Peeling to fight acne on black skin

Le peeling pour lutter contre l’acné sur la peau noire

Peeling is a method of aesthetic medicine which aims to find clear and radiant skin by treating all small skin defects. It brings many benefits to all skin types, even black skin.

This treatment is especially effective against acne and the scars that result from it. However, it also carries risks, which is why we recommend the anti-blemish routine for oily and acne-prone skin suitable for black and mixed-race women.

What is peeling?

Peeling is a dermatological procedure which removes dead cells from the epidermis or dermis using an acid. The main goals of this method are:

  • Reawaken the radiance of the skin.
  • Erase imperfections.
  • Fade spots , scars and acne.
  • Slow down the effects of time.

Chemical peeling contains beads or grains to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores depending on their size and the intensity of friction on the skin. With this dermatological procedure, the skin is cleansed, it appears clearer and brighter.

The different forms of peeling

Gentle or superficial peeling

This is the lightest and least restrictive peel, especially for black skin. It helps to erase the upper layers of the epidermis and remove surface impurities. The face thus regains its radiance and freshness, the skin is smooth and toned. This peel is essentially made up of highly diluted glycolic acid and/or trichloroacetic acid (TCA).


Superficial peeling is a treatment particularly recommended for lightening the complexion, treating oily or acne-prone skin and reducing superficial pigment spots. Gentle peeling also stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin, for firmer and more toned skin.

The average peel

It treats the same type of problems as gentle peeling, but acts deeper under the stratum corneum of the epidermis. It intervenes when the gentle peeling does not show results. After degreasing the skin, the practitioner applies TCA, but in higher concentrations than for a gentle peel, which allows it to go deeper and reach the first layers of the dermis.


On the other hand, the medium peel is not recommended for black and mixed skin, as it could cause depigmentation spots.

Deep phenol peeling

Deep peeling allows complete renewal of the epidermis and dermis by acting down to the deep dermis. This involves applying a powerful exfoliating liquid to the skin intended to deeply peel the skin to regenerate it and thus obtain new skin without imperfections or defects.


This type of peel is only performed on fair skin in order to limit the risk of pigment rebound as well as the difference in color between the treated areas and the rest of the integument.


Also read our article on the role of the dermatologist in treating your acne .

The effectiveness of peeling against acne

Role of peeling against acne

Superficial peeling, ideal for black skin, removes the skin's lipid film and exfoliates the epidermal layers above the skin. This helps him to:

  • Unclog pores, opening microcysts and unclogging black or white comedones.
  • Destroy part of the bacterial flora, lowering the risk of infectious complications, notably folliculitis.

Exfoliating action of acne peeling

Although dead cells are natural and necessary for skin renewal, they can build up over time, ruining the appearance of the skin. Not exfoliating the face is the main cause of this buildup. To maintain healthy skin, it is necessary to exfoliate regularly.

Sebum is produced by overfunctioning sebaceous glands located in the dermis, causing oily skin and acne. The results obtained by a superficial peel against oily skin, acne and blackheads are:

  • A boost of radiance and homogeneity on the skin
  • A brighter complexion without being shiny
  • Smoother, clearer skin
  • A homogeneous texture with tightened pores
  • Imperfections reduced or even disappeared

Also discover laser treatment for acne .

The benefits of peeling for skin and acne scars

Reduction of imperfections

In the current treatment of acne, gentle peeling with fruit acids takes an important place. The action of alfa-hydroxy acids helps treat blackheads and beta-hydroxy acid has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action, which reduces excessive sebum production in the follicle. Papulo-pustular lesions are thus treated using this dermatological method. In addition to reducing imperfections, the peel also acts on raised acne scars .

Once applied, the glycolic acid from the fruits will burn the superficial layers of the skin: the texture of the facial skin is smoothed, making it more beautiful, and the complexion is evened out. The advantage of a gentle peel is that it can treat acne in black skin, their characteristics not allowing a medium or deep peel at the risk of creating depigmentation .

Stimulation of cell regeneration

Peeling removes the superficial layers of the skin to lead to cellular regeneration. This action eliminates dead cells on the surface and allows their replacement by creating cells similar to stem cells.

For each need there is a type of peel adapted to the initial condition of the skin. The latter acts significantly on the production of collagen and elastin. Thanks to its exfoliating action, the peel causes skin renewal, boosts collagen production and erases imperfections, leaving new, smooth skin and an even complexion.

By smoothing the skin and restoring its radiance, a peel, particularly a medium peel, erases acne scars in a lasting and effective manner. It acts in the reconstruction of the face by redefining the surface of the skin.

Potential disadvantages of peeling

Skin sensitivity

Depending on the type of peel and the skin type, the peel can cause some skin sensitivity, especially a fairly unpleasant tightness effect for a few days. Black skin is more prone to this phenomenon due to the very texture of the skin.


In all cases, the aesthetic doctor provides you with a specific cream to soothe your face.

Risks of skin reactions

Depending on the sensitivity of the skin, side effects may occur. Black skin is often more reactive, so it is important to consult a specialist before starting acne treatment. At-home peels may cause slight tingling or a slight warming sensation, but this fades quickly.


Redness, itching, irritation, tightness or flaking may occur following a professional peel. After 2 or 3 days, the skin may appear sensitized or slightly tanned since the exterior surface begins to flake off to make way for brand new skin. More visible discolorations or age spots may also appear before the dead skin is completely removed.

Tips for Combating Sensitivity and Skin Reactions

To combat sensitivity and skin reactions, you must follow several tips:

  • Avoid any intense activity that would increase blood circulation to the face for 24 hours.
  • Avoid sources of excessive heat such as saunas, hammams or direct exposure to the sun.
  • Do not wax or exfoliate the area for 72 hours or until the treated skin no longer shows irritation.
  • Do not remove peeling skin or small scabs, as this may cause scarring.
  • Do not expose yourself to direct sunlight for 2 to 3 weeks.

A prior consultation with a dermatologist is necessary to examine the skin, analyze the need and define the type of peeling necessary to treat acne. Today there are treatments that can treat all skin pigmentations in complete safety.

The Nubiance skincare routine to treat acne on black skin

To treat blemishes and acne-prone skin, Nubiance has created a special routine. This anti-blemish routine consists of four products particularly suited to combination to oily skin and/or skin prone to acne problems:


  • Micelliance® micellar water is at the top of its effectiveness for gentle make-up removal. Its formula free of coloring and perfume respects skin sensitivity, particularly strong in black skin. Much more than a simple cleanser, this gentle and beneficial ritual for the skin is ideal for the treatment of acne.

  • Cleanactyl® cleansing gel offers renewed vitality to the skin. Designed specifically for oily skin prone to imperfections, this product revitalizes, rids the skin of impurities and preserves natural hydration. Its soap-free formula respects acne-prone skin.

  • Exfoclear® exfoliating gel for face and body provides the grains necessary for exfoliating the skin. Also without soap, it is ideal for eliminating dead cells and stimulating cell renewal.

  • The ACT-5® anti-blemish treatment focuses on targeted action in maintaining balanced skin. This intensive moisturizer offers a rare dual functionality: it hydrates without drying the skin, a considerable asset for black and acne-prone skin. Its action acts on the appearance of pimples and blackheads, but also on marks already present such as acne scars.

This routine aims to improve the condition of your skin suffering from acne problems and/or acne scars. This treatment set will allow you to regain healthy, beautiful and smooth skin, as well as a radiant complexion.


Also discover the anti-acne diet to adopt.

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