Acne.org Products
Chemical Exfoliation
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Common sense might tell us that chemical peels seem like such a great idea for acne, but in the real world, acid alone just doesn’t seem to completely take care of acne. They can also be expensive and leave the skin red and peeling for a few days every time you get one.
Chemical Exfoliation
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one. Do not try this at home!
Used Chemical Peels? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
August 20, 2007
Cons:
painful!
I did the medium peel. My skin is 'sensitive' and so the doctor decided on a 25% TCA peel. I went into the procedure, perhaps foolishly, expecting it to be like a tingling sensation when the TCA is applied. Not so. The acid burns like the dickens, and the treatment is roughly equivalent to getting a second-degree burn on your face. Apparently you can have pain medication to ease the pain during the treatment. This might be a good idea to consider, but my main recommendation from the procedure is this: insist that your doctor give you an anti-swelling medication for post-op. My doc gave me two pills. It might have been helpful to have a few more. Secondly: DON'T RUB YOUR EYES. It's a very uncomfortable sensation to have skin peeling around your eyes. However, you will just cause your eyes to burn if you rub them. Plus, they could get infected. Lastly, play videogames to keep your hands off your face. Don't pick at your skin, unless you like having your face burned off.
May 25, 2007
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
Great treatment
Cons:
Takes a Few peels to see results
I have literally tried hundreds of products over the last couple of years. None seemed to help I have been on thr regimine for about 6 months with little results. Frusterated,I decided that I would try out a estatition. I decided on microdermaabrasion with a glycolic peel. AMAZING! The first couple of sessions did make me brake out but after the fourth my skin looks better than it's looked in years. I am now trying MD Forte's glycolic face wash along with a glycolic mosturizer and can really see a differance in my skin. Try it , it migh work for you too.
February 22, 2007
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
Evens skin tone, reduces overall blemishes, gives skin a "glow", and reduces pore size.
Cons:
After extractions (which is recommended) my face is inflamed, but the next day its great! Because this is a mild peel, I expect real results are going to take a lot longer than I would like, but I'd rather wait it out to avoid looking bad for 2 wks.
I've only had 2 peels and Blu-U Light right after. That and the combination of tetracyclene (500mg twice day)has done wonders. I only have red spots left, and hopefully after 6-8 treatments they will all be gone. I recommend seeing a specialist/Aesthetician because, unlike a derm Dr, the aesthetician wants you to look good. My treatment is $250 for 6 peels and its worth it.
March 24, 2012
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
lightens
Cons:
burns
redness
Sooooo I bought the 30% Glycolic Peel and ive been using it twice a week on my neck and chest for to months now and I havent seen that big of a change. Im 20 years old and ive been suffering from acne DARK MARKS for about 4 years and ive literally tried everything. I dont know if I should get a stronger version of this or get a skinbrightening cream. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
May 6, 2009
Pros:
Works EXTREMELY well; can buy your own home kits. Used %50 on my face and followed directions, lightened my darker scars dramatically and got rid of existing acne and other scars completely. Very inexpensive for a home kit.
Cons:
About one week down time with crusting and peeling of the skin. Have to use SPF after the treatment for about 3 months. Burning of the skin (only when first applied) for about 3 minutes.
It DOES work very very efficiently; yet the actual % varies on a person actual skin type. Basically eliminated all of my acne in 2 treatments of high concentration %50 TCA in 3 weeks.
July 25, 2008
Pros:
None
Cons:
I had a facial peel prescribed to me by a dermatologist done yesterday morning and suffered severe 2nd degree burns due to it. I am certainly never doing this again if my face ever goes back completely normal.
Be warned, dermatologists are not to be always trusted.
June 16, 2008
Pros:
Skin Vitalize Peel...Smooth, baby soft skin. Acne and acne marks lessened
Cons:
Can be expensive but worth it if you buy the package
Everyone's skin will react differently to this peel. For me, this peel has saved me from hiding out in my house as I once did. I have much more confident. In my last year of college I broke out horribly and then a year later I heard about this I decided to give this a shot. It's been a year now since my first peel and it has made such a significant difference for me and my face. You have to have patience and give it shot.
July 28, 2007
Pros:
After you get through the peeling, smooth skin...reduced oiliness...far less breakouts...in fact, Ive had 1 cystic pimple since I had my first peel (1 month ago)...I just had my 3rd peel yesterday. It also reduces redness from scarring!!! Worth it!
Cons:
1st peel (lactic peel)-minimal peeling, no redness
2nd peel (salicylic acid peel)-VERY Red and serious peeling and crusting--lasted 5 days, couldn't leave the house
3rd peel (Jessner's peel)-Slight redness, some flaking...not as extreme peeling
I bought a package called "The Clear Concept Acne Treatment." I have the peels in conjunction with a microdermabrasion and a blue/red light after the peel. I also have the aramis laser during these peels. This builds collagen for deep scars. So far, this is working. My skin is far less oily and I have about 80% less breakouts. It is reducing the scarring as well. I am 25 and have had acne all my life, but it just became severe in the last 5 months. Prior to Feb, I would break out occasionally, but then it started to become more frequent and would be cystic in nature, which of course started scarring my face. I have tried topical and oral antibiotics, but nothing seems to work and antibiotics won't do anything for the scarring. So far, these peels are gradually lessening the active acne and reducing the redness in my scarring. I have 3 more peels to go in my package and 4 more laser treatments. I continue to stay realistically optimistic. I would reccommend this treatment.
August 22, 2009
Pros:
i had it done today so i hope it works!
Cons:
burns when they put the peel on and for like an hour after..but then it starts to look and feel better.. try not to irritate or scrub your skin too much before your chemical peel cuz it burns more on the sensitive spots.
can't say if its gonna work yet but the doc said 90% success in clearing up acne after a few times so i really hope it does work :) he showed me a lot of before and after photos of his patients and it sold me.. so I paid $700 for 8 laser and chemical peel treatments.
July 24, 2009
Pros:
- Improved hyperpigmentation problems.
- Smoother and soft skin.
Cons:
- Requires a lot of down time (about a week).
- Quite expensive for one bottle.
I've used Glycolic/Lactic acids to remove some dark spots on my forehead and they only lightened them up as well as making the rest of my skin smoother. However, after using TCA (first 10%, then 20%), my dark spots on my forehead lightened a LOT (60%+ improvement). Made me skin much softer, smoother, and radiant. Only con is downtime and the amount of money to spend on one bottle, which probably won't last long...
Pros:
smoother skin, eliminates very shallow scars