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
June 23, 2007

Pros:

within 24 hours, the redness had subsided and my skin was really glowing and fresh. Instand revitalization.

Whole procedure took 10 minutes

Cons:

redness, slight burning and tingling, tightness immediately after the procedure

worth it, but you have to go every couple of weeks. i've only had the lightest peel done, however.
April 10, 2008

Pros:

HIGH strength (65% solution) Glycolic, Lactic and and enzyme peels are effective when used in conjunction with collagen enhancement products (Retinol .3% minimum or retinyl palmitate, Stable 20% L-Ascoribic acid serum, home micro-dermabrasion etc.)

Cons:

Slow results, skin irritation, have to alternate therapies to avoid pummeling your skin, photo sensitivity, irregular and sometimes adverse reactions.

I have pitted acne scars on my cheeks and forehead. I have been treating them for about 2 years with glycolic peels and lactic acid. I have recently purchased retinol and vitamin c serums to try out. Sometimes I think it's not working because the progress is so slow. Then I look at old pictures and realize how much my skin has improved. I accept the fact that I will not achieve flawless skin, but some scars have disappeared and others have softened and faded. I haven't started the Retinol or L-Ascorbic acid but I've read some of research of their remodeling of collagen. I have purchased all of these products from [link removed]. They're not that expensive and their solutions are exact. One 1/2 ounce bottle of 65% glycolic acid cost me $35 and I have gotten at least 15 peels out of it. Be patient, be careful with stronger solutions, avoid the sun and let your skin have a chance to heal. Also try Derma-E products. Most of all, eat well, exercise and don't smoke!
August 31, 2007

Pros:

I did the EZPEEL from MYTCAPEEL website and i applied it all over my face it completely clean my acne and dry everything up without making me peel, i could lso apply makeup rigth away, it losed my pores and removed the excess oil on my skin. I use it

I love it, it is great for oily skin as a skin regimen.
January 17, 2007

Pros:

Dermetologist really know what they are doing...LISTEN to them.

Cons:

Even though some Dermetologist will approch curtain issues lightly first its for your own good. This will allow them to get to know your skin and how it reacts.

I had my first "glycolic peel" done. This was done at a medical spa, not my Dr. office. As soon as they applied the acid to my face its started to burn really bad....i mean my face was on fire. They left it for about 2 minutes b/c that is how long i could tolerate it. Afterwards my skin looked like someone took a blow tourch and went over my face with it. I had blistering and 1 day later my whole face was like a big scab. About 3 days later my face started to peel. Now i see more breakouts then ever. The peel made my skin thiner thus causing the breaks out under my skin to come to the surface. The up side to this traget event is that my face is more even, pores smaller, and the dark post acne marks gone. I really caution u give to do your research. If you had an experience like mine then your dermetologist/aesthetician/anyone is NOT the one to go to. Rather then having a glycolic peel i would recommend a Salicylic Acid Peels. SA peels will clear skin up,glycolic is for post ance
July 15, 2009

Pros:

skin feels softer the day you get one done

Cons:

didnt improve the overall appearance of my skin

im very insecure about my skin, because its oily and i get break outs from time to time. so, I went to a local medical estetics place and they prescribed me a new skin care line (cleanser, moisterizer and retnol pads). ive been using it for about 3 weeks now, and my skin is the worst ive ever seen it. pimples everywhere, and my skin is red, and it hurts. Ive had two chemical peels so far and i havent noticed a significant change. i think its a waste of time and money.
September 12, 2007

Pros:

your skin looks better

Cons:

to much downtime, had to call off work today feel horrible about it

buy it, it works
March 22, 2009

Cons:

For a few days it creates this outer layer, usually a darker shade in comparison to my skin tone, looks kinda glassy

Didn't really work for me, but I think it works if you try it every two weeks.
January 9, 2008

Pros:

IM STILL WAITING....

Cons:

BURNING/ITCHING DURING PEEL

IVE HAD BAD ACNE ( CYSTIC TO B EXACT ) SINCE I WAS 16ISH AND NOW IM 24, I HAVE SCARING AND STILL GET BREAK OUTS ONCE IN A WHILE. IVE TRIED EVERYTHING FROM INJECTIONS TO PILLS TO MICRODERM....I FINALLY WENT TO A SPA AND STARTED GETTING PEELS. ITS BEEN 4 WEEKS NOW, I GET THEM DONE EVERY WEEK. IVE NOTICED A CHANGE IN BLEMISHES, NOT IN ACNE YET. I WAS TOLD ITS GOING TO TAKE A LOT MORE PEELS AND SOME LASER ( WHILE I SWEAR BY, IVE DONE IT BEFOR ) AND I SHOULD B SEEING RESULTS IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. I RECOMMEND MICRODERM, PEELS AND LASER B4 I RECOMMEND MEDICATION. THE PEELS ARE 88$ PER PEEL. WELL WORTH IT
November 24, 2007

Pros:

Makes skin soft, temporary reduces acne formation & facial shine

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.
September 17, 2007

Pros:

Used with caution, it's excellent. By that i mean, 12, or 15%. Have a leaf of aloe vera handy. as soon as you aply it starts the burning process and there's nothing better than aloe vera gel to calm your skin. you can buy aloe at your supermarket.

Cons:

I don't advice anything stronger than 18% at home. I've done the 30% at the doctor's office but it's costly. I rather do at home for less but at a safe rate.

I use the 12%, and reaply it. Wait 5 minutes. use a aloe vera gel or the plant itself. Use a exfoliator when it's peeling to help the process. Use a oil free mosturizer. Use a sunscren. In a few months you have a new face.

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.