Chemical Peels (Light / Superficial Peels)
Results
Side Effects

Light or superficial peels only affect the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). Light peels can therefore only be used in the treatment...

Light or superficial peels only affect the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). Light peels can therefore only be used in the treatment of very shallow scars, and normally do not produce perceptible results. When chemical peels are applied on the skin, a controlled wound healing process occurs which might improve the appearance of the acne scar by stimulating the skin to produce more collagen and elastin.

This procedure is normally repeated multiple times (5 or more) in 2-week intervals, and you should see gradual results with each session. And after your last session, your skin should continue to improve.

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3.6
64
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26.6%
4
31.3%
3
25%
2
10.9%
1
6.3%

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June 13, 2015
Helped a little
I got 5 pretty expensive treatments of glycolic acid peel, I think that it helped a little for my scarring but I'm not sure if that's due to the glycolic acid bc they've been there for a long time so they would also have faded with time. I think it actually did prevent my skin from forme new pimples, because I didn't get any serious ones on my cheeks (my main problem area) since starting te treatment. (This could also be because I started Yasmin birth control pill) BUT my face would look really red and way worse than it was for at least 2 days after i had a treatment and the scabs stay sometimes up to a week. At first it also makes it worse due to the purging.
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June 14, 2013
Indifferent. Expected a lot more.

Pros:

Improved appearence
Improved texture
Pore reduction

Cons:

Slightly faded scars
Not worth the amount of money

Quick background: 27 female, acne sufferer for 8yrs. Acne has moderately cleared up from stopping birth control, yet I still have awful scarring. I went to an esthetician for a series of chemical peels consisting of 2 lactic acid, and 6 glycolic acid peels. In total I spent over 800 dollars (Including gratuity). For the money I spent I am not satisfied with the results. I have seen an improvement in texture, redness, pore size and overall appearance. However, my scarring (which is what bothers me most) is still quite apparent. It has reduced, but not 800 dollars worth. I honestly feel that using lemon as an exfoliant and scar reducer on a daily basis would give me the same results. A few things that helped me: Cut out dairy and red meat! Drink more water - seriously it helps! And for me the source of my acne was hormones so birth control seemed to make it worse.
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Tai27
July 15, 2015
To Kazuri, for BC I just know that it helps to have BC that has both progesterone and oestrogen rather than BC that has only oestrogen. To MzManda, lemon is acidic and I don't think that's a good thing in this case. I wouldn't recommend using on the face at all or even hair.. topical products used at home with acids like glycolic in them etc would be better.. There's this moisturiser I love by an Aussie brand called 'Alpha H'.. the product name is 'balancing moisturiser and gentle exfoliant' but you have to use it with a sunscreen on top.. As for the scar indentation I'd recommend looking into dermal needling.. I haven't tried it yet but so far it seems to be more effective and safer than what I consider to be very risky 'fraxel laser' treatment.. We're still learning about dermal needling at the moment.. the one I think would be most worth the money (if you're going to pay a professional) is the Max RF.. which is dermal stamping but it shoots radio frequency into the follicles?? at the same time.. I think the RF kills the bacteria or something like that.. You can also use a dermal roller at home but you have to do your research so you don't do more damage.. I think anything less than 5mm just means your skin will absorb products more but its .5mm minimum to make any difference to scarring and sanitation is essential.. If you read about it you'll see why..
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September 20, 2009

Pros:

Easy to use at home and affordable, option to rinse off after 1 minute if its stings too much. I use the 25% strength version, think anything stronger you would need to see a dermo

Cons:

If you apply it unevenly, it can leave some areas of your face whiter than others.

