What Are Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels are skincare procedures where a controlled chemical solution is applied to the skin to help exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog pores, reduce breakouts, and improve overall texture. They’re commonly used on the face and chest for acne.

How They Work

Instead of scrubbing mechanically, chemical peels use acids to loosen the bonds between dead skin cells so they shed more easily. This helps:

✅ Clear clogged pores
✅ Reduce whiteheads and blackheads
✅ Calm superficial inflammation
✅ Improve dullness and texture

Stronger peels also stimulate new skin turnover from deeper layers.

Types of Peels Used for Acne

Chemical peels vary in strength and acid type. Common ones for acne include:

 Salicylic Acid

• Oil-soluble and great for acne-prone skin
• Penetrates oil in pores to help clear blockages

 Glycolic Acid

• Exfoliates surface dead cells
• Helps reduce dullness and uneven texture

 Lactic Acid

• Mild exfoliant
• Good for sensitive or dry acne-prone skin

 Mandelic Acid

• Gentler on skin
• Often chosen for sensitive or pigmentation-prone acne

Peels can be light, medium, or strong depending on concentration and desired depth.

What It Helps With

Chemical peels can be good for:

✔ Mild to moderate acne breakouts
✔ Frequent congestion (blackheads/whiteheads)
✔ Oily skin that clogs easily
✔ Acne-related texture and dullness

They’re usually less effective alone for deep cysts or severe inflammatory acne, but often help as part of a combined program.

Treatment Plan & Frequency

• Many people get peels as a series of sessions — often weekly or every 1–2 weeks at first.
• After initial improvement, maintenance peels might be spaced further apart.

Consistency matters — one session usually doesn’t offer a dramatic overnight cure for acne, but cumulative results are common.

What to Expect During a Peel

✨ Before:
• Skin is cleansed.
• A barrier lotion may be applied to sensitive areas.

✨ During:
• You may feel mild tingling or warmth.
• Sensation varies with peel strength.

✨ After:
• Mild redness and flaking are common.
• Some dryness or peeling may occur over a few days.

Downtime is usually minimal with lighter peels.

Aftercare Tips

✔ Use a gentle cleanser
✔ Avoid active exfoliants (scrubs, retinoids, strong AHAs/BHAs) for a few days
✔ Apply sunscreen daily — sun sensitivity increases after peeling
✔ Moisturize to support healing

Who It’s Best For

Chemical peels are often recommended if you have:

• Frequent blackheads/whiteheads
• Mild to moderate acne breakouts
• Oily or congested skin
• Uneven texture after breakouts

They can also help with post-acne dullness or light pigmentation when integrated into a broader care routine.

Things to Know

✔ Stronger peels have more noticeable peeling and slightly higher irritation risk
✔ Sensitive skin may need gentler formulas
✔ Peels are part of an acne strategy — they often work best combined with good daily care and other treatments when needed

Quick Summary

Chemical peels for acne help exfoliate dead skin, clear clogged pores, and improve texture. They’re a popular non-invasive option that can be tailored in strength and frequency to your skin’s needs, especially for mild to moderate breakouts.