. Green takes into account your skin condition, skin type, and concerns when recommending a chemical peel. Certain chemical peels are more effective than others at treating particular skin conditions, but ultimately, it is the unique requirements of each person that will determine the best chemical solution.

Which chemical peel is ideal for removing acne scars?

Acne is best treated with a chemical solution containing either glycolic acid or a mild dosage of TCA, applied topically in the form of a superficial peel. These acids are formulated to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells from the epidermis, all of which contribute to clogged pores. This peeling treatment can help bring acne outbreaks under control and eliminate blemishes and bumps. Although BHA peels are frequently used to treat acne, they can cause redness and irritation in people with sensitive skin.

Scarring from acne can be less noticeable after a treatment with an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel, which occurs during the normal process of skin renewal. To further enhance the appearance of acne and acne scars after chemical peel treatment, Dr. Green typically suggests a superficial peel in tandem with her MGSkinLabs acne treatments.

When it comes to wrinkles, what kind of chemical peel is ideal?

Jessner’s peels, Mandelic chemical peels, and Retinol chemical peels are all effective ways to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles. When performed superficially, a Jessner’s peel can help diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles, melasma, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars. Since it promotes the production of new skin and has been shown to strengthen collagen in the skin, mandelic acid is a popular ingredient in anti-aging peels. Since retinol is a form of vitamin A that promotes the growth of new skin cells, it is widely used as a skin care ingredient. Hydrating and revitalizing, retinol can penetrate deep into the skin to stimulate new cell growth and improve the appearance of any skin type.

I have hyperpigmentation; what kind of chemical peel should I get?

Dr. Green suggests using a cosmelan peel to lighten hyperpigmentation. A cosmelan peel can help cure the skin and smooth out the tone by removing discoloration caused by acne scars, melasma, or generalized hyperpigmentation. The cosmelan peel is safe for use on all skin types and tones, and its in-office application and at-home treatment can effectively address hyperpigmentation problems. Patients should stay out of the sun and apply a high SPF sunscreen after their operation for the best outcomes.

A Vi Peel can be used to treat hyperpigmentation as well. The salicylic acid, vitamin C, trichloroacetic acid, and retinoic acid in the Vi Peel make it a one-of-a-kind chemical peel. Sun damage, melasma, acne scars, and other forms of facial pigmentation and discoloration can all be addressed with a Vi peel. Because of its focus on the skin’s texture, the Vi peel can help minimize the look of fine wrinkles, acne scars, and other surface abnormalities. The Vi peel, like other chemical peels, can be bundled with other cosmetic procedures including laser skin resurfacing, Botox, or Juvederm.

Cosmelan, before and after 10 weeks

How deep of a chemical peel would be ideal for treating melasma?

Dr. Green suggests using the Cosmelan peel for the treatment of hyperpigmentation of any kind, including melasma. Overproduction of melanin in the skin causes the common skin disorder known as melasma, which manifests as dark or gray spots on the skin’s surface. The facial form of melasma is the most frequent, and a Cosmelan peel performed by a dermatologist is an effective treatment. Cosmelann’s five active ingredients work together to prevent melanin formation by the skin’s melanocytes: kojic acid, azelaic acid, arbutine, phytic acid, and ascorbic acid. The chemical peel also helps exfoliate the skin’s pigmented layer, revealing brighter, smoother skin underneath.

For aged skin, what is the most effective face peel?

Chemical peels can be used for a variety of anti-aging purposes, including minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles and getting rid of age spots. Dr. Green will analyze the treatment area and listen to your concerns and desires regarding your appearance during your initial consultation before recommending a course of treatment. Chemical peels are only one of several non-invasive alternatives to plastic surgery that may be used to refresh the look of your skin. A superficial chemical peel, like a Jessner’s peel, may be the best option for patients with sensitive skin or who want to diminish the appearance of fine wrinkles. TCA peels and other medium depth peels can be used to treat hyperpigmentation, melasma, and sun spots in addition to deeper wrinkles. Retinol-based peels and mandelic acid peels are two other options for rejuvenating dry, wrinkled skin.

Which chemical peel works best on dark skin?

