Acne Peel

Acne peels contain a liquid solution of either mandelic, glycolic, or salicylic acid that causes cell turnover to improve skin texture and pigmentation. Peels also release trapped oils beneath the skin (e.g., blackheads or whiteheads) by temporarily destroying the outer layer of the skin. This treatment is primarily used for tweens or teens with moderate to severe acne or significant pigmentary changes from acne.

A dermatologist performs acne peels in a clinic, and they are different from at-home, over-the-counter skincare treatments. At-home acne treatments use gentler acid concentrations to exfoliate the skin and may take longer to show results. Professional, medical-grade acne peels typically use higher-strength liquid solutions matched to each patient’s skin type and condition and are administered in a controlled setting. Acne peels administered by a dermatologist are also formulated to penetrate deeper into the skin, treating acne more effectively than at-home skin care.

Based on the condition, an acne peel helps patients who are being seen for:

• Acne
• Uneven skin texture
• Bumps
• Hyperpigmentation

Depending on your child’s condition, we typically recommend two to three treatments to see the best results.

Before your appointment, avoid using products containing retinoids (Adapalene/Differin, Tretinoin/Retin-A), alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or benzoyl peroxide for a few days, as these can irritate the skin.

On the day of your peel, a liquid solution is applied to your tween or teen’s face, chest, or back. The application takes three to five minutes, after which the solution is thoroughly rinsed off.

There may be some mild discomfort during the procedure, depending on the solution strength and type, including:

• Tingling
• Burning
• Itching

A fan is used to ease discomfort during the procedure, and an ice pack is applied afterward. Potential benefits of an acne peel include smoothing the skin’s texture, drying up acne bumps, and fading hyperpigmentation.