Are Chemical Peels Worth It?

Question

I want to know if getting a chemical peel would be a good idea for me. I'm 22 years old and have adult acne. I have tried everything it just makes me break out more. I don't really have bad acne but really bad scars from breaking out. I also have sensitive and oily skin. I heard chemical peels are affordable and an easy way to fix the problem. How do they work? Will it break me out more.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis.  We see atrophic and hypertrophic scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to discuss the best treatment options for your type of skin. .

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

Chemical peels are great for acne, and okay for scars depending on how severe they are. First, resolve the acne, then move on to fixing the scars. I suggest doing the peels for acne, then a combination of treatments for scarring, including fillers for deep pockmarks.

Dennis Gross, MD · Answer

Chemical peels safely remove or exfoliate the top layer of dead skin, allowing new, more youthful, healthy skin to show through. While the skin typically sheds old, dull dead skin cells every 28 days, this process slows down with prolonged sun exposure and aging. Chemical peels cause this natural cell turnover process to speed up, helping to stimulate the growth of new collagen—the skin-firming protein that acts like a scaffold for the skin. The speed or depth of cell turnover is determined by the concentration of the peel and the amount of time it’s left on skin.Chemical peels can be done at different depths—light, medium, or deep—depending on your desired results. Deeper chemical peels produce more-dramatic results, but also involve longer recovery times.

Dina D. Strachan, MD · Answer

If you indeed get scarring acne, it would be best if you were to be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist.  Although chemical peels make a great addtion to acne and acne scar treatment, they will unlikely not be enough to get your acne under control.  It sounds like you may need prescription strength medicine.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,

	Acne control can be aided by light chemical peels. Just be sure you have not had Accutane recently.

	 

	Best Regards,

	 

	John Di Saia MD

Are Chemical Peels Worth It?

Answers (6)

Answer: Scarring acne? You need to see a dermatologist

Answer: Scarring acne? You need to see a dermatologist

Answer: Control versus scar reduction.

Answer: Control versus scar reduction.

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Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Are Chemical Peels Worth It?

Answers (6)

Answer: Scarring acne? You need to see a dermatologist

Answer: Scarring acne? You need to see a dermatologist

Answer: Control versus scar reduction.

Answer: Control versus scar reduction.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.