Chemical Peels (Medium-depth Peels)
5
22%
4
25.4%
3
16.9%
2
16.9%
1
18.6%

Used Chemical Peels (Medium-depth Peels)? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
August 18, 2013
2 chemical peels 50%

Pros:

fill my scar a bit

Cons:

didnt help on red marks for me :(

help with small scarring, didnt help red marks, and i said i want red marks out.
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December 2, 2009

Pros:

Made skin fresh and less red. Skin felt silky and scars very slightly reduced.

Cons:

Made skin greasy. Caused MAJOR break outs for months! Created lots of new fresh scars.

I had hardly any spots but still had red marks all over my face from acne when I was younger. The peel was very painful but I was willing to go through any pain to get my skin clear. It made my face fresher, brighter and smooth for about a week then for months and months my skin was terrible. This created all new scars. In despiration, I had the peel again a few weeks ago (a year after I had my first one) and once again I broke out in spots and now I'm devastated because it's created really bad scars. However, I'd heard of the pro's and con's of the peel before I had it done and for me I decided it was worth the risk because I needed to try it for myself. I have very sensitive skin and have a stressful life so I'm sure they contribute to it. If you decide to have the peel then don't touch your skin whilst it's peeling!!
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July 31, 2009

Pros:

Fresh skin

Cons:

down time of atleast a week

I have used TCA 25% peel only once. I applied it on my skin on Sunday and for two days my skin was red and tight. After 3-5 days light peeling of skin began and took about 3 days for the outer layer to become dead and dry.I did not have patience to wait for it to peel on its own, so I used dead skills remover machine and cleaned up my face. The result today is I can see that my face looks fresh and clean without any adverse affect on my skin but this treatment hasn't really helped improve my scars. I'm planning to repeat the treament once my skin is completely recovered may be after a month or so and see if it helps my scars. I have also been careful to apply sunscreen whenever I go out and protect my skin from sun.
May 4, 2009

Pros:

hey i'm a doc.i do glycolic peels 4 my patients.i hv also tried.this is th closest to nature.yes!glycolic works.but it takes 10 2 12 sessions.u need to follow a protocol.start wit 20% for 3 mins then 4 5.then 35% then 50%never 70 %on face

Cons:

it burns itches.it causes visible peelin.so no outdoors.stay away fr sun.its dangerous

it works!!!!!!!
February 5, 2009

Pros:

easy to apply

Cons:

burns, not cheap, left my skin worse then when I started

I spent 180.00 at the spa on 4 treatments at 20%. I just completed all 4 and my skin was worse after then when I started. I was so mad. I then resorted to buying a glycolic peel for at home use thinking a stronger dose should do it. Well I just used my 50% glycolic peel last night and my fiance said to me today "Wow your skin looks worse now than it ever has! What did you do? Pick the crap out of it". Ya, not what I was looking to hear. I have little tiny pimples, red marks, and looks like scabs too all over every square inch of my face!. So, bumbed- I don't know what to do with my skin?????I'm 24 now and have been dealing with oily, acne prone skin for as long as I can remember..Their has to be someting that works. Bottom line-it's not glycolic peels. What a waist of money
October 21, 2008

Pros:

non it is a terible product if purchased online it should always be done at a clinic !!!!!!!!!!

Cons:

scared my skin for several weeks looked likea huge birthmark over the whole left side of my face. i would definatley never recommend it to anyone. it is a very dangerous product. it also made a dip in my skin and made my skin look very unhealthy

please do not use this product i woulde recommend laser co2 resurfacing i found this the best
June 30, 2008

Pros:

Not quite sure yet, since it's only been three days. But my skin is soft to the touch where it's peeled and a few spots have lightened.

Cons:

Harsher than it's described. I wasn't told my face would stay red. I'm afraid it'll be worse than before.

I got a Vi Peel. After a few seconds, there is a numbing effect. About 30 minutes later it started to burn and burned for the rest of the night. I had a big audition two days later. Part of my face was brown, part red and part peeling. I was told I could wear makeup. It looked weird so I started to peel the flaky areas. Big mistake. I hope I didn't ruin the results. The area wasn't ready yet and became super red and sensitive. I numbed the area and put on makeup. I hope I don't break out or scar now. I tried to remove all the makeup, but who knows. The peeled areas still hurt. I can't use the moisturizer they gave me because it burns. The sunscreen burns. Aloe burns. Water burns. If you get it done, be okay with looking weird for a week. It's a lot more potent than they make it out to be.
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December 13, 2007

Pros:

zippo. SENSITIVE AND THIN SKINNERS KEEP AWAY!

Cons:

More scarring, more rednedss. more uneven texture, expensive, f**king painful, requires your face to be f**ked up and get you embarrased for a couple weeks.

I regret doing it so bad. dermatologist gave me glycolic acid. I did 6 sessions and was brave enough to go up the strength all the way to 70. After 3 times, I hadn't noticed anything, after 5 times i considered the possibility that all these peels are doing is making it worse, and the 6th time they really did me in and f**ked my face up all over. Red marks that were never there appeared, Gashes and small pits opened, i have much more scarring and burned skin. a sh*tlaod of moeny too. none of my dermatyologists say they can do anything else to improve it if you have any suggestions or were like me form-constants@[link removed]
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November 29, 2007

Pros:

Seems to work sometimes.

Cons:

Skin looks awful for a few days after. Thin skinned people beware. Made some scars look better and others worse.

Glycolic acid peel (series of 6 peels): The esthetician that did mine was more interested in money than my face. I also couldn't ever go above 35% peel because my skin is so sensitive (but the peel does go up to 70% if you are a good candidate for it). It helped lessen some of my scarring, but left red marks on other areas and made me break out the first few times, but it seems to dry up acne fast once your skin is used to it. It takes a while to look better after the peel..sometimes a week, and if you don't have your acne under control, it may not ever be fully satisfying. p.s. after knowing how the peel is done, i just bought my own bottle of 35% solution to use once in a while. continued, moderate usage of glycolic acid peels are the best way to achieve results. it's really no different than going to the esthetician..only about 300 dollars cheaper! just know what you're doing(follow the directions) and pay attention to the skin at all times when you apply it.

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.