Chemical Peels (Light / Superficial Peels)

Compare To Other Treatments

What Is It?

Light or superficial peels only affect the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). Light peels can therefore only be used in the treatment of very shallow scars, and normally do not produce perceptible results. When chemical peels are applied on the skin, a controlled wound healing process occurs which might improve the appearance of the acne scar by stimulating the skin to produce more collagen and elastin.

This procedure is normally repeated multiple times (5 or more) in 2-week intervals, and you should see gradual results with each session. And after your last session, your skin should continue to improve.

Good or Excellent Response

Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
27% of patients achieved a good (>50%) or excellent (>75%) improvement in scarring after 5 sessions

Moderate Response

Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
57% of patients achieved at least a moderate (>25%) improvement in scarring after 5 sessions
▸ Based on These Clinical Studies & Trials
▾ Based on These Clinical Studies & Trials
  1. Shahbano, Batool, S., Tariq, H., Asad, F. & Aman, S. Comparison of efficacy and safety of microneedling with 35% glycolic acid peel versus glycolic acid peel alone in the treatment of atrophic acne scars; A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists 33, 608–613 (2023).
  2. Jangir, V. K. et al. Fractional erbium YAG laser resurfacing versus 20% trichloroacetic acid chemical peeling in the treatment of acne scars: A comparative study. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery (2023) doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_5_23.
  3. Rafique, S. et al. Clinical efficacy of salicylic acid (20%) and glycolic acid (35%) peel in post acne scarring; randomized controlled trials. Latin American Journal of Pharmacy 39, 1139–1143 (2020).
  4. Saadawi, A. N., Esawy, A. M., Kandeel, A. H. & El-Sayed, W. Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: comparative study. J Cosmet Dermatol 18, 107–114 (2019).
  5. Ali, B., ElMahdy, N. & Elfar, N. N. Microneedling (Dermapen) and Jessner’s solution peeling in treatment of atrophic acne scars: a comparative randomized clinical study. J Cosmet Laser Ther 21, 357–363 (2019).
  6. Purohit, S., Meena, R. S., Bargujar, B. & Kumar, A. Glycolic acid peels versus salicylic acid peels in atrophic acne scars: a randomized comparative study. International Multispecialty Journal of Health 2, (2016).
  7. Dalpizzol, M., Weber, M. B., Mattiazzi, A. P. F. & Manzoni, A. P. D. Comparative study of the use of trichloroacetic acid and phenolic acid in the treatment of atrophic-type acne scars. Dermatol Surg 42, 377–383 (2016).
  8. Puri, N. Efficacy of modified Jessner’s peel and 20% TCA versus 20% TCA peel alone for the treatment of acne scars. J Cutan Aesthet Surg 8, 42–45 (2015).
  9. Sachdeva, S. Lactic acid peeling in superficial acne scarring in Indian skin. J Cosmet Dermatol 9, 246–248 (2010).
  10. Erbağci, Z. & Akçali, C. Biweekly serial glycolic acid peels vs. long-term daily use of topical low-strength glycolic acid in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. Int J Dermatol 39, 789–794 (2000).

Side Effects

Low-Medium
Low-medium side effects and adverse reactions

Reviews

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3.6
66 Reviews

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