Are there specific chemical peels I should be wary of if I am allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide?

Question

I have spoken to a dermatologist and he thinks it would be a good idea for me to get a chemical peel to remove a series of acne scaring, however i didn't mention that i was allergic to benzoyl peroxide and a friend thought that since it is used to treat acne that it may be safer to make sure that they had nothing to do with chemical peels. Please help! I would appreciate it!

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

Benzoyl peroxide will not affect your peel. There are a variety of options to improve your address your acne scarring including chemical peels, laser resurfacing, microneedling, subcision and fillers among others. Obtain a consultation with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon in your area to thoroughly review these options. Prepare a list of questions beforehand to ask the doctor in order to have the consultation be as meaningful as possible for you.

Kally Papantoniou, MD, FAAD · Answer

Chemical peels should not be a contraindication for you with the Benzoyl peroxide allergy. That being said, before you invest in chemical peels, why not consider any of the other more effective treatments for acne scarring. You will save yourself money if you select an effective treatment, and will need further total treatment sessions. Look into Fraxel resurfacing, non-ablative laser resurfacing, or microneedling. These are superior for the management of acne scarring.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You need a cosmetic dermatologist who specializes in acne scarring/pigmentation and does a combination of treatments including: surgery, subcision, or TCA cross for deep or pitted "ice pick" scars; fillers like Bellafill or Sculptra or Radiesse for broad "boxcar" or "rolling" scars; Eclipse Micropen for all types of scars and improvement in texture and tone; lasers such as co2 laser resurfacing or Fraxel/Clear+Brilliant or radiofrequency such as Venus Viva to improve the scars and give long term collagen production. There are many options but you want someone who can customize a regimen for your short and long term goals based on your individual situation.  Peels are very mild for acne scarring and that is why I rarely use them. Best, Dr. Emer.

Aleksandra Brown, DO, FAOCD · Answer

Your benzoyl peroxide allergy should not be a contraindication to a chemical peel. When addressing acne scarring, however, you need to make sure to inquire about different treatments for acne scarring. Chemical peels do great for mild temporary hyperpigmeted "scars". However, if you have acne pits and deep scars, then laser resurfacing, TCA and/or filler may be better options.

Are there specific chemical peels I should be wary of if I am allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide?

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