Last updated: September 28, 2026
Chemical peels for acne and acne scars are professional skin treatments that use acid solutions to exfoliate damaged layers, unclog pores, and stimulate new cell growth. A published review of glycolic acid peel therapy discusses studies of glycolic acid peels for acne and acne scars, and notes that these peels have been found to be very safe in Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV. At CosmetiCare in Newport Beach, our team offers the VI Peel, a formulated chemical peel designed to address active breakouts, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and acne scarring with minimal downtime. Whether you are managing persistent acne or working to smooth facial acne scars, understanding how these treatments work helps you make an informed decision about your skin care journey.
What Are Chemical Peels for Acne and Acne Scars?
Chemical peels are professional exfoliation treatments that apply acid solutions to the skin, causing controlled shedding of its outer layers, with deeper peels reaching further into the skin. For active acne, chemical peels help unclog pores, reduce excess oil, and may create an environment less hospitable to acne-causing bacteria. One scoping review of chemical peels in skin of color found that five of its seven included studies evaluated peels for acne and acne scarring, and all five reported positive outcomes with minimal adverse effects, although the studies were small and had short follow-up. For acne scars, the exfoliation process stimulates cell turnover and collagen remodeling, which can gradually improve skin texture and make shallower scars less visible over time. The depth of a peel determines how deeply it works and what results patients can expect.
How Do Chemical Peels Address Active Acne?
When applied to skin with active breakouts, chemical peels work through several mechanisms. The acid solution dissolves the debris and excess sebum that clog pores, helping to prevent new comedones from forming. Some peeling agents may also reduce inflammation and decrease the population of acne-causing bacteria on the skin surface. By accelerating the skin’s natural renewal process, these treatments can help post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation fade faster, leaving a more even complexion. Superficial peels like those commonly used for acne are generally well tolerated and have shown good safety profiles, making them suitable for ongoing acne management when performed by qualified providers.
How Do Chemical Peels for Acne and Acne Scars Work with the VI Peel?
The VI Peel is a combination chemical peel whose formula includes trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, retinoic acid, phenol, and vitamin C. This combination targets hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and textural irregularities including acne scarring. Our service page describes the VI Peel as relatively painless and a great choice for patients who are new to peels. At CosmetiCare in Newport Beach, our aesthetic team applies the VI Peel in two layers during an in-office visit, followed by an at-home care regimen with specific products to maximize your results. Because the treatment can address several concerns at once, it may be a practical option for patients with both active acne and residual scarring.
What Makes VI Peel Different from Other Chemical Peels?
Unlike single-agent peels, the VI Peel combines several active ingredients in one formula to address complex skin concerns. The addition of retinoic acid enhances cell turnover, while vitamin C provides antioxidant protection and brightening benefits. The two-step process, combining professional application with at-home maintenance products, sets the VI Peel apart from peels that offer only an in-office component. For patients in Irvine and throughout Orange County, this approach is intended to reduce active breakouts and improve the appearance of facial acne scars over a series of treatments.
Who Can Benefit from Chemical Peels for Acne and Acne Scars Using VI Peel?
The VI Peel may suit adults who want to address active acne, acne scarring, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. CosmetiCare’s service page describes this peel as highly effective for treating discoloration, melasma, sun spots, acne, and acne scarring. Patients should be in generally good health and have realistic expectations about how much improvement is possible. Good candidates understand that we recommend a series of peels for the best results and are committed to following pre- and post-treatment care instructions. A thorough consultation with our Newport Beach team helps determine whether the VI Peel aligns with your specific skin concerns and goals.
What Skin Types and Concerns Does VI Peel Address?
The VI Peel is formulated to be gentle enough for all skin types while remaining effective for a range of concerns. It works well for patients dealing with uneven skin tone, rough texture, and fine lines in addition to acne-related issues. One scoping review noted that superficial peels such as glycolic and salicylic acid show promise for acne and pigmentary disorders in skin of color, with good safety profiles, although that research is limited by small sample sizes and short follow-up. However, patients with darker skin tones should discuss their options carefully with an experienced provider, as pigmentary complications are a known risk in Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI. Our team at CosmetiCare evaluates each patient’s skin type, concerns, and medical history to ensure the VI Peel is an appropriate choice before proceeding.
What Happens During a VI Peel Treatment?
The VI Peel treatment at CosmetiCare begins with a thorough skin cleansing and preparation. Your aesthetician applies the VI Peel solution in two layers, which takes approximately 30 minutes in our Newport Beach med spa. Mild redness, tightness, burning, or itchiness is fairly common immediately after application and subsides once the peel is washed off at home four hours after application. Patients leave the office with an after-care kit containing specific products to support healing and maximize results. Peeling usually begins three days after treatment, and the skin returns to normal approximately four days after peeling completes.
