Chemical Peels
Results
Side Effects

Chemical peels are strong acids applied by a professional in high percentages to the skin for a few minutes at a time. They...

Chemical peels are strong acids applied by a professional in high percentages to the skin for a few minutes at a time. They remove the top layer of skin cells and are thought to help promote the growth of fresh new skin cells.

Chemical peels are usually performed 4 to 10 times in 2-week intervals. Results are usually temporary, therefore it is not normally recommended for chronic acne.

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Compare To Other Treatments
5
24%
4
27.2%
3
21.2%
2
12.4%
1
15.2%

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April 10, 2008

Pros:

HIGH strength (65% solution) Glycolic, Lactic and and enzyme peels are effective when used in conjunction with collagen enhancement products (Retinol .3% minimum or retinyl palmitate, Stable 20% L-Ascoribic acid serum, home micro-dermabrasion etc.)

Cons:

Slow results, skin irritation, have to alternate therapies to avoid pummeling your skin, photo sensitivity, irregular and sometimes adverse reactions.

I have pitted acne scars on my cheeks and forehead. I have been treating them for about 2 years with glycolic peels and lactic acid. I have recently purchased retinol and vitamin c serums to try out. Sometimes I think it's not working because the progress is so slow. Then I look at old pictures and realize how much my skin has improved. I accept the fact that I will not achieve flawless skin, but some scars have disappeared and others have softened and faded. I haven't started the Retinol or L-Ascorbic acid but I've read some of research of their remodeling of collagen. I have purchased all of these products from [link removed]. They're not that expensive and their solutions are exact. One 1/2 ounce bottle of 65% glycolic acid cost me $35 and I have gotten at least 15 peels out of it. Be patient, be careful with stronger solutions, avoid the sun and let your skin have a chance to heal. Also try Derma-E products. Most of all, eat well, exercise and don't smoke!
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April 3, 2008

Pros:

confusing to do

Cons:

painful redness

i used the tca peel and i used a home kit 50% it looks as if it has indented my skin and i am very angry i would not ever recomment this to anyone tca is dangerous do not use it!!!!!
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March 9, 2008

Pros:

I don't know yet

Cons:

Did this 15% peel at the doctor's office on Monday afternoon. I did it to remove dark marks left by acne. It really burnt after about 5 minutes. Today it's 6 days later and I look as though I have been through a fire. It started flaking but the ski

It is scary. The doctor said in 6 days the majority of the peeling would be gone. In some places it hasn't started peeling. So far it is not worth it. I can only hope and pray that my skin in not destroyed! Bottom line: there must be alternatives that don't entail this suffering and the possibility of making the situation worse. This for me is not worth it.
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March 6, 2008

Pros:

Clearer Skin, great look

Cons:

Doesnt stop acne (not advertised to do so), down time

I have moderately severe acne, had the TCA 20% peel at home, I did not do it on the whole face just the forehead and cheeks. The skin turned hard, dark brown, and leathery on the 2nd morning, but it shed approx 5th night. It reduced 70% of my dark blemishes, and the inflammed cystic acne also disappeared. But one or two days after the pimples came back, but atleast some of the previous scars diminished.
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March 6, 2008

Pros:

Not sure yet...

Cons:

First fews days are tough with very tight skin and redness. The peeling will be significant also.

I had a strong Jessner peel to remove acne scars. I am not sure of the results yet but I wanted to post because I have read a lot of reviews out here where people are using peels to control acne. I had major acne from 13 - 26 and I can give everyone some good advise about treating it. First off - most acne is caused by bacteria on the skin, excess oil or other skin irritations. I had a major cat allergy that I was not aware of until my mid-20s (I knew I was allergic to something just didn't know what until then) that made my acne much worse. Acne mixing in with skin rash can really cause a mess so if you have bad acne think about an allergy further worsening your situation. Killing all bacteria on the skin and controlling the oil is the best thing to do and don't pop your zits! The scars are far worse than the zits and creating sores on your skin only lengthens the duration of the pimple.
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February 25, 2008

Pros:

None, still waiting to heal. My face looks like I had a sun burn, looks brownish.

