Can a Chemical Peel Fade Acne Marks? Here’s What You Should Know

Acne marks can stick around long after breakouts are gone, leaving your skin uneven and textured. If you have ever tried creams, serums, and scrubs with no real change, a chemical peel might be the answer. It’s a science-backed treatment that works below the surface to reveal smoother, clearer skin.

Let’s explore how chemical peels work, their types, and how they can transform not just your face but also your body.

What is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing treatment that uses a solution, usually made of acids, to remove dead skin cells and promote new cell growth. This process helps reduce the appearance of acne marks, fine lines, pigmentation, and uneven texture.

Depending on your skin concern, there are different types of chemical peels, each designed to penetrate the skin at different depths: light, medium, or deep.

How do Chemical Peels help with Acne Marks?

Chemical peels speed up cell turnover by exfoliating the skin’s top layer. This allows healthier skin to surface, improving the appearance of acne marks and promoting even skin tone. The results? Smoother skin, reduced blemishes, and a refreshed glow.

Let’s break it down by area:

1. Face

This is the most common area for acne marks. Peels here help fade post-acne marks, reduce pores, and soften skin texture. Light and medium peels are typically used to address mild to moderate scarring.

2. Underarms

Yes, chemical peels can also work wonders under the arms! They help reduce pigmentation and acne marks caused by shaving or sweat, giving the area a more even appearance.

3. Arms

If you have acne or scarring on your upper arms (often due to clogged follicles), chemical peels can help exfoliate and smooth out bumpy skin.

4. Legs

On legs, chemical peels target “strawberry skin” and scarring from ingrown hairs or breakouts. Regular sessions improve skin tone and texture over time.

Types of Chemical Peels for Acne Marks

Not all chemical peels work the same way. Depending on the severity of your acne marks, skin type, and overall skin goals, different types of chemical peels can be used.

Glycolic Acid Peels 

Made from sugarcane, glycolic acid is a popular alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates the top layer of your skin. It’s ideal for treating surface-level acne marks, mild hyperpigmentation, and uneven texture. Glycolic peels also promote collagen production, which helps to smooth out fine lines and leave the skin feeling softer and more radiant. If you’re just starting out with peels, this is often a great first step.

Salicylic Acid Peels 

If your skin tends to be oily or acne-prone, salicylic acid peels might be your best bet. This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) goes deeper into the pores to dissolve oil and debris, making it incredibly effective for preventing new breakouts. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm red, inflamed acne marks. With regular use, salicylic peels can help clarify the skin and fade post-acne marks.

Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Peels 

TCA peels are stronger and penetrate deeper layers of the skin compared to AHAs and BHAs. These medium to deep peels are often used to treat moderate to severe acne scarring, including pitted or textured scars. The recovery time may be longer, but the results are more dramatic, revealing fresher, more even-toned skin underneath. Dermatologists often recommend TCA peels when over-the-counter or lighter treatments haven’t made enough of a difference.

Benefits of Chemical Peels for Acne Marks

• Visible improvement: Skin becomes smoother, clearer, and more radiant.
• Boosts collagen: Encourages collagen production for firmer, healthier skin.
• Customisable: Peels can be tailored based on your skin type and the severity of scarring.
• Reduces pigmentation: Helps lighten dark spots and uneven skin tone.
• Minimally invasive: No surgery, no injections, just effective results with the right aftercare.

Reveal Your Best Skin Yet

Tired of using filters to hide acne marks? A chemical peel can help you achieve the even, glowing skin you deserve. With visible results that get better over time, it's a treatment worth considering if you're ready to invest in your skin’s long-term health. Book a skin consultation at Bodycraft and take your first step toward clearer, mark-free skin.