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
August 2, 2011
Cons:
burns a bit; I can only use one every few months so skin heals properly; pigmentations get super dark and leathery for up to 2 weeks
I used hydroquinone for 3 months with ZERO results! I saw results in 2 weeks with this peel. I would repurchase, but it may not be necessary because 1/2 oz would last a lifetime if I'm only gonna use it only 3-4 times per year. I only spot treat for now. I just can't do my entire face without looking like a burn victim for 2 weeks. In the back of my mind, I fear that my skin would not heal properly and leave me with skin worse than what I have now... My supervisor asked if I was ok. He probably thought someone hit me in the eye.
May 13, 2011
Pros:
Cleared current acne, reduced scars and redness
Cons:
Peeling skin for 5 days, expensive, but worth the results.
I have struggled with acne for as long as I can remember. It was mostly on my jawline area and a few on my forehead and chin. I even had some cystic acne and it was very red and noticeable. I did some research and found out jawline acne is caused by unbalanced hormones, especially common in woman in their twenties and thirties who are still suffering from acne. Some of the recommendation were to cut out foods containing hormones, especially dairy. Dairy and meat are REALLY bad for acne prone skin because of all the hormones in the animal meat and in the milk. So I went pescatarian and dont eat nearly as much dairy as before. (Cocunut Ice Cream is SOOO good) Anyways I have also had 2 chemical peels so far. They dried up my acne and reduced redness so much already and my esthetician recommend six for maximum benifits. I cant wait for the full results. I have tried everything and finally Iam beginning to see results and people are also commenting on my skin and how clear it is. So bottom line try to reduce or elimanate meat and dairy, drink lots of water and try the chemical peels It worked for me and is worth a try for anyone suffering with acne.
December 10, 2010
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
Great results!
Cons:
Tingle a little...
I had lot of large pores, my skin is oily and I get pimples. I tried the Glycolic acid peel 30 from ANAIS SKIN CARE about 3 weeks ago now and I am very pleased with the results. I also use their TCA cleanser first. Which help the glycolic to go deeper! I am very happy with this Glycolic peel. I paid about 30 buck for the bottle.
November 2, 2010
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
30% Gylocic Acidf for 4 weeks - Smaller ice pick scars, smaller pores, fine lines, improved complection, lines under eyes gone, brown spots on skin from sun damage gone
Cons:
It does burn and will cause stubborn acne to flare up that is stuck under skin at first but that will fade within 3-4 days. There is a 3-4 day reddness and peeling period but this is normal and yes sometimes it does appear to scab but this is usually in areas that has severe pore clogging.
I have before and after photos and the results are amazing. I had huge pores and terrible acne before and now nothing, my skin is FINALLY beautiful. It tightened my skin, ridded me of lines (even under my eyes) During my first application I did have alot of flare up and peeling but it was normal due to all of the clogged pores that had been that way for awhile. I do reccommend getting some Emu oil or vit e and using nothing but that afterwards. It helped the healing time tremendously! I bought my peel from ebay through a very reputable seller. I cant tell you enough though you must be patient with this because your face WILL turn red and peel if you do it correctly. Follow ALL directions or it might not work properly!
October 15, 2010
Pros:
Shows good results pretty fast. Better skin. Doesn't take long to get and not painful.
Cons:
None
This works people need to really read up on it. Find a person who knows what they are doing, a person who cares about your skin. It maybe be spendy but you are taking care of your face, which is well worth it. 3 peels make a huge difference for acne or sun damage and even wrinkles.
July 18, 2010
Product used: Jessner Peel
Pros:
-Smoother skin
-Pimples go flat so when makeup is applied, skin looks flawless
-Dries out existing pimples
-evens out skintone
Cons:
-Need to stay at home, away from public eye for about 4 days.
-Peeling, skin feels tight from days 2-4
-Skin looks awful during day 2-4
Works well, my skin is so smooth, it is the 6th day of my Jessner peel and I love it,
I actually got the Ultraceuticals Vitapeel which is a modified version of the Jessner's peel.
