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
March 24, 2007
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.
March 7, 2007
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
Its Cheap and quick and clears spots
Cons:
It stings while it is on and you do break out more
I've used 50% peel at home for 6 weeks (once a week) I started at 45 seconds, then moved up to 1 min 45, then 2 min 45 until 5 min 45. I am now taking a break for a month. The first treatment did nothing, it was more of a sensitivity test, then next week it tingled and began to sting, the week after i just wanted to scratch my face and wash it off but I was noticing a difference and 2 people commented on my complexion. At present my skin has broken out and this time on my cheeks-I normally only get spots on my chin. I hope this will go! My skin is softer. I use bicarb of soda when the time is up to neutralise as water alone is not enough. I hope when I start the course agian in 4 weeks at 2 mins and work up that my skin will respond - I'm confident that it will. I have invested in cleanser, tonner and moisturiser with glcoric 10% over the internet to use in the month between - I'm also confident this will work!
February 17, 2007
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
Evens skin tone, rids dead skin cells, get rid of any active pimples, softens skin, doesn't make skin peel
Cons:
May be irritating to people with more sensitive skin
I started having low intensity Glycolic Acid Peels at a local salon (Rizzieri's). It evened my skin tone but improved my acne minimally. I got a few compliments on my skin but still had a lot of zits :(. I went to a dermatologist to try stronger peels. I had to stay off of my acne medicine for two weeks before I got my peel done which didn't help :(. After that I stopped having the peels done. While in Walgreens I came acrossed a product called Pimple Eraser which is made by Miracle Care Network. I purchased it and this is the product of my dreams! It has helped my acne dramatically. I even recommended it my to friend and she bought her own but said it irritated her skin so she had to stop. I use it on my skin for a few weeks and then take a break and then start using it again.
November 3, 2009
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
not sure yet
Cons:
none
I did my first treatment Monday night and so far I guess its working. I got that intial breakout after my first use. I cant wait untill my 6th treatment so I can see results.
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.
March 6, 2008
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
helps clear skin, smoother texture
Cons:
drying, burning
started 30% peels myself, and my acne is less severe now. i was hoping it would help with discoloration & scars also, but not so much. i'm going to start back up in a month and hoping it makes my skin clear & more even tone.
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
February 22, 2007
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
I am using a Gycolic acid peel kit treatment brought from the local beauty shop. I have only used it twice, and can see amazing results. I would put the solution and wear it over night because it doesn't have a high percent of acid, so safe enough to wear when I sleep and in the morning I will remove with water. My skin is not really sensitive thats why I can bare the treatment and that's why I can see results, but I am also on medication pills to help with my skin(acne mild) aswell. I would recommend girls to try it cause it does work and if it doesn't it either your skin is really sensitive or your need a stronger strength or Gycolic acid because skin might produce to many olis.
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!
October 26, 2008
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
lighter complexion, smoother skin, younger looking
Cons:
the burning sensation was horrible! and I couldnt go out that same day because of how red I was
The cons are worth it
Ive used it twice and I love the results
Pros:
30% reduction in pink pigmentation