Chemical Peel for Acne Scars Q&A

Yes! Chemical peels are an effective treatment solution for reducing the appearance of acne scars. Chemical peels help reduce acne scars through a chemical solution that removes the outermost layer of skin in the treatment area, along with all of the dead and damaged skin cells contained within that layer. As a result, the layer of skin that replaces the surface layer is fresher, healthier, and smoother, with less noticeable acne scars.

The number of peels required to reduce acne scars varies according to the extent of your acne scarring and the type of peel you are getting. With that in mind, there are three different types of chemical peels classified according to the depth of the peel. The three chemical peel types are superficial (or light) peels, medium peels, and deep peels. When your chemical peel specialist conducts a facial analysis of your scars, they can let you know the type of treatment you require, as well as an estimation of the number of treatments you will need.

The frequency with which you should get a chemical peel also depends on the type of chemical peel you are getting! In general, the deeper the peel, the longer you should wait in between appointments. As such, the recommended spacing for each type of peel is as follows:

• Light or superficial peels: one month
• Medium peels: four to six months
• Deep peels: two to three years

To begin a chemical peel procedure, your chemical peel specialist will ask you to lie down on your back on the operation bed or table. When you are comfortable, the physician or esthetician will cleanse your skin in the treatment area and cover your eyes and hair to protect them from the solution.

After the prep work is complete, they will use a brush or sponge to apply the solution, which will contain one or more of such ingredients as lactic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid, and give it time to dry. As the solution dries, you will likely feel a slight burning or tingling sensation proportionate to the depth of peel you have done.

Your physician will leave the solution to dry for a specific amount of time. Once that time is up, they will neutralize the solution, remove it, and apply a cold compress or moisturizing cream to soothe the skin.

After a chemical peel procedure, you will likely experience some redness and swelling proportionate to the depth of peel you have done. Additionally, your skin may experience some crusting and flaking for up to two weeks. As such, your doctor will provide you with aftercare instructions to reduce swelling and any minor symptoms.

For a light peel, your skin should be back to (better than!) normal within three to four days, while medium peels will take between one to two weeks to heal fully. A deep chemical peel can take a couple of months before the new layer of skin heals. InShape Medical is proud to provide chemical peel treatments for acne scars! For more information, contact us or book an appointment. We are conveniently located at 107 Edinburgh S. Drive, Suite 215 Cary, NC 27511. We serve patients from Cary NC, West Raleigh NC, Apex NC, Morrisville NC, Clegg NC, Preston NC, Durham NC, and surrounding areas.