Will Chemical Peels Remove Acne?

Chemical peels have long been a staple in dermatological and aesthetic practice, offering patients a versatile and non-invasive solution for various skin concerns. Among these concerns, acne stands out as a huge problem for many patients. For those dealing with acne struggles, it can seem like a never-ending battle trying to find a solution with long-term success.

As aesthetic practitioners, dermatologists, and skin experts, understanding the efficacy and considerations of chemical peels in addressing acne is important for providing optimal care to our patients. Following the launch of our exclusive range of chemical peels, SKINPROJECT, we are delving into the complexities of chemical skin peels and exploring the commonly asked question, ‘do chemical peels help with acne?’.

What Is Acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that can affect many patients at different stages of their life, regardless of age or gender. There are different forms and types of acne, however, it is typically characterised by red, inflamed bumps on the skin, which can be sometimes painful and hot to the touch. The skin may also have an oily sheen to it. When in its more severe stages, acne can cause a great deal of distress for patients who suffer from it, and finding an effective solution can prove to be a challenging process.

Unfortunately, most patients will struggle with acne for years, trying different treatments and skin care regimes, all with little or no success. This can lead to mixed feelings for many patients, as well as a lack of confidence and self-esteem. Many patients will often turn to the likes of dermatologists and aesthetic practitioners to help combat these issues on a more advanced level. There are various treatments available to help patients achieve clear, glowing skin, but does using a chemical peel for pimples work?

Do Chemical Peels Help with Acne?

Chemical peels have been proven to be effective in many cases in dealing with acne. The reason behind this is their ability to exfoliate the skin and get rid of dead skin cells that block pores and contribute to acne formation. By applying a chemical solution in a controlled manner, the process of exfoliation is initiated, and the skin regenerates itself.

This treatment is customisable, which means depth adjustments can be made to fit the unique needs of each patient, from light to deep peels. Using a chemical peel for acne scars requires careful consideration of many factors, including the type of peel to be used, the patient’s skin type, and the severity of their acne. 

Chemical Peel Considerations For Patients With Acne

1. Skin Type and Severity of Acne

Before recommending a chemical peel for acne scars to a patient, especially with severe acne, assessing the patient’s skin type and the severity of their acne is crucial. Not all peels are suitable for every skin type, and the depth of the peel should align with the extent of the acne concern.

2. Type of Chemical Peel

Different chemical peels target varying skin concerns. For acne, practitioners often consider beta hydroxy acid (BHA) peels like salicylic acid, known for its efficacy in penetrating oil-filled pores. To help reduce acne, salicylic peels can also minimise the appearance of large pores, resulting in an overall improved complexion.

3. Pre-Peel Preparation

Advising patients on pre-peel preparation is essential. This may include discontinuing certain skincare products or medications, avoiding sun exposure, and ensuring proper hydration. Aestheticians should also consider using high quality priming products as part of the treatment process. Our expertly formulated SKINPROJECT NANOPEEL PREP is designed to gently cleanse the skin of excess sebum and oil, ready for the peel to be applied to the skin.

4. Aftercare

After a chemical peel treatment, practitioners should follow up with a post-peel product to soothe the skin, such as SKINPROJECT NANOPEEL NOURISH. This aftercare cream provides relief to the treated area. In the days after a treatment, patients should take extra care to keep their skin clean and moisturised, and make sure to use strong sun protection.Educating patients on proper post-peel care ensures optimal results and minimises potential side effects.

The Takeaway

When treating patients with a chemical peel for acne, their use makes for a versatile and effective option when appropriately tailored to individual patient needs.

While chemical peels can be an effective option for acne treatment, it’s also crucial to set realistic expectations for clients looking to minimise the appearance of acne scars. Superficial peels may help to improve the appearance of mild acne, while deeper peels may be necessary for more severe cases. The exfoliation and regeneration induced by chemical peels can reduce acne lesions, minimise scarring, and improve overall skin texture.

At Fox Group, we’re always striving to stay ahead of the curve, bringing new products to the roster. Now available is our cutting-edge range of chemical peels – SKINPROJECT, The New Wave of Nanopeels. Each chemical peel in the range, SRT, Jessner and Eye, all provide deep exfoliation to deliver truly rejuvenating results. To find out more about these skin peels, read our What is SKINPROJECT? post.
To stock up on our exclusive range of industry-leading aesthetic products for your clinic, register with Fox Pharma today.