Chemical peels have a bad reputation for being harmful to patients with darker skin tones, but there are actually a number of chemical peel choices that are both safe and effective for patients of color. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or the appearance of dark areas on the skin, is a common side effect of chemical peels, especially for people of color. Finding a dermatologist like Dr. Green, who has experience treating patients with a wide range of skin tones, is crucial. To ease into chemical peels, a lesser dosage of a product like glycolic or salicylic acid is recommended at first. When administered at a lower dose, both retinol and Jessner peels are safe and effective. It’s important to exercise caution when considering a medium depth peel, especially if it contains TCA at a concentration of 25% or more. The risk of damage to darker skin is greatest with deep chemical peels and peels using hydroquinone, so patients with darker skin tones should avoid these.

What are the different types of facial peels?

There are three main types of facial chemical peels: superficial peels, medium depth peels, and deep peels, each serving a different function and able to address a variety of skin conditions. Superficial peels are the lowest concentration facial peel and are best for reducing the appearance of fine lines, addressing acne, and brightening and hydrating the skin. Most superficial peels are safe and effective for all skin types. Medium depth peels can be used to treat skin conditions, such as hyperpigmentation, melasma, age spots, and actinic keratosis, as well as address deeper wrinkles and acne scars. Deep chemical peels have the highest concentration of exfoliating ingredients and may require some downtime. Deep chemical peels should not be used on patients with darker skin tones.

Chemical Peel Before & After – 2 months

What types of facial peels are there?

There are many different types of peels with varied chemicals within the three categories of facial chemical peels: superficial peels, medium depth peels, and deep peels. Chemical peels work by exfoliating the skin through a reaction between the acidic components and the skin’s surface, resulting in fresh cell turnover. The outcomes vary depending on the type of acid used and its concentration. Glycolic acid, the most frequent acid in superficial alpha hydroxy acid peels, is useful for diminishing the look of fine wrinkles, acne scars, and other modest skin abnormalities. Salicylic acid, a common ingredient in beta hydroxy acid peels, helps to reduce acne. Medium depth peels with Trichloroacetic acid and salicylic acid are common. Carbolic acid is the peeling ingredient in phenol peels, which are classified as deep peels and are used to treat more serious skin disorders. At your consultation with Dr. Green, she will be able to advise you on which chemical peel is best suited to your needs.

When compared to chemical peels, how effective is laser skin resurfacing?
Removing the top layer of dead skin is the goal of both chemical peels and laser treatments for cosmetic purposes. For younger, healthier looking skin with less visible signs of sun damage and less pigmentation, consider a chemical peel or laser resurfacing treatment. However, your skin condition or skin type may make one treatment more appropriate than the other.

While many laser procedures and chemical peels are generally well tolerated by patients with lighter skin tones, some patients with darker skin tones may experience adverse effects from exposure to the laser light. Since Dr. Green has worked with many patients to lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation brought on by lasers, he advises anyone thinking about undergoing laser skin resurfacing to first do their homework. When deciding between a chemical peel and laser skin resurfacing, Dr. Green will always take your preferences into account.

Just how many distinct chemical peels are available?
AHA peels, BHA peels, TCA peels, and Phenol peels are the big four when it comes to chemical peels. Light chemical peels include those using AHAs and BHAs, medium peels using TCAs, and deep peels using phenols. However, the acid combination and concentration used in a peel can be tailored to the individual patient for the best possible results. Dr. Green has mastered the art of identifying the optimal chemical treatment for each patient.

As in, who can give you a chemical peel?
A chemical peel may require a medical professional’s supervision and care due to its potentially dangerous nature. In most cases, an aesthetician can conduct superficial peels, but a doctor must handle deeper peels. You can get the best results from a chemical peel if you get it done by a trained medical practitioner who can customize the procedure to your specific needs. Board-certified dermatologists like Dr. Green have extensive knowledge of the effects certain chemicals will have on the skin.

For a chemical peel, why go to Dr. Green?
Dr. Green is an experienced cosmetic dermatologist who focuses on revitalizing and rejuvenating the skin. Her top priority is always the patient’s well-being, so she’ll work with you to develop a customized skin care regimen that yields the best possible outcomes with the least amount of inconvenience. Dr. Green has the knowledge and skills to help you feel like the best version of yourself.

Which chemical peel is the most effective?
It may come as a surprise, but there isn’t actually a single “best” chemical peel. As a chemical peel must be matched with your skin type, tone, condition, and body area, the best chemical peel for you will always be different from the best chemical peel for another patient. Although it depends on the individual’s needs and skin condition, patients with lighter skin tones can typically tolerate stronger chemical peels than those with darker skin tones. Dr. Green is extremely educated in treating patients of all skin kinds and skin tones, and she always takes the time to help them choose the chemical peel that will work best for them.

