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
December 7, 2009
Cons:
Slight down time (for higher concentrations) and the possibility of not following the instructions and messing your face up. Can't be in the sun for 2-3 days after for risk of serious burning. (they aren't kidding about this, even @ 12.5%
Please for the love of god don't start with anything higher than 12.5%. One bottle of the 12.5% will last you 4-5 peels. Spread them out about 2-3 weeks apart, no sooner.
Understand that it isn't an instant cure. You're putting acid on your face, so your skin has to regrow and all that. I didn't really notice results until my 3rd peel (of the 12.5).
In my opinion (been an acne sufferer for years, now just deal with scars and occasional blackheads), tca peels are a LONG TERM treatment. You dont just buy a bottle, put some on, and expect results. I plan on doing several peels over the next year. You have to think long term if you are looking for dramatic results. You can speed this up by going higher %, but youll have the flaking, peeling, horrible downtime that people talk about. I have a job so I can't hide for 3 days at a time. With 12.5, you dont get this, but it obviously takes more treatments to get the desired results.
November 25, 2009
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
Smoother skin...
Red marks are fading (slowly).
Cons:
Whiteheads and pustules turn into scabs right after the peel.
Slight initial breakout.
Kinda expensive.
2 years post-accutane, I had a major breakout of tiny whiteheads and blackheads alll over my face. They weren't too noticeable from a few feet away, but the texture was horrible. It was especially noticeable in direct sunlight. After a few months the small bumps began turning into pustules and papules, one by one. They're not too difficult to pop at this stage, but they always leave a pink mark afterwards. I was put on differin XP and cindasol, and have recently had my first glycolic peel (70%). The first few days were horrible. Lots of scabs and redness, but as the days went by, the results got slightly better. My face is a bit smoother now (2 weeks after the peel), and some red marks seem to be fading, but the overall results aren't too noticeable. In fact, i think the red marks got darker in a few places... I'm going to try at home 60% peels every 2-3 weeks and see if that works for me. Apparently the results begin to show after a few treatments. Wish me luck.
November 3, 2009
Pros:
The only thing that manages my acne prone skin- I have extractions and a B-hydroxy peel every month. I also use Mandelic acid 15% morning and night. My skin is smooth and flawless where it used to be covered in tiny pimples.
Cons:
My face is a bit tender after the peel- for me my face is sensitive 1-5 days depending on how severe the peel is (whether you have it done at a spa or a dermatologist).
For me it works.
October 31, 2009
Pros:
save money
Cons:
look burned in the face for few days
I have used a 25 % TCA 3 days ago and so far so good. The first 2 days it looked terrible just like a brown patch or burn in the face, and since I have never done this before I was all worried but as it stands now it slowly start peeling and I cant wait to get the results. The laser treatment I went to charged me over 5 thousand dollars and this TCA bottle that I got from the states cost me 35 dollars plus shipping,lol, Gotta love the American for their products and a special thx to the laser treatment clinic that gave me a free information cession. My advice is get a good ointment cream, apply every 3 or 4 hours daily and repeat the peel every 4 weeks for 24 weeks.
October 18, 2009
Pros:
Gives fresh look to skin! Done by dr, 25% first peel; 25% & 50% three weeks later due to low result of first, stings a LOT, but do not need anesthetic. He covers w/ wet, cold gauze & stinging stops quickly. Go to a dr, he can redo if not satisfied
Cons:
4 days downtime minimum. $400. Dr will not use on neck or chest as scarring can result. Used salysilic acid on that area with minimal results. Had second peel 3 weeks later with better result. Brown, scabby look day 2 & 3, peeling day 3 & 4.
I didn't have scarring or acne, but am 50 and wanted fresher skin without brown spots. I can see a line where dr didn't go right under my eye. I'm going to use weak peels and do it at home.
Also have Rx for Retin A that I'll use every other day. That really makes me exfoliate, too. Better than microdermabrasion that drives those little crystals into my skin and CAUSES breakouts. If you're acne prone, DO NOT have microdermabrasion. My chin breaks out every time I have a micro. Confirmed with dermatologist that micros cause breakouts. If your dr. owns the machine and makes money from it, get a new dr.- he's cheating you.
October 16, 2009
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
found it improves the look of the skin, leaving it bright and young looking. definitely believe in doing them yourself as its much cheaper and can control how much you use.
Cons:
red for a few days, but on the third, it all usually comes up and suddenly look heaps better
depends on where you buy it and how much you use. id often use 30%-50% on myself and then apply vitamin e healing cream off the net. I get acne pretty easilly and this didnt make any worse. a few blackheads actually came out as I peeled, its a good feeling. think the results are permaenent, would do it more than once though, just to keep the improvements coming, the look after your skin :)
September 3, 2009
Pros:
TCA peels are great but only done by a professional. I am a Licensed Medical Esthetician and I have seen terrible things on people who use them who are not qualified.
Cons:
when people say they do a 25-30% tca at home it is not actually the same strength as what a Professional does. At that % people have to be sedated. It depends who made it, what PH it has and lots of other things
They are awesome and are a good way of getting rid of fine lines and light hyperpigmentation, but only when done by a professional
August 16, 2009
Pros:
I have giant zits, and milia, the pimples occasionally found beneath the skin. The place i went to to get this done, was amazing. My skin looks like a baby's ass. Smooth and FLAWLESS.
Cons:
You eyeball becomes really dry, and you get sever headaches, and then you crave cigarettes.
You should get it, although.. now I've started smoking, and i have to eye drops every two hours, but other than that, my skin is my primary priority and now that, that is done i can relax :)
August 4, 2009
Pros:
gets rid of all existing acne fast,
lightens red spots at first.
Cons:
causes tons of blackheads (I use to never have many
blackheads and now I have a ton!)
I have had one vitalize peel
and three PCA peels (different then TCA.)
I am always happy with my results at first,
but they don't seem to last long. I have had
some of my red spots fade, but some just
regain color. I am told that after six your skin
is normally great, and I have almost had six
so Im wondering just how effect these peels
are in the long run. I think it is still worth
it though, because it does help with acne.
July 21, 2009
Pros:
Left my skin beautiful after healing. Diminishes small lines after 3 treatments.
Cons:
Months after the treatments was exposed to sun ( with sunscreen) and had severe hyperpigmentation on upper lip and forehead where I had additional TCA places for small lines. Has taken months to begin to fade.
Great product if used properly! Does what it's supposed to , however, I don't recommend doing it at home unless you have thoroughly researched how to use because it can very easily burn.
Use a hat and sunscreen after using this product.
While you may enjoy the benefits of your TCA peel it does leave your skin more succeptible to sun damage that is hard to reverse.
Pros:
It does even out your skin, period. Its an acid, its not like there's much room for it to not work. Over time, will reduce scarring, period.