Are Facial Peels Beneficial to Acne Sufferers?

Facial peels might help scarring.

Facial peels consist of specially formulated acids that burn off skin to force the skin into producing new collagen--a connective fiber in the skin, according to eHealthMD. Whether chemical peels are beneficial to those currently suffering from acne remains debatable as of 2010.

Expert Insight

The health insurance company Aetna does not consider chemical peels a proven treatment for active acne, but facial peels can help people with acne scarring and lesions.

Warning

Chemical peels use strong acids and doctors may have to adjust the formula to meet a patient's needs. In certain circumstances, the chemicals used in a facial may actually cause scarring and infection, according to PlasticSurgery.org.

Time Frame

Although the procedure itself does not take long, it can take a week before a person recovers from a chemical peel. In addition, it may be months before you see a reduction in acne scarring.

References

• eHealthMD: Chemical Peel
• Aetna: Dermabrasion, Chemical Peels, and Acne Surgery
• PlasticSurgery.org: Chemical Peel
• ChemicalPeel.org: Chemical Peel Treatment