Myth or Fact: Do Chemical Peels Stimulate Collagen Production?

Question

I have enlarged/scarred pores on my cheeks and on my nose. I also have a few very, very, shallow acne scars. I would love to find an alternative to laser treatments or microdermabrasion (I am prone to broken blood vessels) to help fix some of these issues. Would a series of chemical peels do the trick? Or something else?

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Chemical peels, or any form of resurfacing for that matter, should not change the proportions or shape of your face in any way. This is a skin rejuvenation procedure. It may lesson lines ( wrinkles ), tighten skin and remove age spots, but in the end you should still look like you. These treatments are often working at the epidermal level of the skin unless you are specifically having a deeper chemical peel or other resurfacing treatment. When the treatment is designed to be deeper and act at the dermal level, collagen and elastin production can be achieved. There are risks to these procedures, however and they should be discussed with your treating physician prior to treatment.

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Chemical Peels will not stimulate collagen, however, they are beneficial for superficial exfoliation. Lasers are a good option for both scarring and pore size as they are using thermal energy to stimulate collagen production. There is also laser technology that can aid in facial redness. The following link provides further information.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, at best these treatments are neutral on pore size. Filling the skin with hyaluronic acid fillers supports the skin and reduced the apparent pore size. Also photofacial may help reduce the apparent size of skin pores.

Steven E. Rasmussen, MD, FAAD · Answer

Both superficial and deeper chemical peels can stimulate new collagen growth which will result in long term improvement of your skin.

Myth or Fact: Do Chemical Peels Stimulate Collagen Production?

Answers (8)