Good or Excellent Response
27%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
57%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find a dermatologist or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a plastic surgeon.
Read All About Chemical Peels (Light / Superficial Peels)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
25.8%
4
30.3%
3
25.8%
2
12.1%
1
6.1%

Used Chemical Peels (Light / Superficial Peels)? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
March 4, 2007

Pros:

Reduced my severe scarring by about 25-30%, quick process, can use warm cloths and showers to increase the peel process

Cons:

Very painful process, $100 per peel, so far 5 days down time, probably won't do another

It was a very painful process, but I feel my dermatologist definitely prepped my skin before the treatment. I had about 2 pimples on my face when I went in there, he extracted everything needed, and then did the peel. When I went in the room, they explained the whole process. I was told that the chemical would feel like when you preheat an oven and you open it and get the blast of hot air. It was 10 times worse. It felt like someone went over my face with a blow torch! She applied 2 different alcohol-based toners to my face to "dry it up" as much as possilble. That's when my face started to burn. Then she started to apply the chemical peel. It got to its hottest point, where I thought I wouldn't be able to handle it anymore, then it cooled down. She had me wash it off for 1 minute with cool water and I have some lotion and sunblock I use everyday. I got it on Tuesday and today's Saturay. The only thing left to peel is my forehead. I haven't seen results like I hoped for.
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August 5, 2009

Pros:

gradually improves skin fresher younger

Cons:

only peels in certain areas need 2 have more way2 expensive

i had it done at skin clinic it cost £600.00 but u do get all creams,face wash 2 prepare the skin for 2 weeks prior to peel; skin lightening; sunscreen; cu3 which is for after the peel stop skin drying and tissue repair,,, which are important 4 pigmented skin ive had 4 done now but my skin is patchy it was 12.5% tca my skin is just acne scarred no spots but now pores are smaller and skin fresher however need more treatments may try at home method now that i have all the creams 2
October 21, 2007

Pros:

I've had 6 treatments of the SkinMedica Vitalze Peel.
After my 5th peel, I had two good weeks of no break out. I just had my 6th peel yesterday. During the first 4 peels I didn't notice much, except it healed my existing acne faster.

Cons:

Expensive! The strong tingling feeling of when the peel is being put on (but that means it's working!) and the flaking that lasted about 3 days. Might not be a long term solution.

I had a series of 6 peels. the first three peels i got 3 weeks apart then the last 3 pells i got two weeks apart. I should have done it every two weeks from the start. The first 4 peels I didn't notice any difference. Only that it helps my existing acne. I still was getting breakouts. Before my 5th peel I was BAD, now, 2 weeks later, I'm finally getting some compliments that my skin is looking good. I just had my 6th and final peel yesterday so we'll see. I don't see this being a long term solution to my acne though. I have yet to find a good cleanser so we'll see if the peels were worth it as i continue my search for clear skin. I'm clear right now so we'll see how long i can make it last. I bought 5 peels, get one free. They are $175 a peel!
September 2, 2009

Pros:

I had a lot of acne in the past and as the results I got acne scarring and uneven skin. I wanted to remove my acne scars and made my skin even. I bought the GORGEOUS PEEL about 6 weeks ago and I am so happy with the results.

I highly recommend this product, it was very affordable and last for a while. You can even buy it with friends and share it, because the bottle lets you do about 50 face treatments.
January 30, 2008

Pros:

My skin feels amazing, looks amazing, almost no pain or downtime, not to mention the price is very reasonable

Cons:

red for a little while afterwards and you need to be careful about the sun which you should be regardless

if your scarring is considered "superficial" your dermatoligist or aesthican can determin this than definately go for it, and be sure to follow up with regular facial to keep your skin clear
December 17, 2007

Pros:

I've found TCA to offer the best results. After a few applications of 15% TCA my red marks are greatly reduced, with one or two more I think they will be gone, or I will try 20%/25%. I used 50% glycolic acid also but I find this much less effective

Cons:

Down time after treatment. With TCA it takes about 4-6 weeks before the skin is fully healed. In the mean time the area is quite red. Moisturiser is needed and possibly sunscreen. Don't use topical acne medications on the peeled area.

TCA is well worth the money and CAN get rid of red marks and ice pick scars, though you have to be very patient and use a few times on the same area.
May 29, 2007

Pros:

The Vitalize Peel can be done in about 30 minutes or fewer. I experienced light, unpainful burning and was able to wash off the solution in six hours. My normal activities were not restricted except for sun exposure. My skin appeared mildly sunburned

Cons:

Skin peeling begins on the second day and escalates on day three. Some peeling and flaking continues on day four. Need at least three or more for the best results.

I am in my early 40s, and after my third Vitalize Peel, my acne breakouts have virtually disappeared and my complexion finally looks fresh. My acne scars (the deep-valley type) on my cheeks are less noticeable. They appear firmer. This peel has also decreased many of the negative effects (brown spots, discoloration) from the sun. I had five of these peels, and now I will get one every six months for maintenance.
March 31, 2007

Pros:

the peel did take off some large freckles.

Cons:

it did not remove acne scars and caused a couple of more scars due to a little picking at the scab. don't pick anything off which is hard to do cause you'll have skin hanging off your face.

the light peels are fine. they don't hurt as much and recovery time is less. but you need them every so many months. i had them done at my derm. office and at spas. i also had the stronger peel at my derm. office. i don't recomend it at all. it's scary painful and caused more scarring.
October 17, 2006

Pros:

I have tried the TCc EZPEEL from [link removed]
and absolutely loves it beacuse there is no down time and you can control the effect. I use it for my acne and my wrinkles at well. It is very inexpensive and last for about 3 months.

I have used TCA in the past bougth from the internet that were too strong and the healing process was so long it was a nightmare. The Ezpeel, did not have a downtime and I did not had to hide at home and get off from work. They also do free online consultation on their website. The kit was professional included step bystep instruction and post care. No mixing or skin prep were needed. The kit included I believe gloves, application pads, the EZPEEL sealed bottles (about 1 ounce)and a clear cosmetic bag. Marc Cole

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.