What should I do first while attempting a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a great non-invasive treatment option that will give you the cosmetic effects you want if you are wanting to revive your skin and rejuvenate your looks. Acne scars, age spots, discolouration, fine lines and wrinkles, melasma, and even rosacea can all be effectively treated with chemical peels because of how versatile and adaptable they are. The goal of a chemical peel is to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells, revealing the younger, healthier skin underneath. Chemical peels are a common part of Dr. Green’s patients’ treatment programs since they are a fast, painless technique to improve the appearance of the skin without requiring any recovery time.

Chemical Peel For Acne

Numerous scientific investigations have demonstrated the procedure’s success in reducing the visual impact of acne scars and other skin disorders. By shedding dead skin cells, your complexion will gradually improve as you age.

From slight discomfort to more serious difficulties that can affect your self-confidence and look, acne can cause a wide range of skin problems.

Acne treatments aren’t hard to discover, despite popular belief. If you consult the proper skin expert, you can limit down your choices for healthy, radiant skin in no time.

If your skin is prone to breakouts, a chemical peel may be a viable treatment choice. In addition to being a good acne treatment, it also has a number of additional uses, such as erasing scars or slowing the aging process.

Do you want to know more about this method? The research supporting chemical peels for acne scars is laid out here. On with the article!

A chemical peel is defined as.
The acids used in a chemical peel, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), and trichloroacetic acid, are all natural and recommended by doctors for cosmetic use (TCAs). The chemical solution can be used to exfoliate away dull, lifeless skin, age spots, and discolouration caused by the sun.

You’ll notice a younger, fuller, brighter appearance to your skin as the damaged layers are peeled away.

Acne and the Use of Chemical Peels

Acne is the result of oil and dead skin cells blocking your hair follicles, which can cause whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.

Acne is often brought on by factors like overactive sebaceous glands, blocked pores, inflammation, hormonal shifts, and germs.

Most chemical peeling techniques also remove dead skin cells, which may lessen your risk of developing acne or making your existing acne worse over time.

Beyond their use in reducing acne, chemical peels have several other advantages. Acne vulgaris and other skin disorders have been treated with chemical peels for decades. In 2018, scientists examined 12 randomized controlled trials of chemical peels for acne. Finally, they found that the peels were effective in treating mild to moderate acne, and that facial skin tolerated them well.

There is a wide range of chemical peel strengths available (superficial, medium, and deep peels). Which chemical peel is best for you depends depend on your skin type, acne history, and end goals.

You can classify them into one of three categories:

Treatment with mild chemical peels.

Chemical peels that are only superficial can only affect the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin.
Chemical peels of a moderate intensity. Peels of medium depth reach the superficial and intermediate layers.
In-Depth Chemical Peels:
Stronger chemicals are used in deep peels to remove the dermis (the skin’s main layer) and any damaged cells. Following treatments, your doctor will want to examine your skin for any adverse reactions to this peel.
Some of the best chemical peels include the following:

Acid glycolic
Acide salicylique
Acid lactate
Ascorbic acid
Why Do People Get Chemical Peels and How Do They Help?
Although cumulative effects from multiple chemical peels can be dramatic and long-lasting, most patients see improvement after just one treatment. The chemical peel has numerous advantages.

Age spots, freckles, fine lines, and wrinkles all look smoother and less noticeable.
Collagen production has gone boosted.
Get rid of acne scars and marks
Reversal of Solar Damage
Improved skin’s tone and texture
Remove or reduce shadows
Enhanced skin vitality
It can be used on the face, neck, hands, and anyplace else you want skin to look firmer and tauter.
Can Acne Scars Be Treated with Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are effective not only in erasing acne scars, but also in minimizing their appearance.

Numerous scientific investigations have confirmed the procedure’s success at reducing the visual impact of acne scars and other skin disorders.

By shedding dead skin cells, your complexion will gradually improve as you age.

Do You Fit the Bill for an Acne Chemical Peel?
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, chemical peels could be the solution for you.

Skin prone to acne
Marks of aging and acne
Hyperpigmentation
Melasma
UV-induced skin damage
Wrinkles, fine lines, etc.

