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
February 1, 2012
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Cons:
It's acid so be careful
I'm an African American woman in my 30's and I bought 70% glycolic acid on eBay last week for $8. I used it on my face but diluted the acid first. 1 tsp acid and 1-1/2 tsps water. I wanted to take it easy on my face the first time around. First I washed my face with my regular cleanser (Ambi bar soap), then I soaked a cotton ball with alcohol and cleansed my face again. Then, I used a make-up/paint brush to apply the acid over my entire face. I let it sit for 3 minutes then rinsed with ice cold water and baking soda mixed. After I rinsed, I mixed all natural Vitamin E oil ($3 at Whole Foods Grocery Store) and Aloe Vera gel (also bought from Whole Foods) and applied it to my face and went to bed. The next morning I rinsed my face with water and WITCH HAZEL, then reapplied the vit E and aloe mix to my face. I did not peel but my skin was definitely brighter the next day, almost like a bleaching effect. I looked in the mirror the next morning and was WOWed by the results!!! I'm definitely satisfied with my appearance but I wouldn't repeat the process as often as the bottle says because like I said it definitely brightened/lightened my face... A LOT... I'm not trying to turn white or light skinned, I LOVE my cocoa complexion, I just want to lighten my hyperpigmentation spots. Next time I'll spot treat. I ALSO USED 70% GLYCOLIC ACID ON MY LEGS AND KNEES to no avail. I DID NOT dilute the acid, it tingled a little when applying but no immediate results. I'll try it again but so far--- the face absolute immediate results'---- for the legs and knees not so much.... Hope this helps someone out there... 70% glycolic on the body and legs ...NO RESULTS YET... If anyone out there has remedies for hyperpigmentation on the inner thighs and knees please speak up!!! You never know whom you may be helping!!! Peace and Blessings,
Bay Area LadyBug
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.
October 24, 2009
Pros:
Clears up acne and reduces fine lines
Cons:
Results do not last
I had a Chemical peel (TCA/30%) last year. After four to five days of downtime, my skin did look younger and healthier. Acne, acne scars, and fine lines were reduced. However, my results were temporary. I believe this is because skin is swollen and plump after a chemical peel which visible reduces some skin imperfections. After some time, my skin returned to its original state. Would recommend this treatment if you can deal with the down time and want to temporary improve your skin for an upcoming event (party, event, etc.)
August 16, 2009
Pros:
some downtown, it really depends on how fast your skin recovers, for me, it takes about 3-5 days
Cons:
burns like hell when the chemical peel is applied, but it's worth it in the end... and STAY OUT OF THE SUN!!!
I have had really bad acne scarring since the beginning of January after having really bad severe acne last year. The texture of my skin was not smooth, there were craters EVERYWHERE and it looked like i had really bad stretch marks on my face. so I ended up doing chemical peels since January. It's now August, and after having the peels performed on me once a month since January (just finished my 8th peel), my skin texture is sooooooo different! MY GOD! It's so smooth now, and MUCH LESS craters. I've noticed after each peel, I saw a 5%-20% improvement. Doesn't sound like much, but think about it, I've been using using it for the 8th month now, so my skin texture is WOW. the craters are more plumped up so it's more even with my normal skin, and a lot of the discolorations from the acne scars are almost gone. If you have never gotten it done before, I would suggest going to your dermatologist's office to see if it's right for you.
April 16, 2010
Pros:
Skin can improve if chemical peel reacts correctly to skin. First experience was good...Second was not.
Cons:
Dark pigmentation.
I had a chemical peel (TCA 30%) about two years ago. The results were good/fair. There was about 4-5 days of downtime (e.g., redness, excessive peeling...) which was difficult to deal with (I hate staying indoors!!). My acne did clear up and my skin appeared tighter and healthier. I would like to emphasize the importance of wearing sunscreen daily especially after a chemical which i did comply with after my treatment. After a couple of months my skin appeared to return to the way it looked prior to treatment. Recently, I wanted to touch up some fine lines and wrinkles. So I ordered the product (TCA 30%) and got started when i had some time off from work. For some reason this time, may skin changed color in some of the areas i treated. I am lucky i did not do a full face peel. It is not a severe discoloration but it is still apparent to me (pink/red color). Makeup does a bad job of concealing it. It has been two months and I still notice the discoloration. This is disappointing. If i had to do it over again I would definitely go with a lower concentration of tca.
July 2, 2015
Marie, I do not know your natural skin color but TCA peels on darker or ethnic skin are NOT recommended just for the exact result you experienced!
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
December 25, 2009
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
Good, sterile exfoliation for your face so your acne products can be absorbed
Cons:
It's not a cure-all. I wouldn't do this on a face with lots of active acne. Doesn't help with scars.
Good preventative step for once you get your acne under control (for a milla second). It helps your acne products be able to be absorbed better.
You might try micro-dermabrasion if you have lots of breakouts and then switch to glycolic peels later -like my aestition did with me.
March 26, 2016
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
White male, 23, medium acne scarring - excellent results
I have been using this for around 5 weeks now, have gotten exceedingly good results. Less visible scars and overall less Acne. This is the closest thing you will get to a "quick" fix for acne. Be warned however, this stuff can easily f**k your face up for life. You want to research this stuff before you try it at home. Don't go full retard and start with 70% just because you are desperate and can't wait a few weeks for results'"you will regret it for the rest of your life. Start low, maybe around 30% (what i am using) or less, look up guides etc. I have tried a lot of stuff, but this is the only "cure" that i have found effective. Strongly recommend. I do repeat however, be careful with this stuff'"it can f**k you up for life, play it safe'"play it smart.
December 11, 2009
Pros:
I had moderate acne which was getting worse every single day. I had 6 70% glycolic peels done over a two month period and my acne went away completely. I haven't had a single pimple since, not even hormonal pimples.
Cons:
I did get scarring here and there due to my skin peeling, but it is slowly going away.
My acne is now completely gone, and I'm currently using the Jan Marini line and Jane Iredale mineral make up which were both introduced to me by skin specialist. I'm asian, so I was worried about doing these peels especially at 70% but there weren't any complications. For those who are planning to do a peel. make sure you're specialist is either a trained nurse or doctor who specialises in acne. Also, if your acne is infected (you'll know when pus comes out of your pimple when you pop it), you should have laser treatment done on top of your extraction and peel.
June 18, 2011
Pros:
none
Cons:
It's expensive and it didn't help me at all (after 3 sessions!)
I went to three sessions. My skin peeled, but looked exactly the same. It was about $150.00 each session. A huge waste of money! :(
Pros:
brightens/lightens skin immediately