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
24.9%
4
24.2%
3
20.1%
2
14.3%
1
16.5%

Used Chemical Peels? Rate It:

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August 19, 2007

Pros:

UMMM, none

Cons:

Burns, tightness, excessive peeling that hasn't stopped on day 5. Red sensitive skin. Bad for pickers

Would never do again.
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May 13, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

everything!! I now have severe acne and the physician who did it, said it'll go away. Oh, ok when!!?? I'm so upset I will never recommend this to anyone!!

don't do it....you just never know what could happen.
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March 7, 2009

Pros:

None as yet

Cons:

Made some of my spots worse, and I actually have gained some wrinkles that I didn't have before. I now believe your epidermis is there for reason and should not be burnt off! The skin is now much more sensitive and open to damage.

Totally not worth the cost. I've had one out of my four TCA peels. They've told me to have the other 3 one week apart but I think I'll pass - I do not believe they are beneficial and for acne prone skin it makes us unable to use deep cleansing products as you then have to be so gentle with the damaged skin. Don't bother - have lots of facials and use good products instead.
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August 12, 2008

Pros:

no pros

Cons:

it's a waste of money

i regret i've done it. it didn't help :(
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June 22, 2008

Pros:

nothing

Cons:

i don't recommend them at all. it gets rid of some scars but really creates more scars after because it burns your skin. i paid 200 for 5 sessions, but not really worth it

no
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April 6, 2007

Pros:

None, unless you consider lightening your wallet for nothing a pro.

Cons:

Waste of money, made my face worse, made huge permanent dark marks on my face.

If you are going to get a chemical peel, do NOT get a TCA peel. I had a low 15% peel and it RUINED my face. It felt like a blow torch was being put to my face when it was applied (by a nurse at my dermatologist's office), I looked like a burn victim for the next week and I could only take two days off from work, and when I went back, co-workers didn't even recognize me! I took two weeks to heal, and it left huge scars all over and made my acne worse! I regret it totally now and I am now wasting more money to correct this disaster. If you are going to get a peel, get a Beta-Lift peel. They are lighter & you have to get them done more often, but they actually work and they don't leave scarring and you can go right back to work. Again, please trust me. Go with Beta-Lift peels. The TCA's are too risky and you may regret it like me. What really blows me away is that they have do-it-yourself home kits for these! What is the FDA thinking?! I went to a doctor and it was a disa
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March 24, 2007

Pros:

30% reduction in pink pigmentation

Cons:

5 days of intense peeling (like a snake shedding it's skin) and mild itching. Also, there was no reduction in deep pitted scars.

Retin-A Peels: The first peel reduce pink scars about 15%, the second peel did NOTHING, and the third peel reduced pink scars about 15%. The pain is minimal (about a 3 at its height) and only lasts about 20 minutes. Do not pick or pull your skin while it peels, or it could leave permanent scars...but my dog did actidently paw my face and it did not leave permanet damage. Retin-A peels are inexpensive, and give only mild results. You should have a series done. You will peel and look like a burn victem for 5 days, but the 30% reduction in pigmentation was worth it for me.
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March 5, 2009

Pros:

Got rid of a huge ugly pimple within a couple of days!

Cons:

Peeling, fever blisters

This is the second time I've gotten a chemical peel and it wasn't bad at all. My face was red for about 30 minutes after the treatment. I did get a fever blister (which was previously explained to me; if you are prone to getting fever blisters when you have a cold you are likely to get them after this process). The best part about this treatment was that it got rid of this huge pimple on my chin within a couple of days! I loved it. It also made the texture of my skin smoother.
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October 30, 2007

Pros:

ITS COVERED BY MY INSURANCE... Lessoning my active acne. Bottom Line: If you go to a dermatologist to get them done check with your insurance company and send it in yourself. Read below...

Cons:

None for me

I have Aetna and have been on Acne meds for years, I'm 27. Go to [link removed], "Members: Public Information"--> "Health Coverage Information"-->"Clinical Policy Bulletins"--> "Medical"-->and then search Acne. the people that I spoke to at Aetna could not give me a 100% answer that it would/wouldnt be covered. So I took a chance and got one. I sent it in for reimbursmant and have been covered ever since...I still have a co-pay. IMPORTANT...my doctor's office first sent it in and it kept on getting denied...the reason is because the doctors bill it as a cosmetic procedure. So I have to pay full price and then send it in and get reimbursed by Aetna
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January 15, 2007

Pros:

I can tell a slight difference and it makes your skin very soft.
Although I am on a regiman (Purpose cleanser, Benza-cline, Differin, and Eucerin SPF) I haven't had but a few breakouts since I started the peels last fall.

Cons:

You have to stick with the plan and not wait 2 months to go back. Forking out $75-$100 a visit once a month for a student like me is quite a bit but IF it works it's definately worth it. Keyword is IF!!!!!
Peeling also sucks but it's part of it so

So far I've done a series of 3 AHA chemical peels about 30 days apart give or take a few. The first visit they used 10% and went over my face twice, the second we went up to 15% but just did it once, and this last visit we used 15% but did it twice. Next time I'm hoping to go up to 20%. Being light skinned helps since you don't really have to worry about discoloration. I can tell a difference but I want something to work NOW...but don't we all?!? I'm hoping if I stick with the program by my 5th one I'll be able to tell a big difference. Once the peel is apilied it's uncomfortable but it only lasts a few minutes. I have a little redness for about a day but nothing huge then around day 2 the peeling starts. I didn't really have too much peeling with the 1st or 2nd but the last one the peeling lasted for about 1 week. Overall, I'd recommend it but follow their instructions exactly!
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