Highly recommended!
July 7, 2010
Pros:
Results in gorgeous skin. Fades scars and hyperpigmentation significantly, removes acne, smoothens skin, etc.
Cons:
Intense uncomfortable burning during the procedure. Very tight, leathery, dry skin afterwards. Takes 5-7 days for peeling to stop.
I had a salicylic acid peel and lactic acid peel done about a week ago, and I love the results. I had horrible scarring and hyperpigmentation from hormonal acne. Now, my skin looks so much better, and I feel very confident going out in public now. Be sure to apply plenty of moisture to your face, and use a gentle cleanser like cetaphil. You can still see some slight imperfections on my skin, but its nowhere near as noticeable. I'm going to get 2 or 3 more peels done to maximize the results.
November 21, 2009
Pros:
I prepped for four weeks with 50% glycolic peels, one per week. I did the 15% TCA and it was mild.I only had flakes.I am moving up to another level. The acne that I had was diminished.
Cons:
Didn't "snake peel", wanted too:( But I will move up in strength. It is always best not to burn yourself and to test out products first. The good news though is that I can successfully do this at the same downtime as a glycolic(a weekend of flakies)
Buy least % first. Even the first glycolic was crazy, but then they all had adjusted to a certain tolerance, so I didn't scar myself. I am excited to see long term goals.
Forehead gets nice and taught, which is a good feeling.I am only 26, but I like anything that makes me feel young:)
Good luck...
$40 for both glycolic and TCA
September 26, 2009
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
Works very well.. doesnt dry my skin out as other users have stated. Very fast acting, down time is minimal. inexpensive way to get professional results.
Cons:
It does sting a bit.. if you cannot tolerate slight irritation for a minute or two, I would be concered.
Okay here is my honest breakdown. #1 I am a man of color,Im sure there are others like me who wonder would this actually work for our skin types.The answer is Yes! and a big YES! I can honestly say I have seriously tried every over the counter product,including having tried proactive, murad etc etc,although, not saying those products (proactive) doesnt work,but if your skin is anythign like mine,those products work for a few weeks, then all of a sudden decide to take a vacation, then POOF! they lose there effectiveness.So i decided to try the glycolic peel,Read pages and pages of reviews and decided to go along and try it,My first impression applying the product, as i read in many reviews was that this would sting a bit. But after application it wasnt as bad as I thought. (40% strength) .. I had many breakouts on my forehead prior, but after neutralizing the Glyc. then once dried and applied the PH.. most of the pimples were dried up right after, i recommend this to anyone!
August 29, 2009
Pros:
Diminishes Acne Marks, Gets rid of Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Even Skin Tone, Smooth Young Skin, Reverses Signs of Aging, Easily done at home, Takes away sun damaged skin, Loads of Positive Comments on how you look, Bottles last years, Really Affordabl
Cons:
Down Time, about a week of skin peeling, just use mild cleanser and Vaseline to Moisturize
Those that have a negative response seem to be the ones that had a lower % peel and paid hundreds of dollars to get it done by a professional. If you can follow instructions, don't panic when it burns (it is supposed to) and are careful during the recovery, you should do it at home Imo I paid $20 for 2 100% strength Tca bottles. Diluted to make a 12% solution for my first peel, 4 weeks later made a 25% peel. The results are unquestionable, really great! 6 weeks after the second, I did another 25% peel and the overall results after these 3 peels are really awesome. The best product I've ever spent such a little amount of money on. I can't believe how slack they are charging thousands of dollars for a peel you can do yourself for $20! I had fine lines around my eyes and was beginning to get dark pigmentation around my eyes (dark circles) and they are all gone, like I am 17 again. Some wouldn't use it under their eyes, but I went ahead and put it all over my including right up to my eyes.
Pros:
effective on hyperpigmentations from acne and age spots; faster results than skin lightening creams/lotions/hydroquinone.