Acne scars can stick around long after your breakouts have cleared up. Those marks, pits, and dark spots on your face might make you feel self-conscious, even though your active acne is gone. If creams and home remedies haven’t helped much, you’re probably looking for something that actually works.
Chemical peels have become a popular solution for treating acne scars. Unlike products you apply at home, these treatments work beneath your skin’s surface to help fade scars and improve texture. But what exactly are chemical peels, and how do they help with acne scars? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Are Chemical Peels?
A chemical peel is a skin treatment that uses special acid solutions to remove damaged outer layers of your skin. Think of it like peeling away old, damaged wallpaper to reveal fresh walls underneath. When the old skin comes off, your body naturally produces new skin cells, which look smoother and more even in tone.
The treatment encourages your skin to heal itself. As new skin grows, it brings fresh collagen with it—the protein that keeps your skin firm and smooth. This process helps reduce the appearance of acne scars over time.
Types of Acne Scars
Before we talk about treatment, it’s helpful to understand what kind of scars chemical peels can improve:
- Atrophic Scars – These are the indented or pitted scars that look like small holes in your skin. They include ice pick scars (deep and narrow), boxcar scars (wide with defined edges), and rolling scars (wave-like dips).
- Dark Spots – Also called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, these are flat, discolored areas where acne used to be. They’re not true scars but can be just as bothersome.
- Raised Scars – Less common with acne, these scars stick up above the skin’s surface. Chemical peels work best on the first two types.
Types of Chemical Peels for Acne Scars
Chemical peels come in different strengths, depending on how deep they need to work.
▸Superficial Peels (Light Peels)
These are the gentlest option. They use acids like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid to treat only the top layer of skin.
- What they help: Mild scarring, dark spots, rough texture
- Recovery time: 1-3 days of slight flaking
- Sessions needed: Usually 4-6 treatments, done every 2-4 weeks
- Best for: People new to chemical peels or those with sensitive skin
Light peels give you subtle improvements with almost no downtime. You might look a bit pink afterward, like you’ve spent time in the sun.
▸Medium-Depth Peels
These go deeper into your skin using stronger acids like TCA (trichloroacetic acid). They’re more effective for noticeable scars.
- What they help: Moderate acne scars, deeper dark spots, uneven texture
- Recovery time: 5-7 days with visible peeling
- Sessions needed: 2-4 treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart
- Best for: More visible scarring that needs significant improvement
Your skin will peel more noticeably with these treatments, and you’ll need to take it easy for about a week while healing.
▸Deep Chemical Peels
These are the strongest peels, using phenol or very strong TCA. They’re rarely used today because they’re quite intense.
- What they help: Severe, deep acne scars
- Recovery time: 2-3 weeks
- Sessions needed: Usually just one
- Best for: Very serious scarring (done less often now)
Most people with acne scars do well with superficial or medium peels, so deep peels aren’t commonly needed.
How Chemical Peels Help Acne Scars
Chemical peels improve acne scars in several ways:
- Removing Damaged Skin – The acid solution dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing damaged skin to peel away. This includes the discolored and scarred surface layer.
- Boosting Collagen – When your skin heals from a peel, it produces new collagen. More collagen means plumper, smoother skin that makes scars less noticeable.
- Evening Out Skin Tone – Peels help fade dark spots by removing pigmented cells and encouraging new, evenly colored skin to grow.
- Smoothing Texture – Regular treatments gradually improve the texture of pitted scars by promoting new skin growth that fills in some of the indentation.
What to Expect During Treatment
A typical chemical peel appointment takes about 30-60 minutes. Here’s what usually happens:
Your skin specialist will clean your face thoroughly. Then they’ll apply the chemical solution with a brush or cotton pad. You might feel tingling, warmth, or mild stinging—this is normal and means the peel is working.
The solution stays on for a specific amount of time (a few minutes to 15 minutes, depending on the peel type), then it’s neutralized or washed off. Some peels neutralize on their own.
Right after, your skin might look red, like a sunburn. This is temporary and fades as you heal.
Recovery and Results
▸After a Light Peel: Your skin might be slightly red for a day. You’ll have light flaking for 2-3 days. Most people can return to normal activities right away.
▸After a Medium Peel: Expect redness and peeling for about 5-7 days. Your skin will feel tight and may look darker before it peels. Avoid wearing makeup until the peeling stops.
▸Results Timeline: You’ll see some improvement once the peeling finishes, but the best results appear gradually over several weeks. Your scars will look lighter and your skin will feel smoother with each treatment.
Most people need multiple sessions to see significant changes. Think of it like exercise—one workout won’t transform your body, but several sessions over time will.
Taking Care of Your Skin After a Peel
Good aftercare is essential for the best results:
- Keep it moisturized – Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer several times daily
- Protect from sun – Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every single day (new skin burns easily)
- Be gentle – Use mild cleansers and avoid scrubs or harsh products
- Don’t pick – Let the peeling happen naturally; picking can cause scarring
- Avoid heat – Skip hot showers, saunas, and intense workouts for a few days
How Much Do Chemical Peels Cost?
Costs vary based on the type of peel and where you live. Light peels typically cost between ₹2,000-5,000 per session, while medium peels range from ₹5,000-12,000. Since you’ll need multiple treatments, plan your budget accordingly.
Remember that cheaper isn’t always better. The skill and experience of the person performing your peel matters just as much as the type of peel used.
Get Professional Chemical Peel Treatment in NIBM
Ready to Do Something About Your Acne Scars?
If you’re in NIBM and looking for chemical peel treatment, Dr. Seema Hashmi Super Speciality Skin Clinic can help. Led by Dr. Seema Hashmi, the clinic focuses on treating acne scars with safe, effective chemical peel treatments.
Dr. Hashmi takes time to understand your skin concerns and creates a treatment plan that fits your needs. Whether you’re dealing with dark spots, uneven texture, or pitted scars, the clinic offers different types of chemical peels to help improve your skin’s appearance.
Why Visit Dr. Seema Hashmi Super Speciality Skin Clinic?
- Individual treatment plans based on your skin type and scar concerns
- Safe, professional treatments in a clean environment
- Guidance through the entire process, from first visit to aftercare
- Conveniently located in NIBM
Don’t let acne scars hold you back. Take the first step toward clearer skin by scheduling a consultation.