How Long Does the In-Office Procedure Take?
The in-office portion of a VI Peel treatment takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. During this time, your skin is cleaned, prepped, and the peel is applied in two sequential layers. After the application, patients receive detailed instructions for the at-home portion of the treatment, including when and how to wash off the peel and how to use the provided after-care products. Because the in-office portion is short, the visit can be convenient for patients throughout Orange County, including those traveling from Irvine.
Risks, Side Effects and Who Is Not a Candidate
Like all professional chemical peels, the VI Peel carries potential risks and side effects that patients should understand before treatment. Common side effects include redness, tightness, mild burning or itchiness, dryness, and peeling, and changes in skin color such as darkening or lightening can also occur. Rarer risks include infection, scarring, and allergic reaction. Patients who have an active skin infection or another skin condition, or who are pregnant, should discuss this with our team before treatment. Patients with a history of keloid scarring or significant pigmentary disorders should discuss their concerns thoroughly with our team before proceeding. Our aesthetic team at CosmetiCare reviews each patient’s medical history and skin condition during consultation to ensure the VI Peel is safe and appropriate for their individual circumstances.
What Results Can You Expect from Chemical Peels for Acne and Acne Scars?
Studies have reported improvement in acne scarring with chemical peels. The VI Peel is designed to reduce hyperpigmentation and improve tone and texture, and our service page notes that it stimulates collagen production, which may support gradual improvement in acne scarring with each treatment. Patients typically benefit from a series of three VI Peels spaced four to six weeks apart, with maintenance treatments recommended to sustain results over time. Individual outcomes vary based on skin type, scar severity, and adherence to the treatment and after-care protocol.
Understanding how chemical peels work and what to expect from the VI Peel process helps you approach your skin care journey with confidence. If you are dealing with active breakouts, facial acne scars, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the VI Peel at CosmetiCare in Newport Beach offers a professional option worth exploring. Our team of experienced aestheticians will assess your skin, discuss your concerns, and help you determine whether this treatment aligns with your goals. We welcome patients from Irvine, Costa Mesa, and throughout the Orange County area to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward clearer, healthier-looking skin. Reach out to CosmetiCare today to learn how chemical peels for acne and acne scars may help you achieve the complexion you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many VI Peel treatments are needed to see results?
You may notice a difference after your first peel, once your skin has finished peeling. For the best results, our team recommends a series of three peels, and because the peels are spaced several weeks apart, completing the series typically takes about two to three months. Your provider can help you schedule the series around events and times when you can avoid sun exposure.
What is the recovery process after a VI Peel?
While your skin is peeling, apply the post-peel protectant from your after-care kit two to three times a day for one week, or as needed. Do not pick or pull off peeling skin, as this can cause hyperpigmentation and infection. Stay out of the sun as much as possible and protect your face with a hat and sunscreen.
What skin types can safely receive the VI Peel?
At your consultation, tell our team if you have had dark spots after acne, burns, or previous peels, since this history helps us judge your risk of pigment changes. Following your after-care instructions closely, including strict sun protection and not picking at peeling skin, also helps lower the risk of discoloration.
What active ingredients does the VI Peel contain?
Because the VI Peel contains several active ingredients, including salicylic acid and retinoic acid, let our team know about any known allergies or sensitivities, such as a sensitivity to aspirin or salicylates. Also tell us about the skin care products and medications you currently use so we can advise you on how to prepare your skin.
How does the VI Peel address both active acne and acne scars?
Peels tend to work best on active breakouts, discoloration, and shallower scars. Very deep or pitted scars often respond less to chemical peels, so our team can talk with you about what improvement is realistic for your scars and whether other treatments may be worth considering.
How long does the VI Peel procedure take?
Plan your appointment so that you can wash off the peel at home four hours after application, using lukewarm water and patting your skin dry. You’ll then apply the provided VI Peel towelette followed by a layer of post-peel protectant, and continue with the step-by-step instructions in your after-care kit.
Related reading
- FDA Warning on Chemical Peels: What It Means for Your Skin
- Thermage FLX: One Treatment for Natural-Looking Skin Tightening
- Microdermabrasion for Skin Renewal: What the Science Says
Sources
- Chemical Peels in Skin of Color: A Scoping Review of Safety, Efficacy, and Practice Patterns – PMC
- Management of acne vulgaris-associated scarring – NCBI – NIH
- Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review – PMC
This article is general information and is not medical advice. Talk to a licensed clinician about your own situation before making a treatment decision.
