Chemical Peels vs Laser Resurfacing for Acne Scars

Chemical Peels vs Laser Resurfacing for Acne Scars

Acne scars are frustrating and can last long after the breakouts occurred, well into adulthood. But there is hope. Multiple aesthetic treatments are available today which can decrease the depth, size, and visibility of acne scars for smoother, more radiant skin.

Understanding Acne Scars

Acne scars typically take the form of small depressions or pits in the skin. We all want smooth skin but acne scars hold many people back from achieving this. In general, this type of scarring is more common in people who didn’t receive treatment for their acne or waited a long time to get it. It can also be more prominent in people who picked at their acne, which can increase inflammation further. 

Furthermore, as we age, acne scarring can become more prominent, this is because collagen and elastin in the skin are depleted with age. As the skin becomes less plump overall, pitting and scarring becomes more noticeable. 

How a Chemical Peel Works

Chemical peels remove the top layers of skin. The skin cells that replace it look younger and healthier. In this procedure, chemicals like carbolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid are applied to the face. There are several different levels of chemical peels. Light or superficial chemical peels affect only the outer skin layer or epidermis. These are a great option for treating dryness, fine lines, and some acne scarring. This is the most gentle kind of chemical peel which you can repeat every few weeks.

For heavy acne scarring, a medium chemical peel is another common choice. This level of peel removes layers of the dermis in addition to the epidermis. Medium chemical peels can be a good treatment option for average wrinkles, acne scarring and uneven skin tone. Sometimes, these need to be repeated for the best results. Chemical peels can require a lot of preparation. Medium chemical peels can require up to a week of recovery time, during which no cosmetics can be used.

Laser Resurfacing Treatments

There are two types of laser treatments for acne scarring. Ablative resurfacing removes the outer scarred layer of skin. It also heats up the middle layer or dermis. This helps to stimulate the production of more collagen protein. The new skin appears smoother and firmer. Carbon dioxide and erbium lasers are commonly used for ablative treatments. The recovery time for ablative resurfacing procedures can be as much as two weeks.

Nonablative procedures don’t remove any skin. They stimulate collagen growth with light and heat. Nonablative resurfacing uses lasers or intense pulsed light devices. This is a gentler treatment option, but it’s also less effective. Multiple treatments are necessary to truly see results. There is almost no recovery time with nonablative resurfacing treatments, though. This is one of the reasons they’ve become so popular.

Are You Ready to Say Goodbye to Your Acne Scars for Good?

Chemical peels and laser resurfacing are both wonderful options for adults with acne scarring. At Glamor Medical, our expert staff can help determine which option is best for you and help create a custom treatment plan to get you on your way to the skin of your dreams! Call us today to book an appointment!

27 thoughts on “Chemical Peels vs Laser Resurfacing for Acne Scars”

  1. I did have some acne in my teens but luckily I didn’t pick at them so I don’t have any acne scars. It’s good to know there’s treatments out there though in case my complexion changes

  2. Steven Morrissette

    Oh, that is good to know. I don’t have acne scars but I do have a little scar on my forehead, was just wondering if the treatment would work as well.

  3. I didn’t know that you could use these to get rid of acne scars. I always thought they were only for things like age spots. This is going to be so helpful to so many people.

  4. This is a nice rundown of the different treatments. These are great options to have when it comes to improving skin especially when you have acne damage.

  5. Both of these sound like great options. I didn’t even know that chemical peels were used for that! It’s important to know our options before discussing treatment so we can be better prepared.

  6. Thanks for the overview of chemical peel laser resurfacing acne scars. You don’t typically think of lasers as being a gentler treatment option (or I didn’t) so that’s good to know.

  7. What a great post and to highlight the actually differences between the two, I am sure that many people will find this really useful x

  8. Such a very informative article regarding acne scar and I may it’s very detail. Many can relate to this stuff as everyone doesn’t want to have this kind of skin disease. It’s a big help for everyone to know this stuff.

  9. I think glases is nice to wear instead of laser treatment ,,,,,,,,,,,, am passing this pain
    Am just suggest ,,,,,’you made nice effort on this topic .
    Thank you so much

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