Acne scars have been a common problem that most of us have dealt with as a teenager, and to be honest, I'm not different! Throughout my skincare journey, finding the right product to address the concern has been really the toughest game. However, after being patient with my skin, gaining knowledge, and drawing from my experience, I've successfully found out that the best chemical peels for acne scars work significantly to improve the outer layer of the skin texture and tone. However, chemical peels have been the most complicated and mysterious product on my beauty shelf! Why? Because, to fetch the best results, you need to be aware of the skin concern, potency of the product, active ingredients, usage, and whatnot. 

Our contributor Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Chemical peels are considered one of the most complicated beauty products because they involve the use of chemical solutions to exfoliate the skin and promote cell turnover. These peels require careful consideration of the concentration of the chemicals, the duration of application, and the individual's skin sensitivity. It is crucial to consult a skin care professional for proper guidance and to minimize the risk of adverse effects.”

In the process of curating products, I’ve explored formulations with varying potencies, and have prioritized clean ingredients and suitability for different skin types! As per my expertise, I can confidently say that these acid peels not only clear off blemishes and acne scarring but also exfoliate the build-up of dead skin cells on the skin and shrink down the size of its pores. This prevents gunk from accumulating in the skin, thereby preventing future breakouts. The cherry on the top — by doing so, each of these products also helps resurface the skin and brighten up the complexion. And the best part is that they are gentle and less abrasive on your skin barrier.

For the unversed, chemical solutions are potent products in the skincare domain that also address aging signs and skin damage caused by sun exposure, environmental aggressions, unhealthy lifestyles, hormonal issues, etc. They are a one-stop answer for people who are tired of using physical exfoliators, which offer less satisfying results and can harm the barrier of the skin in the long run. Having said so, it is time to unveil the products. Scroll away to find out the wide range of chemical peels out there!

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  Best Vegan-friendly Formula

  Divine Derriere Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peel

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With 40% potency, this effective chemical peel by Divine Derriere fades away acne scars, boosts collagen, and smoothes out fine lines, and wrinkles while diminishing the signs of aging overall. It is also an excellent component to blur imperfections boost youthfulness and give you radiant skin texture before a big event! Made without SLS, paraben, and phthalates, the cruelty-free product is made of clean ingredients which I am absolutely in love with to help maintain beautiful skin.

2

Best Dermatologically-tested Formula

YEOUTH Glycolic Acid Gel Peel

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The gel peel from Yeouth is another product that I don't mind using again and again, and let me tell you why! Loaded with green tea extracts, retinol, and glycolic acid, the product takes the upper hand at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while gently exfoliating the skin at the same time. Apart from that, the glycolic peel also soothes and protects the barrier which eventually increases skin elasticity. Furthermore, the product unclogs pores as it reduces the appearance of frequent breakouts and blackheads.

3

Best Paraben-free Formula

QRxLabs Salicylic Acid Gel Peel

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Having oily and acne-prone skin, the professional-grade acne treatment worked as a blessing in disguise during my breakout period! Loaded with salicylic acid, green tea extracts, and tea tree oil, the alcohol-free formula of the acne scar peel also controls oily skin while reducing acne and the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads. Addedly, the formula of the salicylic acid peels is free of nasty chemicals like parabens, color, fragrance, and silicone to deliver you the best result! And oh, the concentration promises to not burn or irritate the skin!

4

Best Cruelty-free Formula

Open Formula Glycolic Acid Peel Serum

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I have come across some rave reviews online about the glycolic acid peel serum by Open Formula. Users poured in their reviews saying how the formula is quickly absorbed into the skin leaving it smooth and youthful in the long run. Even with a severe sensitive skin condition, one user asserted, “I follow the directions and can feel a tingle, but no burning. My skin has been progressively getting softer in the first two weeks of use.”  With zero junk, the product is loaded with glycolic acid, sodium hydroxide, and water to deliver the best results.

5

Best for All Skin Types

Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx Peeling Gel

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With a potent nourishing formula, this peeling gel by Peter Thomas Roth gets rid of impurities and unclogs pores to reveal smoother and younger-looking skin. Its key ingredients include cellulose, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and enzymes of pineapple and pomegranate — a blend of which aids gentle skin exfoliation, hydrates the skin, and makes it appear firm and smooth. With a rating of 4.6 on Amazon, this is one of the most loved peeling gels. One review sums it all up, “This active product helps exfoliate my skin. Great quality product.” Overall, it's a great pick for those looking for a simple yet effective way to deal with acne scars.

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Best to Remove Dead Skin Cells

Voibella Beauty Glycolic Acid Peel

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The facial exfoliator mask managed to make a place on the list and the credit goes to one of my friends who couldn't stop talking about how the acid peel worked like magic on her acne scars and dark spots. It improves the texture of your skin, making it bright and even-looking at the same time. Furthermore, the product also minimizes the chances of future breakouts by unclogging the pores. Loaded with 3 magic ingredients — glycolic acid, lactic acid, and pyruvic acid, it reveals a younger look with each passing day!

7

Best to Lighten the Skin

Skin Beauty Solutions Lactic Acid Peel

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The lactic acid peel is another product that I have chosen for our readers after going through some promising reviews. People looking for a potent product to remove stubborn marks and pigmentation look no further! One user wrote, “I immediately noticed a lightening of my freckles and age spots, and my skin tone is evening out.” This gentle chemical peel erases blemishes and reduces excessive oil, which also hydrates the skin a bit and helps maintain it’s natural balance.

8

Best to Shrink Large Pores

Instaderm Anti-Aging Exfoliating Peel Pads

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The acne-peel treatment is one of a kind and doesn't come in liquid or gel form! Ever since I came across the peel pads, it has been on my wishlist considering the convenience of using the same. Formulated with glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid, the product promises to smooth out fine lines, wrinkles, and rough texture to bestow you with youthful skin minus impurities and alcohol. Apart from targeting signs of aging, it also stimulates collagen production and dissolves any accumulated gunk.

Now that you have checked out the products, take a look at how you can pick the best one among them–

Here's how you can—

a) Ingredients- Chemical peels consist of several ingredients for faster results or to make it more potent. However, you must steer clear of nasty components like paraben, phthalates, silicone, sulfate, and other ingredients that do more harm than good. 

b) Skin Type- Well, the type of acid you need to choose depends on the skin type you have. If you have sensitive skin, lactic acid will be more suitable for you. On the other hand, people with oily skin or dry skin can get their hands on more potent AHAs or BHA like glycolic acid or salicylic acid. For acne scars in particular, a combination of these ingredients would work excellently. Plus, all of the above-mentioned acids work excellently to exfoliate the upper layer of the skin while bestowing you with clear and smooth skin minus the pesky spots. On the other hand, if you have sensitive skin, picking a dermatologically-tested formula can be your ultimate solution.

c) Potency- Well, it depends on where you stand! If you are a beginner, start with the lowest potency so that it doesn't irritate your skin. Once you get used to the product, start increasing the percentage gradually for better results.

Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam