What Types of Chemical Peels Are Best for Treating Acne on the Face and Back?

Acne can appear anywhere but it’s most common on the face and back. While daily skincare helps manage breakouts, deeper treatments are often needed for longer-term results. One option that continues to show real improvement in acne-prone skin is the chemical peel treatment.

Used to treat both active spots and the marks they leave behind, chemical peels offer targeted results that go beyond surface-level care. Whether you’re considering a chemical peel on the face or a chemical peel on the back, the key is finding the right solution for your skin’s needs.

What Is a Chemical Peel Treatment?

A chemical peel treatment works by applying a safe solution to the skin to remove the top layers, encouraging cell turnover and renewal. This process helps clear blocked pores, smooth uneven texture and reduce pigmentation left behind by acne.

Peels come in various strengths:

• Superficial peels treat the top layer of skin and are often used for mild acne and congestion.
• Medium-depth peels reach the upper dermis, targeting deeper scarring and stubborn breakouts.
• Deep peels are less commonly used for acne but may be considered in cases of significant texture changes or scarring.

Why Use Chemical Peels for Acne?

Chemical peels help manage acne by:

• Clearing dead skin and preventing clogged pores
• Reducing blackheads and surface oil
• Fading post-inflammatory marks
• Smoothing rough or uneven skin

They’re often used alongside a professional skincare routine or as part of a wider acne treatment plan.

Best Chemical Peels for the Face

The skin on the face is more delicate than other areas, so the right chemical peel on face needs to be both effective and well-tolerated. The most commonly used acids for facial acne include:

Salicylic Acid Peel

Ideal for oily, acne-prone skin, salicylic acid penetrates into pores to break down oil and debris. It reduces inflammation and helps prevent blackheads and whiteheads.

Glycolic Acid Peel

Glycolic acid exfoliates the outer layer of the skin, brightens uneven tone and improves the appearance of post-acne pigmentation. It’s often recommended for mild to moderate acne and early scarring.

Mandelic Acid Peel

Gentle yet effective, mandelic acid is well-suited to sensitive skin or those new to peels. It helps to reduce breakouts and improve skin clarity without irritation.

Each chemical peel on the face is selected based on skin type, level of acne and tolerance. A professional consultation is key to choosing the right option.

Best Chemical Peels for the Back

The skin on the back is thicker and tends to be more resilient, so stronger options are often used for a chemical peel on back. Back acne can be persistent and widespread, which means a more intensive approach is sometimes required.

Jessner’s Peel

A blended solution that includes salicylic acid, lactic acid and resorcinol, Jessner’s peel is effective at tackling oiliness, congestion and post-acne pigmentation on the back.

TCA Peel (Trichloroacetic Acid)

Used for more significant acne or scarring, TCA is a medium-depth peel that can smooth texture and fade deeper marks. While it may cause visible peeling, it’s well-suited to the back where recovery can be managed easily.

Both peels help reduce active breakouts and address the lingering effects of acne, including dark spots and uneven skin tone.

What to Expect from Treatment

A chemical peel treatment is a straightforward process carried out in-clinic:

• The skin is thoroughly cleansed.
• The peel is applied and left on the skin for a controlled amount of time.
• A neutraliser is applied or the solution is left to self-neutralise depending on the formula.

You may experience a slight tingling or warming sensation during the process. Recovery is usually minimal for light peels, with mild redness or flaking over the following days. Medium peels, especially on the back, may result in more visible peeling for up to a week.

Is a Chemical Peel Right for You?

Chemical peels are suitable for many people but they may not be the right choice if you:

• Have very sensitive or reactive skin
• Are using certain acne medications, such as isotretinoin
• Have active skin infections or broken skin

This is why a full skin assessment is always recommended before starting a peel.

Aftercare and Results

After a chemical peel:

• Avoid direct sun exposure
• Use SPF daily
• Keep your skincare routine simple and non-active
• Allow peeling (if any) to happen naturally

Results vary but most people notice clearer, smoother skin after just a few sessions. Peels are often repeated every few weeks to maintain progress and prevent new breakouts.

Looking for the Right Peel?

Whether you’re targeting breakouts on the face or back, a carefully selected chemical peel treatment can help clear active acne and fade the marks left behind. The choice between a chemical peel on the face or a chemical peel on the back depends on your skin’s condition, treatment goals and comfort level.

At Skintique, our experienced practitioners tailor every peel to suit your skin and concerns. If you’re dealing with persistent acne, scarring or pigmentation, we’ll help you find the best approach to get your skin back on track.