I had acne on my cheeks from work-place stress and after the pimples subsided I now have small bright red scars on my face, even after professional extractions. I use glycolic peel once a week, as my skin is not too oily with dry patches. I rinse off after about 5 minutes. I follow with Botani's olive oil squaline serum to protect and heal skin - works wonders! Dermo told me to gently exfoliate 1 or 2 days after glycolic peel to ensure peel process is complete.
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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
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July 27, 2009

Pros:

Diminishes acne, lightens scars, evens out skin tone

Cons:

peeling for a few days and trying not to pick at it

Last summer my skin was very clear and rarely had acne but when i went back to school i broke out drastically around my mouth and cheeks and left scars. After getting a peel, I don't remember which kind, not all the scars were gone but there was a definite change in the appearance of the scars and some were completely gone. I only had a mild peel but I'm getting another one within the next couple weeks stronger than before. I am hopeful that it will get rid of the rest of my scars. overall i would definitely recommend this for people who have mild-moderate existing acne and scars. and at first i freaked out because of the redness and peeling but trust me give it a week and you will be happy. and DO NOT PICK!
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April 14, 2009

Pros:

Reduction in pore size, faster healing on boils, reduces scars, reduces breakouts, makes skin look younger

Cons:

A bit pricey on a regular basis, some blistering on the spots

This is an excellent treatment-- but I believe it requires regular use. I started this about a year ago at my dermotologist's office. They are light acidic peels, used in conjunction with the neosoft product range. They are about US$150 each time. I started off doing them at a low acidity level of about 20% of intervals every 2 weeks, while slowly increasing the acidity level. After the first 4 times, I began going every month, then every 2 months, and now every 3 months. It's expensive, but my acne and breakouts have improved substantially. People even complement my skin now, which seems crazy to me.
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April 8, 2009

Pros:

Smooth skin, more even.

Cons:

A lot of down time.. You have to wait until it all peels or makeup will look horrible with it. It burns quite a bit initially. After it's all peeled the skin underneath is very sensitive to anything for a while.

It's been a little over a week since I used a 12.5% TCA peel at home. When I saw pics of what 12.5% did to people's acne scars, it really made me want to try it. But to my disappointment it didn't take away the scars, or even lighten much. If you have old deep acne scars, I suggest a stonger peel, but if your just looking to smooth lines and make skin look more even, then do the 12.5%.
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September 28, 2008

Pros:

It shows significant improvement overall of skin appearance

Cons:

slight burning sensation during treatment. No instant results, may need series of expensive treatments as well as a regimen.

I get pimples during my cycle and when I'm under stress. Though it's not really bad what makes it look worse is the scars that cover my entire face.Paired with my rough skin texture It makes me look 15 years older, at least(I'm 19 black female). After doing research on peels for ethnic skin I got a vitalize peel. After the skin peeled off it was much brighter underneath, as well as smoother and supple. I had noticeable lightening of acne scarring which covered my entire face, but I will probably need 2 (at the most) more treatments to take off the remaining scars.I have also started using retinoid cream to help extend the results. This causes flaking but I like to put alot of Cetaphil sensitive skin creme over it sit for a while and use a warm wash clothe to slough off dead skin. Though the retinoid is a bit irritating. My skin is glowing and smooth and much clearer than before. I look closer to my age now and I don't wear as much cover up.
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March 21, 2008

Pros:

Clearer smoother sknin

Cons:

12.5% seems not effective to reduce scarring.

Definitely worth it. I tried TCA for red marks and scarring. Getting subcision done for rolling scars 1X per month and TCA 12.5% 2 weeks later 1X per month for a few months to see if results occur. This is 3 weeks into the first month. My skin is clearer and smoother. The TCA seems not to affect the scars only the general tone. Were going up in strength next month to 15%. I am optimistic. This is serious stuff so be careful.
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November 7, 2007

Pros:

Seen improvement after first peel...and lightening of acne scars

Cons:

the peeling was annoying and became embarassing..a little pricey

it should be tried at least one ...im gonna follow up with two more treatements...and im gonna go back to my dermatologist for meds so i hope that my skin is significantly improved by the first of the year
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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.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website