So you’ve decided to get a chemical peel. Before considering a chemical peel, it’s best to have a consultation to ensure that you are a good candidate for this treatment. If you are lactating, pregnant or think you may be pregnant, chemical peels are contraindicated. . For those of you who are on autoimmune therapies or products, we caution against the use of these medications for 2 days prior to treatment. It is important that you speak to your specialist regarding pausing the use of autoimmune therapies or products for 2 days. It is also extremely important to inform the doctor or the skincare professional of any medication or ingredient allergies you have.

Pre Chemical Peel:

Discontinue use of tanning beds at least two weeks prior to a chemical peel. In fact, we advise that you stop using tanning beds altogether because they increase your risk of skin cancer and accelerate visible signs of aging.
Avoid extensive sun exposure, especially in the 10 days prior to your scheduled chemical peel.
No facial waxing for 7 days prior to treatment.
For those of you who are on an acne treatment regimen, you need to stop the use of stop the use of Renova, Differin, Tazorac, Avage, EpiDuo or Ziana five days prior to treatment.
If you are using Retinol products, stop the use of Retin-A (retinol) products or applications for 7-10 days prior to a chemical peel. High percentage alpha hydroxy (AHA) and beta hydroxy (BHA) products should be stopped five days before treatment.
Always apply a broad spectrum sunscreen daily (at least SPF 30 or higher) and avoid the gym 24 hours prior to a chemical peel.
Do not use aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (ex. Advil) for at least 7-10 days prior to a chemical peel.

Post Chemical Peel

You should expect your skin to go through a transition period after a chemical peel. For the finest results after your chemical peel, it is just as important to follow the aftercare guidelines as they were to follow the ones before.

On day 3 after a chemical peel, you may notice light to significant flaking, depending on the peel’s strength, the number of layers applied, and the depth of the peel. Skin dryness and tightness are possible side effects. Even if you only got a light peel, you may still experience flaking and peeling three days later. Due to the short recovery time of superficial peels, you may not experience any shedding.

Small whiteheads may appear, but this is NOT a breakout.

Lighter-skinned people are more likely to have post-peel redness.

Avoid picking at the flaking skin or peeling. The skin needs to shed on its own accord. Hyperpigmentation is caused by picking at the flaking skin.

Please use the post-procedure kit provided by your doctor or skincare professional for 3–5 days, or until flaking has stopped, to help reduce the severity of peel side effects.

Avoid putting ice or water on the treated areas. It’s best to skip the makeup on the day of your treatment so your skin can relax and heal.

Do not expose the treated region to any heat sources (such as alcohol, exercise, hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, hot shower spray, swimming, or a hair dryer) during the first 48 hours after receiving a chemical peel. Hyperpigmentation is a side effect of internal heating.

The golden rule is to stay out of the sun and away from hot environments. Just as you did before your peel, keep applying a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Use a barrier-forming moisturizer to maintain healthy skin moisture levels. To minimize the appearance of flaking, apply it twice daily, or more often as needed.

You shouldn’t have electrolysis, wax your face, or use depilatories for five days after getting a chemical peel.

Retinols and glycolic acids should be avoided for 10 days after a peel.

For 7-10 days, refrain from using facial scrubs, loofahs, exfoliating sponges, or any other mechanical exfoliation methods.

Avoid tanning beds for two weeks after surgery.

Acne medication including tretinoin, Retin-A, Differin, Renova, Tazorac, Avage, EpiDuo, and Ziana shouldn’t be used for 5 days after surgery. But after five days, you can safely use your vitamin C serum again.

You must wait for your clinician’s approval before undergoing another chemical peel.

Redness, hyperpigmentation, or crusting of the skin are all signs that it’s time to see a dermatologist or skincare expert.
You’re all set for peel season now that you know what to do before and after getting a chemical peel.

Peeling chemicals for acne

Photos by LAYLABIRD/GETTY

Although it would be nice to see that I am the fairest of them all when I look in the mirror, my insecurities (ahem, acne scars) beg to differ. However, I am aware that there is nothing wrong with acne scars, and that recently, women have been celebrating these “imperfections” rather than hiding them.

However, for the benefit of those who are interested, or even mildly curious, I have conducted extensive research and consulted with leading skincare professionals to learn everything I can about removing acne scars. While regular face washing, preventing excess oil production, and avoiding picking at blemishes can all help prevent acne scars from forming, a chemical peel may be the most effective tool for reducing and even eliminating acne scars from the skin’s surface.

