Can a Chemical Peel Help My Acne Scarring? 

Worrying about how you look can affect every aspect of your life, possibly making you less willing to put yourself out into the world with confidence. Acne scarring is a common problem and one that can feel intractable — but effective treatments exist. 

Figuring out which treatment might work for you is where an expert like Dr. Michael Nichols comes in. At Oral & Facial Surgery of Mississippi and Defy Facial Spa, Dr. Nichols and his team can help you understand your skin and how best to resolve problems like scarring. 

Chemical peels are a good solution for some people. 

What’s a chemical peel? 

Chemical peels are available in various strengths using various chemicals, but they all work in the same way. We apply a substance to your skin that causes controlled damage. The damage stimulates your body to repair and regenerate skin cells, resulting in a fresh, new layer of skin. 

Our office uses a line of products from ZO® Skin Health. We offer at-home peels, which you apply at home, and perform in-office peels at our Flowood, Mississippi office. Chemical peels effectively treat sun damage, fine lines, uneven texture, dullness, and even acne scarring. 

The best peel for your particular problem depends on several individual factors. For acne scarring, a stronger peel, such as the ZO Controlled Depth Peel®, may be the best treatment. 

Before your peel

Before your chemical peel, we schedule a consultation so you understand any potential risks and the results you can expect.

In many cases, optimal results require a series of peels, spaced several weeks apart. Dr. Nichols can give you an idea of how many during your consultation. 

We also ask you to follow a skin care regimen. We may suggest you use specific products for 6-12 weeks before your peel so your skin can heal more quickly.

What to expect

In most cases, we perform a ZO Controlled Depth Peel with light IV sedation to ensure your comfort. The procedure usually takes 20-30 minutes. 

When we first apply the peel, you may feel a mild burning, but it doesn’t last long. Following the peel, expect some mild swelling and discoloration. Your skin begins to flake and peel away within 2-3 days. 

Most people fully heal within 7-10 days following a ZO Controlled Depth Peel. You can see improvement right away, and your skin continues to improve for several weeks. If you undergo a series of peels, you experience steady improvement each time. 

Personalized guidance

Your skin tone makes a big difference in which type of peel we recommend and the strength of the chemicals. That’s a big reason why it’s crucial to get advice from an expert.

To learn more about whether chemical peels can address your acne scars effectively, schedule an appointment today with Dr. Nichols and the team at Oral & Facial Surgery of Mississippi.