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
November 24, 2007
Cons:
Did not help with my small scars, expensive & faced was red for 2 weeks
Use if you want smooth, soft-feeling skin to the touch. Not exactly visually. Pigments still red. Have to use AHA at home.
November 7, 2007
Pros:
i did a chemical peel and it was a strong peel,i didnt read the instruction well,and i had to mix the bottle with half the medication and distilled water .
Cons:
I have real bad pigmentation and now it l;ooks worse,and anyone tell me what to do .
Any one that can help me can email me at doralee_35@[link removed]
November 6, 2007
Pros:
Great for lighter skin tones, notice a difference after the first one, many different types to choose form
Cons:
Slight to moderate burning when applied, pretty bad peeling for a few days after
I greatly recommend chemical peels done by an esthetician. Estheticians can assess your skin and they have many peels they can choose from. For example, I had a tomato peel done. It's works for removing scars and treating existing acne. Many people don't know that tomatoes are actually very beneficial to skin, as many acids exist in it. The first day after my peel, my skin was a tad pink, but no flaking yet. The next morning it was very flaky and then peeled to reveal new skin. Overall, I do recommend this to be done by an esthetician.
November 4, 2007
Pros:
Not sure as yet
Cons:
tolerable burning sensation during the application, which was done on a Wednesday. I started peeling on a Friday, today is Saturday and I have a lot more peeling. Also if skin is closely looked at it shows very tiny breakouts
when the peeling stops, will assess and see if any benefit noted, but I will definitely go with another treatment b4 making any final decisions
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
October 15, 2007
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
Helps clear up skin, controls moderate acne, gives my skin a "glow"
Cons:
Does irritate the skin and cause peeling
I have used glycolic peels in the 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% strength. It took me 2 years to work my way up from 20% to 50%. I do the peels approximately every other week, and alternate with 12.5% TCA peels periodically. I feel that this regimen has helped keep my skin clear and I receive many compliments on my "glowing" skin. I am 33 years old and am constantly mistaken for being much younger. These peels do cause irritation and skin peeling. If/when I don't do the peels for a while, this irritation/peeling is worse. I also use glycolic toner and cleanser and copper peptide serum/emu oil as part of my regimen. I purchase all of my products from an online store that I have been extremely satisfied with. Most important - follow directions exactly - when in doube
October 13, 2007
Pros:
Vitalize peel: Fast process, maybe too fast. I am used to some prep time for the skin, not just an alcohol swabbing beforehand. Minimal peeling, I'd define it more accurately as "flaking" than true peeling.
Cons:
Not deep enough. I selected the
Vitalize peel because I was told this peel would be deeper than Jessner's(which I had in the past). No burning sensation (which was good led me to believe the peel would not be deep. It was not.
I was not overly impressed. I had upgraded the peel based upon the information presented that Vitalize would give a much deeper peel than Jessners. I paid extra (upgrade was $30, total reg. cost for this peel was $129, as compared to $99 for Jessner's), extra for what I am not certain. I'd suggest for deeper peels use Jessner's or TCA peel. The literature tells you you will start peeling on day 2-3. There was no tightening of my skin, no redness as I had experienced in the past with other peels. The peeling amounted to light flaking here and there. The flaking continued up to day 4. I had not done a peel in over 3-4 yrs time, so I was expecting a more aggressive result. I had even informed the clinic that I was looking for a more aggressive peel. I selected the Vitalize at their suggestion, and to compare with what I knew of how my skin reacted with Jessner's in the past. My skin is med-fair, some freckles, some sun damage, few wrinkles.
October 8, 2007
Pros:
I have use the EZpeel TA peel and the 50% strength on my face that i ordered from [link removed] i loved the results on the EZpeel because they is no downtime and it is for all skin type. I loved the 50% but the down time is 7 days!!!
It made a huge difference on my skin appearane and texture and all my friends are amazed how good my skin look now.
October 6, 2007
Pros:
Good for management/prevention of breakouts.
Improvement in tone/pigment.
Cons:
Multiple procedures required.
Peeling can get annoying.
Won't improve redness/plush, and not the best choice for moderate/severe acne.
This is specifically for the VitaPeel - which I didn't see anywhere else on this board. VitaPeel is great. I have seen a huge reduction in breakouts, and great improvement in skin tone, reduction in pigment, and improvement in scars. I use this combined with the Fraxel (for scars) and V-beam (for redness) - see my reviews on these for more info. Use: Did 2 in first month initially to clear up the skin, then have done once a month for management/prevention of breakouts.
October 4, 2007
Pros:
Very effective! Keeps my skin soft, smooth, and clear
Cons:
Slight discomfort/peeling/redness
I use the 12.5% at home TCA peel purchased from an online site. I have never had problems with this strength. I use it approx. once a month and follow with applications of Copper Peptide serum and emu oil (also purchased online). The first day post-peel my skin feels slightly tight and looks red and kind of wrinkly. By the 4th or 5th day after, I am usually done peeling. Sometimes I do a 30% glycolic peel in between TCA peels also. I have received MANY compliments on my "glowing" skin, and I attribute it completely to doing this regimen. I agree with others that you must use caution, but if you follow the directions, you should be fine. I have never used more than 12.5% strength, but I am thinking of bumping up to the 15% next time I order.
Pros:
Makes skin soft, temporary reduces acne formation & facial shine