In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how skin peels work, the science behind them (in simple terms), and what kind of results you can realistically expect. We’ll also explain how we approach skin peels at Freyja Medical, so you can decide whether this treatment is right for you.
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What Are Acne Scars?
Acne scars form when inflammation from breakouts damages the deeper layers of your skin. As your skin heals, it produces collagen (the protein responsible for structure and firmness). If too little or too much collagen is produced, scars can form.
There are a few common types:
- Atrophic scars (indented or pitted)
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks)
- Post-inflammatory erythema (red marks)
Each type responds differently to treatment, which is why a personalised approach is so important.
To learn more about the different types of acne scarring and how they’re treated, click here to read our guide, Types of Acne Scars, Treatments and Prevention.
What Is a Skin Peel?
A skin peel (also known as a chemical peel) is a treatment that uses carefully selected acids to exfoliate the outer layers of the skin.
This controlled exfoliation:
- Removes damaged skin cells
- Encourages fresh, healthy skin to come through
- Stimulates collagen production
The result is smoother, clearer, more even-looking skin over time.
How Skin Peels Work (The Science Made Simple)
At its core, a skin peel works by speeding up your skin’s natural renewal process.
Here’s what’s happening beneath the surface:
- The peel solution breaks down the “glue” holding dead skin cells together
- This allows old, damaged cells to shed more effectively
- Your skin responds by producing new cells and increasing collagen
Think of it like pressing a reset button for your skin.
For acne scarring, this is particularly helpful because:
- It softens the appearance of shallow scars
- It fades pigmentation left behind by acne
- It gradually improves overall skin texture
Types of Skin Peels for Acne Scarring
Not all peels are the same, and choosing the right one depends on your skin type, concerns, and the severity of your scarring.
Superficial Peels
These are gentle peels that work on the outermost layer of skin.
Best for:
- Mild acne scarring
- Pigmentation and uneven tone
- First-time treatments
Common ingredients include glycolic acid and lactic acid.
Medium Peels
These penetrate deeper into the skin and deliver more noticeable results.
Best for:
- Moderate acne scarring
- Stubborn pigmentation
- Textural irregularities
These peels often use stronger acids like TCA (trichloroacetic acid).
Medical-Grade Peels
At Freyja Medical, we use professional, medical-grade peels tailored to your skin following a consultation.
These are designed to:
- Target acne scarring more effectively
- Be safely customised to your skin
- Work as part of a wider treatment plan if needed
What Results Can You Expect?
Skin peels are not an instant fix – but they are highly effective when done correctly and consistently.
With the right plan, you can expect:
- Smoother skin texture
- Reduction in visible acne scars
- Brighter, more even skin tone
- Healthier-looking skin overall
It’s important to be realistic:
- Deeper scars may not disappear completely
- Improvement happens gradually over a course of treatments
How Many Treatments Will You Need?
This depends on your skin and the severity of your scarring.
Most people benefit from:
- A course of 3 – 6 treatments
- Spaced a few weeks apart
Your practitioner will assess your skin and create a tailored plan to achieve the best results safely.
Are Skin Peels Safe for Everyone?
Skin peels are generally very safe when performed by qualified professionals, but they’re not suitable for everyone.
They may not be recommended if you:
- Have active skin infections
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding (depending on the peel)
- Have certain skin conditions or sensitivities
This is why a proper consultation is essential before starting treatment.
Skin Peels vs Other Acne Scar Treatments
Skin peels are just one option, and in many cases, they work best as part of a combination approach.
Other treatments may include:
- Microneedling (to stimulate deeper collagen production)
- Laser treatments (for more severe scarring)
- Medical-grade skincare
At Freyja Medical, we focus on what’s right for your skin, rather than pushing a single treatment.
Combination Treatments for Acne Scars
For acne scarring, consistency and the right combination of treatments make all the difference. While skin peels are excellent for improving surface texture and pigmentation, deeper acne scars often need additional stimulation within the skin.
That’s why at Freyja Medical, we offer a dedicated acne scar treatment package that combines:
- 6 medical-grade skin peels to resurface and brighten the skin
- 6 microneedling sessions to stimulate deeper collagen production
This combination approach allows us to treat acne scarring from multiple angles:
- Skin peels help refine the surface and improve overall tone
- Microneedling works deeper to support collagen rebuilding and improve skin structure
By alternating and spacing these treatments correctly, we’re able to support your skin through a progressive cycle of renewal and repair, rather than relying on a single method.
It also ensures your results are:
- More noticeable over time
- Longer-lasting
- Tailored to your skin’s response at each stage
During your consultation, we’ll assess whether this package is the right fit for your skin and customise the plan to suit your specific concerns.
Why a Consultation Matters
No two skins are the same and acne scarring can vary significantly from person to person.
A consultation allows us to:
- Accurately assess your skin
- Identify the type of scarring you have
- Recommend the most effective treatment plan
- Ensure your skin is properly prepared
This step is key to getting safe, consistent, and long-lasting results.
Skin Peels at Freyja Medical
At Freyja Medical, skin treatments are led by dermatology experts with NHS roots and extensive clinical experience.
What makes our approach different:
- Medically-led assessments – not just aesthetic guesswork
- Personalised treatment plans tailored to your skin
- Access to medical-grade peels and skincare
- A focus on long-term skin health, not quick fixes
We understand that acne scarring can affect confidence, which is why we take the time to guide you through every step of your treatment journey.
How to Book a Skin Peel at Freyja Medical
If you’re considering skin peels for acne scarring, the best place to start is with a professional consultation.
This gives you:
- Clarity on what will actually work for your skin
- A realistic idea of results
- A treatment plan designed specifically for you
You can book a consultation with our team to explore your options and take the first step towards clearer, smoother skin.