Soft on the skin, but effective against scars.Read on to find out all the information you need about the use of chemical peels in the treatment of acne scars.

MICHELA BUTTIGNOL / BYRDIE

A Chemical Peel: What Is It?

In a chemical peel, acids with exfoliating capabilities are applied to the skin, typically the face, for cosmetic purposes. Newer, softer, and clearer skin is revealed after the chemical solution dissolves dead skin cells, oil, and debris.1

Chemical peels are a powerful form of chemical exfoliation in which “an acid solution” removes dead skin and pore-clogging impurities on contact, as explained by New York City plastic surgeon Melissa Doft, MD.”The strength of the peeling solution will determine the level of injury to your skin,” Doft adds. “It sounds a lot scarier than it is,” but remember that these injuries are on a cellular level (similar to microneedling). Stronger peels result in a deeper injury and so require more downtime to recover. However, because new cells replace the old ones, the skin will look more even, glowy, and fresh after the healing process is complete.

A Chemical Peel’s Many Rewards

Chemical peels have several advantages, and you should weigh them carefully before deciding whether or not to get one, says Jennifer MacGregor, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City.

Lightens color.

Makes the skin silky

Balances skin tone

opens up pores

Clears up acne

Allows other skin care products to penetrate deeper and work better3

If you ask us, that’s not bad at all. Also, she says, “If you use a peeling agent regularly for four to six weeks or more (or opt for a stronger peel), you can smooth texture by building new and healthier collagen and elastin and even boost skin’s own internal hyaluronic acid, which gives it that plump, luminous quality.”

According to MacGregor, “the improvement in comedonal acne” (acne characterized by clogged pores and oily skin) is “significant,” and “shallow-depth boxcar scars can see a mild improvement in texture over time” after undergoing a series of peels. She elaborates, “More aggressive peeling can improve acne scars significantly, but these have fallen out of favor due to the recovery profile as it compares to laser and energy devices (the latter having a better ratio of improvement to downtime).” “Occasionally, we place a stronger peeling agent just into the center deeper scars, which is a spot treatment often called the cross method.”

What to Do Before Getting a Chemical Peel

Using new and active cosmeceuticals that bother you before your peel could create further much irritation, unnecessary recovery, and uneven peeling, so keep to your usual skincare before the peel, as recommended by MacGregor.

“If you use [them] regularly, just inform your doctor and don’t change anything in the weeks leading up to the peel,” she says about retinoids. “Some people disagree on this point since retinoids are also peeling agents that thin out the outer dead cell layer, so a peel will be stronger; however, retinoids also thicken the epidermis.”

Finally, “Definitely don’t get waxed before a peel. If you are doing peel pads or solution at home, start very gently, and gradually build up to more frequent use. If it’s a new product, always test a small area first,” says MacGregor.

A Chemical Peel: What to Expect

MacGregor adds, “[Expectations] vary so widely based on the treatment and formulation” because there is more than one kind of chemical peel. However, the American Academy of Dermatology states that you can count on a thorough washing of your skin before your peel. Because of the need for general anesthesia, deep peels can only be done in a surgical setting.Once you and your dermatologist are ready, the peel will be applied quickly and evenly, and then removed carefully.4

How quickly you get benefits from a chemical peel depends on several variables, including the type of peel you choose, the frequency with which you apply it, and your unique skin type. When asked how often her celebrity clients like Jessica Alba and Emmy Rossum should get peels, celebrity esthetician Shani Darden said, “Generally, I recommended having a peel every four to six weeks for best results.”

Home vs. Professional Care

In her studio, Darden performs chemical peels using gentle acids like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic. Doft extols the benefits of a chemical peel for the treatment of acne and the prevention of acne scars. “Chemical peels,” both those done at home and those done in a clinic, “can be helpful in treating acne,” she says.

She uses the VI Peel on patients with acne-prone and aging skin in her office. “The peels used in a doctor’s office are stronger than those available at home,” she explains. “When applied, they remove the top layer of skin, unclogging pores and improving skin texture by increasing skin turnover. After undergoing a chemical peel, you should anticipate to see some changes in your skin before you obtain your final results. “It is a medium-strength peel that is excellent for hyperpigmentation and superficial acne scars.” For the finest results after your chemical peel, it is just as important to follow the aftercare guidelines as they were to follow the ones before.