Microneedling vs Chemical Peels for Acne Scars: What Works Best?

By Daisy Jing

If you’re trying to improve acne scars, two popular treatments you’ve probably heard about are microneedling and chemical peels. Both can help, but they work in different ways and are better for different types of acne scars. In this guide, we’ll break it down so you know what to expect. We’ll also explain why many experts recommend safe microneedling with tools like the Banish Kit 3.0 for at-home scar treatment.  

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel uses an acid solution to remove the top layers of dead skin. When the old uppermost layer of skin is removed, new skin grows. That new skin often looks smoother and more even. Peels can help with dark marks, uneven tone, and shallow scars. In stronger forms like TCA cross done by professionals, they can even help deeper scars [1].

Types of Chemical Peels

• Superficial peels - remove only the top skin layer (epidermis).
• Medium peels - reach a bit deeper, into the upper dermis.
• Deep peels - go deeper and should only be done by a professional due to the risk of scarring and infection [2].

Pros of Chemical Peels

• Doesn't take too long (often under 30 minutes).
• Can improve texture and dark marks (hyperpigmentation).
• Milder peels are available at home for surface maintenance.

Cons of Chemical Peels

• Medium and deep peels can be expensive and require significant downtime of 7 days.
• Strong peels can cause irritation, redness, and swelling.
• People with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI) have a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) with deeper peels [3].

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, uses tiny needles to make very small channels in the skin. This triggers the skin’s natural healing process. When the body heals, it makes new collagen and elastin which are the building blocks of smoother, healthier skin [4].

This collagen boost can soften and improve acne scars, especially for textured and indented atrophic scars. Unlike chemical peels, microneedling does not remove skin layers; instead, it encourages repair from within by stimulating the dermis to trigger collagen production[5].

Benefits of Microneedling

• Can improve deeper texture issues, like pitted or atrophic scars [6].
• Stimulates collagen to help scars look less noticeable over time.
• Generally has the best safety profile for all skin tones, including darker skin [3].

Evidence on Microneedling & Scars

Research shows that microneedling can improve acne scars across many people. A 2022 study from Rutgers University found that microneedling was significantly more effective than chemical peels for patients with darker skin tones.

In this trial, 73% of people treated with microneedling showed notable scar improvement versus only 33% with 35% glycolic acid chemical peels [7].

Another study published in Postepy Dermatologii i Alergologii found that a combination of microneedling and chemical peels produced the best results when compared with either method alone, suggesting they can work synergistically for scar remodeling [8].

Microneedling vs Chemical Peels: A Quick Comparison

Can You Use Both Together?

Yes, you can combine microneedling and chemical peels to get more complete results but timing matters. Experts suggest letting the skin heal for at least 2–3 weeks between treatments. This gives your skin time to recover and build collagen so you don’t over-stress the skin barrier [8].

Are At-Home Treatments Safe?

At-home chemical peels with mild acids (like glycolic acid 5–10%) can help texture, but they usually can’t fix deep scars. Stronger peels should only be done by trained professionals to avoid chemical burns.

At-home microneedling can be safe and effective when done the right way. One key is using the right needle depth. 0.5 mm is considered a good balance for collagen stimulation without excessive trauma for home use. Devices with deeper needles are generally reserved for professional settings due to safety and deeper penetration risks [9].

Why Experts Recommend the Banish Kit 3.0

Dermatology experts and clinicians often recommend devices that are designed to control depth and reduce risk. For at-home microneedling, the Banisher 3.0 (found in the Banish Kit 3.0) is built with thinner, gold plated titanium needles that help improve acne scars and texture safely when used consistently with proper hygiene. This reduces the risk of dragging, tearing, or uneven injury which is a common issue with traditional dermarollers.

Consistent microneedling with the Banisher 3.0 can encourage collagen remodeling over time, which helps soften scar edges and improve overall skin texture. This kind of improvement typically shows up after several sessions spaced weeks apart, allowing the skin's repair cycle to complete.  [4].

How Soon Can You See Results?

Most people notice changes in texture and tone within a few weeks to months of consistent treatment.  A lot of people can see more of a glow to their skin the next day.  

How fast you see results depends on your scar type and how regular you are with treatment. For best results, many users pair their treatments with targeted skincare that supports healing.

The Bottom Line

Both microneedling and chemical peels can help acne scars, but they work differently. Peels are great for surface issues and pigmentation, while microneedling goes a bit deeper to trigger rcollagen repair which is often more useful for scar texture.  For deeper scars and for those that have darker skin tones, microneedling is the way to go without risking further pigmentation.  

Many experts find that combining both without going too aggresssive offers the best results.

Safe at-home microneedling with tools like the Banish Kit 3.0 is a good choice if you want effective scar improvement without overly aggressive treatments.

References

1. Lee, J. C., Daniels, M. A., & Roth, M. Z. (2016). Mesotherapy, microneedling, and chemical peels. Clinics in Plastic Surgery, 43(3), 583-595.
2. O'Connor, A. A., Lowe, P. M., Shumack, S., & Lim, A. C. (2018). Chemical peels: A review of current practice. Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 59(3), 171-181.
3. Singh, A., & Yadav, S. (2016). Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 7(4), 244-254.
4. Jaiswal, S., et al. (2024). Microneedling in Dermatology: A Comprehensive Review. Cureus, 16(1).
5. Ramaut, L., et al. (2018). Microneedling: Where do we stand now? A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 71(1), 1-14.
6. Ishfaq, F., et al. (2022). A comparison of microneedling versus glycolic acid chemical peel for the treatment of acne scarring. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 15(7), 42.
7. Rutgers University. (2022). Microneedling Beats Chemical Peels for Acne Scar Treatment. Rutgers Research News.
8. Pakla-Misiur, A., et al. (2021). Double-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing the use of microneedling alone versus chemical peeling alone versus a combination of microneedling and chemical peeling in the treatment of atrophic post-acne scars. Postepy Dermatologii i Alergologii, 38(4), 629-635.
9. Litchman, G., et al. (2022). Microneedling. StatPearls [Internet].