Chemical peels help with acne scars by working beneath the surface of the skin, turning over new skin cells, and promoting new skin cell growth, which helps to lessen the appearance of acne scars over a period of time. Chemical peels can help reduce the appearance of multiple types of acne scarring including discoloration, or pockmarks from past acne. Chemical peels use a chemical solution to remove the outer layer of old skin to improve the appearance of acne scars. New skin will replace the removed outer layer, leaving it smoother, and less appearance of scars.