Can You Use a Chemical Peel If You Have Active Acne?

Yes — the TCA Multi-Acid Face Peel is commonly used by people with active breakouts, and many see fewer new breakouts with consistent use. How you use it depends on the type of breakout you're treating.

Cystic acne (deep, under the skin, no visible head)

Use the peel up to 5 times per week for cystic breakouts. As an added treatment, dermaplaning your whole face 1–4 times a month helps remove dead skin buildup on the surface, allowing the peel to penetrate deeper and work more effectively — just avoid dermaplaning over any active pustular acne. This is a periodic addition, not something you do before every peel application. Using the High Frequency device daily (up to 10 minutes a day) alongside your routine also helps — it targets acne-causing bacteria and calms inflammation while the peel resurfaces the skin and dislodges your pores.

Pustular acne (whiteheads, draining or about to)

You can use the peel on pustular breakouts, but go gently — apply a small amount, since it may sting more on an active pustule than on calmer skin. For the best results, use the High Frequency device first to help the pustule heal, then follow with the peel.

Open wounds or broken skin

If the skin is genuinely open or raw (not a pustule, but broken skin), apply EGF Activating Serum first to support healing, and hold off on the peel until the area has fully closed.

Frequency

For active acne, you can use the peel up to 5 times per week. Most people see the best results using it 3–5 times per week consistently.

Setting expectations

This isn't an overnight fix — it works by speeding up cell turnover and clearing congestion over time. Most people notice fewer new breakouts and clearer-looking skin within a few weeks of consistent use.