Chemical Peels (Medium-depth Peels)
Results
Side Effects

Medium-depth peels penetrate deeper into the skin than superficial peels, damaging the whole epidermis (outermost layer of skin) as well as the papillary...

Medium-depth peels penetrate deeper into the skin than superficial peels, damaging the whole epidermis (outermost layer of skin) as well as the papillary dermis (the top part of the dermis, just below the epidermis). When chemical peels are applied on the skin, a controlled wound healing process occurs that may stimulate the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, thus improving the appearance of acne scars.

This procedure is normally repeated multiple times (3 or more) in 3-week intervals, and you should see gradual results with each session. And after your last session, your skin should continue to improve.

 [more]
3.2
59
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
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
May 30, 2015
50% lactic acid peel
I have just completed 50% lactic acid peel myself at home nothing changed a lot and still my breakouts are on going as usual.after peel can I used benzyl perioxide foam wash to control the breakout
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 9, 2014
Great for ice-pick, bad for active acne ...
I've bought bravula londoners 30% glycolic acid peel + neutralizer... After 4 uses, once per week as on the instruction.. (please use SPF 30 or greater EVERY DAY and don't use exfoliants, retionoids or BP while doing peels) I've notice huge impovement for hyperpigmentation and moderate improvement for icepick/boxcar scars. I highly recomande this for those who overcame acne.. But not for those (like myself) who are STILL FIGHTING ACNE, because the peels sensitize the skin and you cannot use it for long period of time.. And dry and irritated skin heals slower AND GETS SCARS.. So, if you are acne-free, Go for IT!
This Was Helpful

21 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Missjlg
March 4, 2017
Hi Have you ever had a food intolerance test done? The number 1 cause to acne is food intolerances. Go to the doctor and get a test done then eliminate those foods and you will notice a huge difference!
Report
May 22, 2013

Pros:

helps with freckles and scars
makes skin baby soft

Cons:

burns
the peeling process yuk
time off work

well i used this to help with my scarring and let me just say i do like it and plan on doing it again but AVOID USING NEOSPORIN!!!!!! after treatment it broke me out like crazy!! my skin had cleared up and everything was good until i put neosporin on my face.. i dont think it was the peel because i use other typer of chemical peels and i never breaks me out this second time i will be using aquaphor healing ointment as a post peel treatment. and i didnt actually start peeling til day 5 and completley peeled by day 9. i did see a reduction in my freckles and some scars but i dont think i will see a more refined result til my second peel. in which i will update
This Was Helpful

12 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Juniorsharma_
November 12, 2016
What kind of scarring did you have? Was it deep
Report
October 9, 2010

Pros:

no downtime
skin becums soft
controls acne
completly safe

Cons:

needs multiple sessions to c reults (Atleast 4)
dosnt hv long term effect , so have it every 1 or 2 mnths.

i jst got my 1st glycolic acid 50% peel done today. I have a really good dermatologist and she recommended 4 sessions for me, she also said that for anyone, even with clear skin) there r no appreciated/noticable results after juz one peel. I trust her compltely as with the treatment she gave me really helped me control my acne. I was on oral and topical antibiotics, then on tretinoin cream(which is really gud for comedones) i love it and il use it fr a long time now. Now i have very few breakouts but still have minor milia. Chemical peels really help control the acne, i knw that for a fact, but they r not long term effective. But u can have them once in every mnth or 2, watever suits u.after ur 4 sessions are complete) Glycolic acid peels are very safe. Herez what my session was like- She cleansed my face, then applied the chemical on my face with a brush. generally it is left for 5-6 mins or more. But my skin is very sensitive and very fair so it was getting very red so she removed it after 4 mins with cold water suppression with a cloth. There is a little itching sensation while the peel is on ur face. And it has to go away compltly once its washed. If the sensation is still there ....keep giving cold water suppresion or applying sme soothing creams. Afrer 10 mins my redness was gone and so was the itch. Then i went back home. So u c there is no downtime at all. There shud b a min gap of 2 weeks btw evey session. If u ask abt ne differences in the skinThere is not any for now, but i can feel it while washing my face, the skin IS VERY SOFT. Also, the peel is actually at the micro level so its not visible to the naked eye, but if smeone has a dr skin there mite be sme flaking. since i have an oily skin, there is no flaking. Also, its highly imp to use a gud sunscreen after and before ur peel always. even in normal daylight and nt the sunlight coz the new cells forming on the skin of the face reacts to the UV
This Was Helpful

66 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 23, 2009

Pros:

Removes some light scarring and brown spots

Cons:

Does nothing for large pores and potential additional scarring from scratching, self-peeling, or excessive burning from the chemicals

I just did the Vi Peel and like many people have said, you CAN end up looking pretty ugly. If a zombie can be resurected, that's what I look like for the past 4 days and I finally had to pay my dermatologist a visit. He prescribed 2 oral medications to stop the swelling and itching and a topical cream that softened the peeling as well reduce the redness so the new exposed skin wasn't burning anymore, plus he gave me a shot on the spot. I haven't read a testimonial that said you can look and feel this bad. I can survive with redness and peeling but the big burnt cheeks and everything between it that has now turned into brown scabs aren't worth the teeny results. I would have done 2-3 lighter treatments than one Vi Peel and suffer.
This Was Helpful

10 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 4, 2009

Pros:

Less cystic acne

Cons:

Glycolic 70 % left me with scars on my nose and temples that were not there before! This peel was done by a Dermatologist. Do NOT go to a dermatologist to get a strong chemical peel... go to a plastic surgeon!!!!

It is not worth it.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 10, 2008

Pros:

Light chemical peels work great for lighter acne scars, once your acne is under control. Obagi Blue peel works great if you have more layers done.

Cons:

Make sure you stay out of the sun, but you shouldn't be tanning anyways. :P For the Obagi Blue Peel your face is blue for up to a week and it takes to weeks to completely peel. Don't want to be seen out in public!

I am an Esthetician myself. I give my self light chemical peels with resorcinol which help some but I need to constantly be doing them. For the Obagi Blue Peel, I recommend finding someone who will give you anesthesia so they are able to penetrate deeper. There is no way someone can stand the pain with 4 or more layers if you are awake. I had great results except my acne wasn't under control. So now I have to start all over again. If you are not given anesthesia and only get 1-2 layers done don't expect good results. Light chemicals peels cost from $80-300 depending on where you go. For the obagi it was about $900 with anesthesia.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 13, 2007

Pros:

didn't burn as much...tones skin well...good peel for people of color...skin glows after....

Cons:

price...peeling is very visible even with the moisturizer...takes a while to see final results...

the VI peel was great...the price sucks, but it is a good peel for darker skin tone ppl...
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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