Are you still having trouble with acne scars? What works?
You finally got rid of your acne, but the scars it left behind are always there to remind you. Acne scars can be just as frustrating as acne itself, whether they are pitted depressions or black spots.
This is your entire advice from a dermatologist to help you decide if you should get a chemical peel or a laser treatment for acne scars. If you’ve been looking up “chemical peel vs. laser for acne scars” or “laser treatment for acne scars cost”, this is it.
What Causes Acne Scars and Why Do They Not Go Away?
When acne breaks out and damages the skin tissue, it can leave behind glycolic scars. Your skin may not heal evenly even after the pimples are gone.
Scars can look like this:
- Atrophic scars: scars that are sunken or have pits in them (like ice picks, boxcars, or rolling)
- Hypertrophic scars: patches of skin that are raised and thickened
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Brown or red spots, notably prominent on Indian skin
A chemical peel or laser treatment for acne scars will work better, depending on the texture, tone, and type of scar on your skin.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
You can apply acids like glycolic, salicylic, or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to exfoliate your skin and encourage new skin growth. It removes the top layer of skin and gradually improves the skin’s tone and texture.
Best for:
- Scars and skin discolouration that are not very deep
- Texture that isn’t even
- Dullness after acne
Different kinds of peels:
- Light peels: Little peeling, perfect for novices
- Medium peels: Go deeper to improve texture
- Deep peels: They target deep scars very effectively (not recommended for dark skin tones)
Pros:
- Each session is cheap (₹2,000–₹6,000)
- When done by a pro, it’s safe for Indian skin.
- Short bouts with little pain
Cons:
- You typically need 4 to 6 sessions to achieve the desired benefits.
- Redness and flaking of the skin that subside quickly
- Not suitable for deep and pitted scars
What is Laser Treatment for Scars from Acne?
Laser resurfacing utilises laser radiation to remove damaged skin (ablative) or stimulate collagen production (non-ablative). It works on acne scars from the inside out.
Best for:
- Scars that are deep and have a lot of texture
- Repairing collagen over time
- Skin that is smoother and more even
Different kinds of lasers:
- Ablative (CO₂, Er: YAG): removes the top layer of skin and requires time to heal
- Non-ablative (Fraxel, Nd: YAG): Boosts collagen without removing skin
Pros:
- Works well on deep scars
- Makes skin smoother and firmer
- Usually 2 to 3 sessions
Cons:
- More expensive (₹7,000–₹25,000 per session)
- Some swelling, redness, or crusting may occur.
- Not advised for darker skin unless someone with experience is watching
Which is Better for Your Skin: A Chemical Peel or a Laser?
| Skin Problems | Suggested Treatment |
| Dullness and pigmentation on the surface | Chemical Peel |
| Scars that are pitted or atrophic | Laser Treatment |
| Scars that are a mix of different types | Combination Therapy |
| Skin that is sensitive or darker | Gentle Peels or Nd: YAG Laser |
What Will Happen?
Results of a Chemical Peel:
- A noticeable glow after the first session
- After 4 to 6 sessions, the skin tone will appear brighter, and the scars will appear less noticeable.
- Good for pigmentation and shallow scars
Results of Laser Treatment:
- A better texture is achieved after 2–3 sessions.
- After 3 to 6 months, the scars will be less noticeable.
- Collagen improvement that lasts
Cost Comparison in India
- Chemical Peel: ₹2,000–₹6,000 per session; Sessions Needed: 4–6
- Laser Treatment: ₹7,000–₹25,000 per session; Sessions Needed: 2–3
Laser may seem more expensive at first, but it can work faster on deeper scars.
Indian Skin Requires Special Attention
Due to its high concentration of melanin, Indian skin is more likely to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
This indicates you need to:
- Avoid harsh treatments that can cause burns or irritation.
- Always wear sun protection.
- Choose dermatologists who have experience working with darker skin tones
At Dr Marwah’s Clinic, we often begin with chemical peels to prepare the skin and make it appear brighter before proceeding with laser treatment for more severe issues.
How Long Will It Take to See Results?
- After 1 month: Less redness and dark spots
- After 3 months, the Texture starts to improve.
- After six months, Deep scars become less noticeable, and the skin becomes smoother.
- Ongoing: Regular maintenance sessions help the results last longer
I’m still not sure. Put the Best of Both Together
At Dr Marwah’s Clinic, our professionals typically use both chemical peels and laser treatments to create hybrid regimens for acne scars.
This helps repair damage to all layers of the skin:
- Peels brighten dark spots and clear up pores.
- Lasers help stimulate collagen production, filling in wrinkles and fine lines.
This method not only helps reduce the appearance of scars but also promotes overall skin health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Chemical peels are effective for light scarring and pigmentation on the surface, whereas laser treatment is most suitable for deep, pitted acne scars. Dermatologists typically recommend a combination of treatments tailored to your skin type and the severity of your scars for optimal results.
Yes, Indian skin can safely get superficial to medium-depth chemical peels from a trained dermatologist. Indian skin is more prone to developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) if over-exfoliated; therefore, it is essential to exercise caution when exfoliating.
After 2–3 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart, you might start to detect changes in the texture and scarring. The full effects, including the regrowth of collagen, continue to improve for up to six months.
Chemical peels cost between ₹2,000 and ₹6,000 per session, whereas laser treatments cost between ₹7,000 and ₹25,000 per session. Laser treatments may cost more upfront, but you typically require fewer sessions.
Yes. Combining treatments can be helpful. For example, chemical peels help with surface pigmentation, and lasers work on deeper acne scars. A dermatologist will help you create a personalised strategy tailored to your skin.
The First Step to Skin Without Scars
Our specialists will create a personalised plan tailored to your skin type and the severity of your scars, whether you require a simple chemical peel or a more advanced laser resurfacing treatment.
📍 Providing innovative skin treatments to patients all across Mumbai.
Call Now: +91-74004 55554
Visit us at: www.drmarwahclinic.com
