Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether in the form of pimples, blackheads, acne scars, or inflammation, acne can significantly alter skin quality and self-esteem. Chemical peeling for acne is one of the most effective solutions to treat these skin imperfections. This technique helps not only to reduce active acne, but also to diminish scars and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
Chemical peeling for acne is an effective solution to reduce pimples, diminish scars, and improve skin quality. By stimulating cell renewal and regulating sebum production, it helps treat one of the causes of acne and prevent future breakouts.
If you are facing acne problems or scarring, consult a doctor to find out whether a chemical peel is suitable for your situation.
Chemical peeling is an aesthetic treatment that consists of applying a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate its superficial and/or deep layers. This process stimulates cell renewal, unclogs pores, and makes the skin smoother and more radiant. When used to treat acne, chemical peeling helps to :
• Reduce pimples and blackheads.
• Regulate sebum production.
• Improve skin quality.
• Diminish acne scars, if the peel performed is a medium peel or a deep one.
• Reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
Peels for acne target the causes of acne, including excess sebum, clogged pores, and bacteria responsible for inflammation.
There are several types of peels that are particularly suitable for treating acne. The choice of peel depends on the type of acne, the presence of scars, and the patient’s goals.
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It works by exfoliating the superficial layers of the skin, thereby accelerating cell renewal. Although it is often used to treat wrinkles and dull complexion, it can also be effective for acne.
Advantages : improvement of skin quality, lightening of post-acne hyperpigmentation spots, prevention of new breakouts.
Indications : mild acne, pigmented spots.
Salicylic acid is highly effective for treating acne. Being lipophilic, it can penetrate clogged pores and dissolve excess sebum and dead skin cells. In addition to its exfoliating action, salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
Benefits : reduces blackheads, decreases inflammatory acne, regulates sebum production.
Indications : mild to moderate acne, blackheads, comedonal acne, enlarged pores.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is used in medium to deep peels. It is used to treat acne scars and to improve skin quality. TCA works in depth.
Advantages : reduction of acne scars, improvement of skin firmness, fading of pigmented spots.
Indications : moderate to severe acne scars, skin laxity.
Jessner peel is a mixture of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. This peel is used to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and reduce skin imperfections. It is particularly effective for oily and acne-prone skin because it helps reduce pimples and prevent future breakouts.
Advantages : exfoliation, reduction of active acne, improvement of skin quality.
Indications : moderate acne, excessive sebum production, enlarged pores.
Chemical peeling is an effective method for treating the various problems related to acne.
• Reduction of active acne : the peel unclogs pores by removing dead cells accumulated on the surface of the skin. This helps reduce the formation of pimples, blackheads, and cysts. The peel also promotes deeper penetration of anti-acne skincare products, thereby increasing their effectiveness.
• Regulation of sebum production : acne is often worsened by excessive sebum production, which clogs pores and causes inflammation. Peels for acne, especially those containing salicylic acid, regulate sebum production, thereby reducing skin shine and breakouts.
• Improvement of skin quality : acne can leave scars, marks, and irregularities on the skin. The peel stimulates cell renewal, which helps smooth the surface of the skin, resulting in a more even and radiant complexion.
• Reduction of enlarged pores : people suffering from acne often have enlarged pores, especially on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin). Peels for acne tighten pores, making the skin smoother.
• Diminishing acne scars : scars left by acne, whether atrophic (depressed) or hypertrophic (raised), can be difficult to treat. Peels with trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and more generally medium peels or deep peels, are used to diminish these scars.
After an acne peel, it is normal to observe a few temporary side effects, such as redness, mild peeling, or increased skin sensitivity. These effects usually disappear within a few days and are normal. Here are some post-treatment tips to promote a good recovery :
• Moisturize your skin : after a peel, the skin may be drier than usual. Applying the recommended moisturizing and healing creams is essential to prevent dehydration.
• Use sun protection : the skin is more sensitive to UV rays after a peel. Apply an SPF 50 sunscreen to protect the skin and prevent the appearance of brown spots.
• Avoid irritating products : for one month after the peel, avoid products containing strong acids, retinoids, or exfoliants, which could irritate the skin and cause scarring or pigmentation.
• Follow Dr. Romano’s recommendations : follow the post-peel skincare instructions specific to your skin given at the end of the session.
The number of peeling sessions needed depends on the severity of the acne. In general, a series of 4 to 6 sessions, spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, is recommended to achieve visible and long-lasting results. Dr. Romano will offer you a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.
The results of a chemical peel for acne depend on the type of peel performed and the severity of the skin problems being treated. In general, it is possible to observe :
• A visible reduction in pimples and blackheads.
• An improvement in skin quality.
• A decrease in the appearance of enlarged pores.
• A more even and radiant complexion.
Results begin to be visible in the days following the peel, with continuous improvement over the weeks. Several sessions may be necessary to achieve optimal results.
The peel for acne-prone skin is offered at a rate of 200 CHF per session.
This price includes the medical procedure performed by Dr. Romano as well as all the products used during the treatment.
Multiple sessions are generally required. They are spaced a few weeks apart and planned according to the skin type and response to the treatment.
Each session takes place in a strict medical setting, in accordance with Swiss standards.
The most effective peels against acne are those based on keratolytic acids, such as salicylic acid, which regulates sebum production and unclogs pores. Peels with glycolic or lactic acid are also recommended to improve radiance and smooth the skin’s surface.
Yes, peeling is effective in fighting acne. It exfoliates dead skin cells, reduces inflammation, regulates sebum production, and promotes cell renewal, which reduces the appearance of new pimples.
Peeling can treat both active acne and scars. Light peels with salicylic acid target active acne by “cleansing” the skin, while medium peels (such as those with trichloroacetic acid) are effective in diminishing scars and evening out skin texture.
• Salicylic acid peel : ideal for oily, blemish-prone skin.
• Glycolic acid peel : perfect for smoothing the surface and promoting cell renewal.
• Light TCA peel : suitable for treating superficial acne scars.
• Mandelic acid peel : gentle and well tolerated by sensitive and reactive skin.
The results of a peel can be long-lasting, especially for mild scars. However, since acne is a chronic condition, regular care and a good skincare routine are essential to prevent recurrences. Maintenance sessions may be necessary to maintain results over the long term.
