Chemical Exfoliation
Reviews
3.4
372 Reviews
Chemical Exfoliation
Efficacy
61%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Chemical Exfoliation
Side Effects
Medium
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!
Read All About Chemical Peels
Compare To Other Treatments
5
26.3%
4
28%
3
19.9%
2
12.1%
1
13.7%

Used Chemical Peels? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
September 18, 2008

Pros:

Hyperpigmentation, mild to moderate scars, interrupts acne breakout cycle, fine lines and wrinkles diminished. Post-peel kit for after care is given to you to take home!

Cons:

Can have a tingling sensation at the start of treatment, skin visibly/physically sloughs off.

Had the VI Peel performed just before Memorial Day '08, and again 09/15/08. Excellent results, your skin is much brighter and even toned. Women beware: You can't cover up with make-up because of the peeling. After you complete the peeling process, you will not want to wear make-up.
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September 2, 2008

Pros:

Face felt clean and tight. No down time, just felt like a mild sunburn. Removed superficial scars and discoloration.

Cons:

Lasted a month or so. Repeated treatments required.

This is the best treatment for skin that has blackheads and whiteheads and if you're a picker. It's at Kelly Day Spa at the Mission Inn Hotel and Resort. They have many treatments and can tell what is best for you. I really like the microdermabrasion with acid peel treatment and do it every month to three months. It is not very expensive and has great results within the first day.
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August 22, 2008
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

made my skin look refreshed-smooth and shiny.

Cons:

i did a professional peel, so it was $70, and it was recommended every other month for best results. made my skin very sensitive to sun

youthful skin, give it a chance. home remedies always are "ify" because you are not a dermatologist. You have no idea, even if it says on the box, what you actually have purchased and the best way to use it.
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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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April 7, 2007

Pros:

chemical peels are more beneficial than microdermabrasion! however the results take longer to see...

Cons:

excessive peeling... dry irratated skin

It works...patience is key when dealing with acne
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November 24, 2017
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
glycolic acid and skincare routine using natural products got rid of acne marks and acne scars.
all you have to do to get a clear acne free skin and to avoid future breakouts is to follow a regular skincare routine with all natural products. like cleansing, toning, moisturizing and exfoliating or scrubbing. i first take off my makeup with some oil based cleanser then i exfoliate my skin with apricot scub (you can use any brand) after scrubbing my skin i use some foam based cleanser which contains salicylic acid which is a face wash, after that i apply rose water as a toner with the help of a cotton ball, then i apply store bought aloe vera gel as my moisturizer i let it soak in after it is soaked into my skin after 5 minutes then i apply glycolic acid 12% cream at night. by following this skincare routine my skin is pretty much clear now acne free and my mild acne scaring has reduced it isn't noticeable and it got rid of acne marks in just a few weeks i don't get any whiteheads or pimples anymore, because regular exfoliating your skin gets rid of dead skin cells which causes whiteheads and rose water has anti bacterial properties which kills bacteria on your face that's why your pores less likely to get infected. and i use an apricot scrub thrice a week even though I'm using glycolic acid cream everyday it avoided my initial breakout which glycolic acid could've caused. and for morning routine i wash my face with the foaming cleanser face wash then i use rose water as a toner then aloe vera gel as a moisturizer above that i use sunscreen then do my makeup and ready to start off my day. by following this skincare routine my skin produces less oil now, my skin was super oily before now its balanced. i don't get any whiteheads and pimples and all my acne marks have cleared up and my mild acne scaring reduced so much.
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February 22, 2009

Pros:

Improves skin tone, color, acne, scars (smoothes the scar) and affordable!

Cons:

Takes several treatments (5-6) to see improvement.

If you have bad acne, I recommend you to get this treatment asap before you get acne scar.
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January 1, 2009

Pros:

Affordable compared to other peels.

Cons:

This is a harsh peel, and you will not be presentable outside. Skin peeled off in sheets, but after that I looked no better. No one ever knew I had a peel.

I don't think I would do this again. My skin didn't look any better after the peel. If you rub your face, your skin will turn red and you will scar. I was very disappointed with the results.
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September 1, 2008
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

Reasonably priced

Cons:

-destroyed my skin
-made my skin crack
-over drying

I have dry skin and I wouldn't recommend it for anyone who also has dry skin. It made my skin SO bad. Caused so much redness in my face and made my face have some sort of broken vein like line.It also cracked my skin causing scars and other marks. If you have dry skin I'd avoid this...
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July 27, 2008

Pros:

skin with out acne is smoother

Cons:

my pitted scar was deeper, more and more acne appears at the area which i have nv experience acne before

i have more ance after the peel and its getting worst after each seesion. the doctor say for the 1st 3 months my acne wil get worst because the seed below my skin is being resurface....i dont knwo wherther its true...but compared to my face 3 months ago...i wish i have never try doing chemical peel..its much more better back then
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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.
  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.