Cons:

Very painful burning sensation, leaves bad sun burn stains on face, flaking

Had the UMD Cranberry Peel done by the maker SKinCare by Doctors. I really think this new peel stinks. Dont recommend for sensitive, thin skin types. Not worth, it. There is nothign like a nice facial and a good facial mask. Not happy, won't do a peel ever again. PEOPLE, YOU ONLY HAVE A FACE, WHY MAKE IT GO THROUGH ALL OF THIS PAIN AND SH*T, TAKE CARE O IT WITH MORE NATURAL PROCEDURES.
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February 20, 2008

Pros:

significantly lightens melasman. helps with fine lines and for me, significantly lightened past acne marks

Cons:

Painful at 25% yikes

I HAVE to agree with Antonella below. I am online right this minute to see if a side effect of TCA is weakened immunity. I performed an at home 25% peel this morning and was full of energy, as soon as my peel was done, I fell asleep and am still so tired I can barely move. I have no appetite and I can't keep my eyes open. I'm taking C, A, Zinc and a multi vitamin. Anyway! back to the actual peel. I've done lower strength TCA peels before and they really do work for me. My melasma has lightened 80%, my acne marks are gone and the peels always help my acne for a bit (not long term for me). Be careful with the home peels because they hurt a lot and it's easy to apply too much or accidentally go back over an area (it's usually a clear solution).
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January 14, 2008

Pros:

I had a little sun damage from a long vacation and mild acne prone skin, so my derm did a 25% TCA peel. It really evened out my complexion and my skin has been clear for the last 6 weeks! Fantastic results and I will be doing it again soon!

Cons:

I looked horrible for about 12 days! I spent most of my time inside and when I went out I wore a big hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

You will look a lot worse before you look better!

I suggest going to a dermatologist etc to get it done the first time before trying it yourself so you know how it is supposed to look and feel... I was very happy with the results and I plan on going back for another 2 or 3 peels because I still have some freckling on my forehead that I want removed. Lot's of downtime but the results are worth it! Do not go outside for prolonged periods when you are healing, if you have to go out wear a big hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. Post peel: Wear a hat and sunscreen or you will get more sun damage then you started out with because your skin is now more sensitive!
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January 9, 2008

Pros:

IM STILL WAITING....

Cons:

BURNING/ITCHING DURING PEEL

IVE HAD BAD ACNE ( CYSTIC TO B EXACT ) SINCE I WAS 16ISH AND NOW IM 24, I HAVE SCARING AND STILL GET BREAK OUTS ONCE IN A WHILE. IVE TRIED EVERYTHING FROM INJECTIONS TO PILLS TO MICRODERM....I FINALLY WENT TO A SPA AND STARTED GETTING PEELS. ITS BEEN 4 WEEKS NOW, I GET THEM DONE EVERY WEEK. IVE NOTICED A CHANGE IN BLEMISHES, NOT IN ACNE YET. I WAS TOLD ITS GOING TO TAKE A LOT MORE PEELS AND SOME LASER ( WHILE I SWEAR BY, IVE DONE IT BEFOR ) AND I SHOULD B SEEING RESULTS IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. I RECOMMEND MICRODERM, PEELS AND LASER B4 I RECOMMEND MEDICATION. THE PEELS ARE 88$ PER PEEL. WELL WORTH IT
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December 18, 2007

Pros:

I like the glycolic acid peel. It is gentle but effective. It improves skin texture and appreance.

Cons:

a little bit of stinging but doesnt hurt that bad

I bought a bottle of 30% glycolic acid for about $15.00. I do it 1-2 times a week. It improved my acne greatly and improved my skin tone and texture. My skin looks amazing. I reccommend this for anyone who doesnt want to go throught a TCA peel which is very very painful.
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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.
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  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

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