IPL or Chemical Peel - Which is a Better Option for Acne, Acne Scars and Large Pores?

Question

Which would be a better option for acne , acne scars and large pores? How many days or weeks are in between each session? I have olive skin colour and quite oily too.

Nick Slenkovich, MD · Answer

Chemical peels would definitely be a better treatment option for acne, acne scars, and large pores, especially for your olive skin type.

	Chemical peels will reduce oil and bacteria levels, which will in turn help to control acne, as well as stimulate collagen production that will help to remodel scars and lessen pore size. Chemical peels, with proper skin preparation, are also typically be a safer option for darker skin tones.

	Spacing between chemical peels is essentially dependent upon the depth at which they are performed. Chemical peels which reach a deeper level in the skin must be spaced further apart, while more superficial peels may be performed at shorter intervals. If scars are a primary concern, performing deeper peels at some point will offer more benefit in terms of improving their appearance.

	Hope this helps,

	Nick Slenkovich MD, FACS

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Acne scars are usually characterized within the subtypes of atrophic, hypertrophic, pigmented, or inflammatory. These subtypes of acne scars can be visually discerning in ambient light and can cause significant cosmetic concerns. Indented and atrophic scars require a combination approach to stimulate collagen and elastin, thereby smoothing contour and uneven skin. These are usually combined with lasers and depigmentation protocols to reduce inflammatory hyperpigmentation (Melarase AM and Melarase PM). Our Hidef protocols for acne scars include fillers such as Sculptra, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Restylane to improve deep acne scars; Vascular lasers to reduce inflammation and post-inflammatory redness and erythema; Fractional lasers to smooth contour and collagen; and Fractional RF to stimulate production of collagen within atrophic scars. Textural improvement and superficial scarring can be improved with Cosmelan peels, TCA Cross for ice-pick scars, deep chemical peels, and fractional CO2. We offer a personalized approach to your combination of scars and a formal evaluation with consultation is recommended to help you achieve your final results. Our plastic surgery office offers subcision and combination TCA Cross to help reduce deeply pitted scars. In terms of pigmentation and skin resonance, we recommend daily use of Melarase AM and Melarase PM coupled with Retinoid creams to achieve brilliant skin.

Best, 
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Chemical
peels would be a great option to treat acne-prone skin, acne scarring and larger pores. Chenical peels  can reduce oil, kill acne causing
bacteria, and stimulate collagen production that will aid in healing your
scars. Depending on the type of chemical/acid in the peel, the space between
each treatment can range from 2 weeks to 8 weeks.

Babak Azizzadeh, MD · Answer

For pore size a chemical peel or IPL photofacial will work (however both require a series of treatments), but if you really do have acne scars these are usually deeper and require a stronger treatment like Fraxel or fractional CO2 resurfacing.  With these treatments, they are more aggressive but you only need 1 treatment.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Overall, a series of 5 or 6 fotofacials will improve pore size.  However the effects for more dramatic acne scars is minor.  Chemical peels are at best neutral on pore size.  Initially though stronger peels may make pores look slightly more prominent while healing.  Occasionally these modalities can be combined with precise placement of hyaluronic acid filler to support the skin.  This can be very helpful with certain acne scars.  Ultimately there is no substitute for an actual consultation.

IPL or Chemical Peel - Which is a Better Option for Acne, Acne Scars and Large Pores?

Answers (9)

Answer: For acne scars you may need something stronger like Fraxel

Answer: For acne scars you may need something stronger like Fraxel

Answer: Agree with Dr. Kabaker.

Answer: Agree with Dr. Kabaker.

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.

IPL or Chemical Peel - Which is a Better Option for Acne, Acne Scars and Large Pores?

Answers (9)

Answer: For acne scars you may need something stronger like Fraxel

Answer: For acne scars you may need something stronger like Fraxel

Answer: Agree with Dr. Kabaker.

Answer: Agree with Dr. Kabaker.

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.