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
5
26.6%
4
31.3%
3
25%
2
10.9%
1
6.3%

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April 17, 2012

Pros:

Helps Even and Brighten Skin Tone
Lessens appearance of acne scar pigment
Stuff Lasts Forever

Cons:

Initial Redness
If not careful can cause crusting skin which can be scary!

Overall a great product, I Used the 70% glycolic acid and would usually dilute it with a couple drops of water. Applied with a cotton ball kept on for 3 minutes at first and eventually upped to 7 minutes.
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December 13, 2009

Pros:

Definitely improved some of my smaller craters and ice-pick scars. I think it makes skin look glossy and healthy, too!

Cons:

You might form scabs. Just don't pick at them! They will fall off and heal nicely on their own.

Anyone would benefit from this, I think. The most important thing is not to pick at your face afterwards.
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April 6, 2009

Pros:

- Fantastic result
- Pain Free

Cons:

- Blue tint left for 24 hours
- 5 weeks downtime
- Price

OBAGI BLUE PEEL: I am in London, and 20 years old, I have had acne since the age of 14 and had really bad scarring. I tried everything from bio-oil to creme de la mere, and although they helped, nothing helped more than the OBAGI BLUE PEEL. It took 40 minutes by my specialist to apply and take off, and with 48 hours i was peeling. Whats great about it is that it gets rid of all your spots that includes white heads and black heads, and scarring that you have. It took my skin 5 weeks to fully mend itself and thank god my skin is now flawless. However I have done alot to maintain this. i.e. I am on a strict cleansing, toning, and moisturizing regime as prescribed by a specialist (obagi products) and eating healthily. I have also found that drinkin 2 litres of water a day has helped TREMENDOUSLY and i have kept my skin flawles The price for this peel was £1000 which is about $2000 I presume
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February 20, 2009

Pros:

It's a great exfoliator and does mostly what it was advertised to do. It's worth the money compared to other acne treatments I've tried.

Cons:

You get flakey for a few days and it's a little gross...

I've been using 25% TCA for a couple months on deep acne scars. While it's not really improving the ice picks, it is improving hyperpigmentation left behind from old breakouts. If I do a peel on Thursday night, it usually finishes peeling by Wednesday of the following week. Since I don't have time to take off work everytime I need to do a peel, I've been addressing small sections at a time. I wear SPF 70 during and after recovery. I had a severe breakout about 6 months ago that left one whole side of my face completely scarred with hypermigmented spots. I have noticed a considerable improvement on the scars I've treated with TCA 25% vs the ones I have left to heal on their own. To cover redness durning the healing process I use Bare Minerals makeup which is listed as safe to use after plastic surgery. I have no adverse reactions. Also, during the peeling process my breakouts have not increased. I do the peel during my menstral cycle, when breakouts have slowed.
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January 9, 2009

Pros:

I was going to an estitician (sp?) regularly alternating facials and progressive chemical peels. There was a huge difference in my skin with that regular maintence and more expensive products.

Cons:

It is embarassing to go out a few days after the peel because that's when you're not supposed to wear makeup. I did break out one time after recieving a peel but once that cleared up my skin was clear for months.

I think that if you go to a spa and get progressive peels and facials (if you can afford it!) you will see a difference in your skin. Also if you can afford it I reommend Rhonda Allisona and Eminence brands. That's what I was using before my budget was put on a diet.
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July 15, 2008

Pros:

Cheap, easy, and you can do it yourself.
Great results!!

Cons:

None so far..

I am a brown skin woman with severe discoloration and acne scars. I used the 12.5% TCA peel from Makeup Artist Choice. I was very cautious with this peel because my whole acne life, dermatologist always said that TCA peel were too strong for African American skin, and would cause worse discoloration than I already have. WHAT A CROCK OF SH*T!!! The peel was great! And I didn't go over board with it. Meaning, I only did one layer and frosted minimally! I feel scammed from all of the derms I went to in the past. The TCA peel lifted 85% of my discoloration and improved my scars like 765%. This is single handedly the most improvement I have seen in any procedure I have had done, and I did it myself! I will do another peel in a month. I am going to follow the directions like I did with the peel. I apply 55% lactic acid in them mean time to prep my skin for the next TCA peel. Next time I will layer it. I think after the next peel all of my discoloration will be gone! So glad I took
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June 23, 2008

Pros:

lighten scars feel smother

Cons:

down time.

anyone who is going to do a peel or is doing a peel now, pls dont smoke, it will do more harm then good,it will make ur scar deeper.stop smoking a week before the peel and 2 weeks after u finlish the peel,it will be great if u can quit. and no sun.
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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.
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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!
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June 16, 2007

Pros:

I come from a ducth family,so i am extremely pale.This means i scar easily,even the smallest pimple sometimes leaves a mark.I had mild fruit acid peels (3)which removed all of my superficial scars.Bonus: My pigmentation also improved dramatically.

Cons:

My skin was red andvery tight for about 24 hours.I can also only have peels in winter since the sun in SA and my pale skin is a deadly combo.My skin flaked for about a week(mildly) and I had to wear sunscreen to avoid getting sun damage.

The maintanence after a peel is a schlep, but the results are worthwile. Be patient, dont pick at the flaking skin (it will scar) and wear sunblock. I am only 22, and believe or not my scarring improved so much I actually got a modelling contract! Affordable and worthwile..
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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.
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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