Can Chemical Peel Treatments Fade Acne Scars?

Acne can be a cosmetic nuisance, particularly during adolescence. For most people, acne is temporary and typically resolves as we reach adulthood. However, some men and women struggle with acne throughout their lifetime, and even if it resolves, they are often left with permanent scarring that leaves them feeling discouraged, self-conscious, or even embarrassed about their complexion. At Dr Diva Aesthetics in Downers Grove, IL, Jakeyla Reed, DNP and our experienced skin care team offer many acne scarring treatment solutions to help you regain smoother, clearer, healthier-looking skin you can feel confident about. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of one of the most popular treatments for minimizing acne scars — the chemical peel —and discuss how treatment works, what results you can expect, and how long they may last.

Why do some people get acne scars and others don’t?

Acne is exceptionally common in teens, adolescents, and even adults, but not everyone develops acne scarring. There are certain factors that may make some people more likely to develop acne scars than others, such as:

• Genetics
• Severe acne
• Cystic acne
• Picking at your acne
• Infections
• Being of a certain ethnicity

Acne scars may be raised or concave and can appear as either skin-colored or darkened areas.

How can I get rid of acne scars?

While you may not be able to erase acne scarring, there are many treatments that can help to dramatically smooth or clear your acne scars, like the chemical peel. By improving the texture and appearance of acne scars with chemical peel treatments, many patients find it easier to apply makeup and even to go makeup-free with a smoother, more even complexion.

How does a chemical peel work for acne scars?

Each chemical peel is tailored to meet the concerns, goals, and lifestyle of the individual patient. Chemical peels are generally available in three strengths: light, medium, and deep. The most appropriate type of chemical peel for you will be determined based on your skin type and tone, your available downtime, the nature and severity of your acne scarring and other skin concerns, and additional patient-specific factors.

Once your customized chemical peel treatment plan has been made, we will begin by cleansing the face. Your chemical peel serum will then be brushed over the skin and allowed to sit for a certain length of time, again based on the strength of peel you may need. At the end of the treatment, the chemical agent will be washed away, and a neutralizing agent will be applied. Over the next several days and weeks, you will notice the top layer(s) of dead, damaged skin flaking away, ultimately revealing new, healthy, more vibrant skin cells. For acne scarring specifically, this regenerative process works to minimize discoloration associated with acne scars and to smooth the texture of scars with healthy new skin cells.

While most patients enjoy a noticeable improvement in their acne scars after a single chemical peel, optimal results are typically achieved with a series of 3 — 4 chemical peels over time.

Say goodbye to unsightly acne scars with a personalized chemical peel in Downers Grove, IL

Don’t let painful reminders of your adolescent acne prevent you from enjoying life any longer. Call Dr Diva Aesthetics in Downers Grove, IL to schedule your chemical peel with Jakeyla Reed, DNP today, and take the first step toward finally getting the radiant complexion you deserve.