PREEMA Blog | Expert Tips on Aesthetics & Regenerative Beauty

Can Chemical Peels Help with Acne? Treatment Guide from PREEMA

Written by PREEMA | May 16, 2025 1:45:00 PM

Breakouts and acne scars can feel like they write their own story across your skin, but at PREEMA, we believe you deserve to be the author of your own radiance. That’s why we offer advanced chemical peels designed to treat both active acne and the stubborn scars it can leave behind. 

At our state-of-the-art San Antonio medspa, we take a medically rooted, results-driven approach to aesthetic care. Every peel is part of a bespoke plan crafted by our expert team, ensuring your skin not only looks better but heals better, too.

 

What Causes Acne and Acne Scars?

Acne isn’t just a teenage concern—it’s a complex, often frustrating skin condition that affects women well into adulthood. In fact, research shows that as much as 25% of women over 40 still deal with acne at some level.

Hormonal shifts, chronic stress, inflammation, and even environmental aggressors can all disrupt your skin’s balance, leading to breakouts that feel unpredictable and persistent.

At its core, acne develops when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. When inflammation runs deep or lesions are picked or improperly treated, it can disrupt your skin’s natural healing process. This often results in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, uneven texture, and long-lasting scars.

At PREEMA, we understand that acne can impact more than just your complexion—it can affect your confidence, your routine, and how you feel in your skin. That’s why we approach every case with empathy and expertise, offering clinically advanced skincare treatments that treat not only the surface but also the root causes of breakouts and scarring.

 

How Do Chemical Peels Treat Acne and Acne Scars?

Chemical peels are a powerful, medically guided way to reset the skin, clearing congestion, calming inflammation, and fading the marks acne leaves behind. 

For active acne, specific acids like salicylic and mandelic deeply cleanse the pores, reduce oil production, and calm blemish-prone areas without disrupting the skin barrier. When it comes to scarring—whether in the form of discoloration, rough texture, or indented marks—medium-depth peels such as TCA encourage collagen regeneration, gradually refining the skin’s tone and texture with each treatment.

 

Types of Chemical Peels for Acne & Scars

Several types of chemical peels can address active and post-acne scarring. Depending on your skin type, one type of chemical peel might be more effective than another.  During your consultation at PREEMA, your provider will determine precisely which peel is best for you. 

VI Peel 

Considered a medium-depth option, the VI peel for acne contains both trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and salicylic acid. Unlike traditional peels that use just one active ingredient, VI Peels offer a more balanced approach with less downtime and broader benefits, making them suitable for a wider range of skin types and concerns. Downtime after a VI peel is just a few days.

SkinBetter Peel

The SkinBetter Peel is a more gentle, no-downtime chemical peel formulated with a blend of lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acids. This peel works on multiple levels—exfoliating dead skin cells, decongesting pores, and smoothing skin texture. Lactic and glycolic acids help brighten and refine the skin's surface, while salicylic acid penetrates deeper to reduce oil buildup and inflammation. This peel is ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

 

What to Expect From a Treatment at PREEMA

During your chemical peel session at PREEMA, your skin is cleansed and prepped, and the chosen peel is expertly applied in layers, depending on your skin’s tolerance and the depth required. Most types of skincare treatments are completed within 30–45 minutes and involve little to no downtime, though deeper peels may require short recovery periods. 

The number of sessions needed varies by skin type and condition. While some patients notice a visible improvement after just one treatment, others may need a series of 3–6 sessions, spaced several weeks apart, to achieve optimal results, particularly when treating acne scars or chronic breakouts.

 

Why Choose PREEMA for Regenerative Skincare in San Antonio

When it comes to treating acne and acne scars, expertise matters—and at PREEMA, our approach is anything but surface-level. 

Our team of licensed regenerative beauty experts specializes in personalized, science-backed treatments that go beyond short-term fixes. With customized chemical peels and a holistic focus on long-term skin health, we create meaningful transformations, helping you feel confident in your skin and the care you’ve chosen.

If you're ready to take the next step toward clearer, more radiant skin, we invite you to begin your journey with a consultation at PREEMA—where beauty is redefined, and your results are always by design.