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
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.
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.
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.
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.
December 21, 2006
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

Works to clear up current acne and also fades past acne marks.

Cons:

Can dry out the skin if not used as reccomended.

I love it. I also look for acne washes that have Glycolic acid as an ingredient. I found a 1-step Glycolic acid peel at [link removed]. It's about $32 for 20 pads.
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.
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.
August 12, 2008

Pros:

no pros

Cons:

it's a waste of money

i regret i've done it. it didn't help :(
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
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

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.