Peels and light-based treatments get a lot of attention for acne. Here is what one review reports about each.
What the review found for peels
In a review on NCBI PMC, both peels showed a statistically significant decrease in acne lesions by the second treatment session, and proved equally effective.
What the review found for light therapy
The same review says the most favorable light therapy results were shown with red, blue, and blue-red light, with a statistically significant improvement in total or inflammatory lesion counts in 3 studies.
How to read those results
Both findings come from studies pooled in a review, so they describe groups of people and not a promise for your skin. Ask your dermatologist which option fits your acne type and how many sessions to plan for.
Where to read more
Cedars-Sinai has a page on the chemical peel. If acne has left marks, the AAD page on acne scars: consultation and treatment covers the next step. For a wider view, a review titled Exploring Acne Treatments: From Pathophysiological Mechanisms to Emerging Therapies looks at where treatment is heading.
When the answer changes
The peel result in the review showed up by the second session. That makes the early sessions a fair point to check in and decide whether to keep going.