Chemical peels can work wonders on acne scars, but prep makes all the difference. Before your peel, ditch retinoids for 3-5 days and hydrate like crazy. Exposed's Facial Cleanser and Clearing Tonic with azelaic acid create the perfect canvas for maximum peel penetration. Post-treatment, moisturize religiously and don't even think about skipping sunscreen. The right pre/post routine can transform your results from meh to mind-blowing.

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Biggest Takeaways

• Chemical peels remove scarred skin layers, prompting generation of new, unscarred skin for effective acne scar treatment.

• Discontinue retinoids and glycolic acids 3-5 days before chemical peels and prioritize hydration for optimal healing.

• Exposed's Facial Cleanser and Clearing Tonic with azelaic acid create ideal skin conditions for chemical peel penetration.

• Post-peel care requires diligent moisturizing, consistent sunscreen application, and avoiding makeup for 5-14 days.

• Different scar types respond differently to peels—atrophic scars generally respond better than hypertrophic or raised scars.

Understanding Different Types of Acne Scars

Confusion, thy name is acne scars.

Acne scars speak a bewildering language of dips and peaks across our skin's landscape.

You've probably stared in the mirror wondering why some scars sink in while others rise up like tiny mountains on your face. Let's cut through the chaos.

What you're seeing are primarily two categories: atrophic scars (those annoying depressions) and hypertrophic scars (the raised rebels).

The sunken ones come in three flavors: ice pick scars (deep, narrow punctures), boxcar scars (wider with defined edges), and rolling scars (creating that wave-like texture you hate).

Before jumping into that chemical peel for acne scars you've been eyeing, you'll need to know which type you're battling.

Atrophic scars typically respond better to peels, while those raised scars on your chest might need a different approach altogether.

How Chemical Peels Transform Acne-Scarred Skin

Chemical peels strip away your skin's tired, scarred surface—and that's actually a good thing.

Think of it as hitting the reset button on your complexion, forcing new, unscarred skin to grow in its place.

Superficial peels with AHAs like glycolic acid work wonders on mild scars, requiring just a week of downtime but regular sessions every few weeks.

For those stubborn, deeper scars? Medium-strength TCA peels dig deeper, delivering noticeable results even after one treatment (though you'll need 1-2 weeks of looking like a snake shedding its skin).

The real magic happens when you combine approaches.

Pairing peels with microneedling or laser treatments tackles scars from multiple angles, giving you dramatically smoother skin that doesn't broadcast your teenage breakout history to the world.

Pre-Peel Prep: Maximizing Results With Exposed

So you've decided to get a chemical peel for those stubborn acne scars—smart move. But don't just waltz into your derm's office unprepared if you want killer results.

First, ditch the retinoids and glycolic acids 3-5 days before your appointment. They'll only make your skin freak out during the peel. Instead, hydrate like crazy—properly moisturized skin heals way better post-peel.

While most doctors recommend a generic pre-peel routine, here's the hack: Exposed's balanced system preps your skin flawlessly. The Facial Cleanser gently removes debris without stripping, while the Clearing Tonic's azelaic acid prepares your skin for ideal peel penetration.

Unlike overpriced "medical-grade" prep kits, Exposed gives you science-backed ingredients that tackle all four acne drivers simultaneously—and comes with that no-BS one-year guarantee.

The Perfect Post-Peel Skincare Routine

After enduring the burn and tingle of a chemical peel, your skin's about as vulnerable as a turtle without its shell.

Now's not the time to ghost your skincare routine—it's when your post-peel protocol makes or breaks your results.

First rule of peel club: moisturize like it's your job.

Apply that gentle, hydrating stuff frequently to repair your compromised skin barrier.

Second commandment: sunscreen is non-negotiable.

Your fresh baby skin will fry faster than an egg on hot pavement without protection.

Skip the makeup for at least 5-14 days (yeah, it sucks, but trust me).

Slather on petroleum jelly whenever discomfort strikes—it's not glamorous but it works.

Watch for angry red flags or unusual swelling—your dermatologist needs to know if things look sketchy.

Why Exposed's Complete Approach Outperforms Single-Treatment Solutions

While slapping a single treatment on acne scars might seem convenient, it's about as effective as bringing a knife to a gunfight. Acne scars don't play fair—they need a multi-pronged attack.

Exposed's approach isn't just throwing random products at your face. They've cracked the code by combining chemical peels with microneedling and laser therapy, creating a powerhouse that tackles scars from every angle. It's like assembling your own skincare Avengers.

Synergistic skincare isn't just smart—it's the superhero team-up your acne scars never saw coming.

The real magic happens when these professional treatments sync with your daily skincare routine. Your at-home regimen preps skin for treatments and maintains results afterward—essential teamwork your dermatologist will high-five you for.

While other brands push one-trick solutions, Exposed customizes your battle plan based on your unique skin and scar type. No generic, overhyped nonsense—just science that actually works.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Prep Skin Before a Peel?

You'll need to pause retinoids and acids 3-5 days before your peel. Apply sunscreen daily, avoid hair removal for 24 hours, and consider antiviral medication if you're prone to herpes outbreaks.

Does a Chemical Peel Remove Acne Scars Before and After?

Yes, chemical peels can reduce your acne scars. You'll see gradual improvement after multiple treatments, especially for shallow scars. Results aren't permanent though—you'll need maintenance sessions for lasting benefits.

Do Chemical Peels Help With Indented Acne Scars?

Nearly 70% of indented scars show improvement with medium-depth chemical peels. Yes, they'll help your indented acne scars by stimulating collagen production, though you'll likely need multiple sessions for best results.

How Many Chemical Peel Sessions Do I Need for Acne Scars?

You'll typically need 3-6 light peel sessions spaced 2-5 weeks apart for acne scars. While your dermatologist will personalize this, Exposed's complete system tackles all acne drivers daily.

Putting It All Together

Just like you wouldn't build a house on quicksand, don't slap chemical peels on angry, inflamed skin. You're practically begging for disaster. Exposed's system isn't just another hype train—it's your foundation work, tackling oil, bacteria, and inflammation before the real renovation begins. Give your skin this solid groundwork, and those pricey peels won't be flushing your cash down the drain. They'll actually deliver what they promised.