3 types of chemical peels for acne scars, related conditions

Few skin concerns are quite as demoralizing as acne. And nothing can be more discouraging than to finally clear your skin, only to be left with reminders of past acne breakouts in the form of scars. Resplendent Day Spa is here to help. We provide various facial services to fade scars and heal skin, including chemical peels. Below, we highlight three types of chemical peels available at our Long Beach, California, location and what they can do for your scars. 

1 – Lighter peels 

All peels generally work by encouraging cell turnover. They remove dead, damaged skin cells and bring new, healthy ones to the surface. They vary in the depth with which the chemical solution penetrates the skin. For these more superficial peels, the outermost layer of the skin is gently removed. The process of removing damaged tissue also triggers healing and the production of collagen within the skin. Due to the collagen-boosting properties, superficial peels can result in milder acne scars or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation associated with past trauma to the skin. Our aestheticians may choose from lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid. Some of these acids are better for controlling oiliness and future breakouts, whereas others are most appropriate for fading dark discoloration and brightening the skin.

2 – Medium peels 

Deeper peels may be appropriate for more moderate acne scars, such as boxcar scars that appear as craters in the skin, and rolling scars with wider edges and a more rounded base. These peels can treat more significant scars, as they penetrate deeper into the skin than superficial peels. The healing associated with this treatment promotes more significant production of collagen. As more collagen is produced, the scars or depressions in the skin are “filled in” and begin to look less noticeable over time. For these peels, we largely choose from trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or Jessner’s peels, which are a combination of different acids. 

3 – Deeper peels

If your boxcar scars or icepick scars are particularly deep and severe, you may require more aggressive treatment. Our professionals have the training to adjust the concentration of different acids in a way that supports safe and effective treatment. For instance, we may use higher concentrations of TCA to penetrate the lower mid-layer of the skin or dermis. If you have complex scarring, we may also combine a peel with other techniques, such as microneedling. This service also stimulates controlled injuries to encourage healing and collagen production. The skin’s surface is smoothed as more collagen is produced over time. 

Remember that, while deeper peels can get significant results quickly, they are also associated with higher risks of complications and a potentially long recovery time. More superficial peels may require several treatment sessions; however, they are appropriate for most skin types, including sensitive and darker skin tones. Resplendent Day Spa looks forward to discussing these and other considerations with you. To schedule your consultation, speak with a member of our Long Beach, CA team today – call (562) 685-8050. 

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