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Best Chemical Peel for Whiteheads and Blackheads?

I have breakouts, white and blackheads and deep acne scars. What Chemical peel would you suggest?

Doctor Answers 5

Salicylic and Glycolic peels work well to control whiteheads and blackheads

July 30th, 2009
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Hello,

Light chemical peels repeated at intervals work best to control outbreaks. Glycolic and Salicylic acids both work well. Deeper peels would be needed to address acne scarring though. Get the acne under control first.

John P. Di Saia, MD


Orange Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 25 reviews

Blackheads, Whiteheads, Scars

November 1st, 2015
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You are actually asking about completely different skin problems with different approaches.  Scars can best be treated with Fraxel or eMatrix depending on your skin type.  However, whiteheads and blackheads can be treated topically with Differin, Retinols, Gylcolic Pads, Microdermabrasion, Oxygen facials, or Salicylic acid treatments.  Best, Dr.  Green
Michele S. Green, MD

Michele S. Green, MD
New York Dermatologist
5.0 out of 5 stars 60 reviews

Whiteheads and Blackheads respond to Jessner's or 10% TCA Peels really well

July 30th, 2009
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The comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) respond to light chemical peels really well. Jessner's Solutions is 3 fruit acids mixed together and is great for this. 10% TCA is another great peel. These run about $175-250 each and can be done every 2 weeks until you see the results you like. Acne discolorations do good with these peels as well but indented scars need a totally different treatment.

Good Luck!

David Hansen, MD

David Hansen, MD
Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 36 reviews

Best peel for whiteheads, blackheads

July 30th, 2009
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The selection of chemical peel depends on several factors including skin type (color, oily vs. dry, sensitive Rosacea-type skin vs. normal), the amount of down-time you are able or willing to undergo and the location of the skin involved. I suggest you consult a board certified specialist with experience in chemical peeling to review your options with you in person.

Good luck.

Bryan K. Chen, MD

Bryan K. Chen, MD
San Diego Dermatologist
5.0 out of 5 stars 5 reviews

Prefer Beta Peel for This

July 30th, 2009
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These are really two separate requests. Beta peels with salicylic acid is probably the best agent for removing blackheads (open comedones) and whiteheads (closed comedones). Salicylic acid is able to penetrate into the clogged follicles. Glycolic acid is not as effective since it does not care for the more oily milieu of the follicle. Pre treating with a Retinoid such as Retin A or Tazarac will augment the affect.

The other issue is deep acne scars. You would need a moderate to sdeep peel. Phenol or TCA 30% would provide the depth to correct "deep" acne scars.

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist
4.7 out of 5 stars 13 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.