Chemical Peels
Results
Side Effects

Chemical peels are strong acids applied by a professional in high percentages to the skin for a few minutes at a time. They...

Chemical peels are strong acids applied by a professional in high percentages to the skin for a few minutes at a time. They remove the top layer of skin cells and are thought to help promote the growth of fresh new skin cells.

Chemical peels are usually performed 4 to 10 times in 2-week intervals. Results are usually temporary, therefore it is not normally recommended for chronic acne.

 [more]
3.3
216
5
23.6%
4
27.3%
3
21.3%
2
12.5%
1
15.3%

Used Chemical Peels? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
June 19, 2009

Pros:

Skin is very smooth, haven't had any breakouts since getting monthly peels.

Cons:

None

I have been getting salicylic acid peels about every month for the past three months. I did a series of glycolic peels but they didn't work as well in controlling breakouts. The day after the peel my skin feels very tight and need lots of moisture but doesn't peel. I don't think it has done anything to make my wrinkles less noticeable (I am 38) but it has reduced my breakouts drastically plus my skin feels really smooth and just looks better overall. I really recommend getting them!!
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 9, 2009

Pros:

It is wonderful. My pores are so much smaller and my skin shows amazing improvement. It also helps to reduce wrinkles. I used either the 10% or 12% every two weeks and keep it on overnight. My doctor used to apply the 10% for all day wear.

Cons:

It sometimes stings a little, but it goes away within a few seconds. The peeling skin for a week, but it isn't too bad.

My skin looks the best it has ever looked. I am 38 years old, and my skin is almost flawless. People have started noticing and commenting on how clear my skin looks now. I definitely recommend it.
This Was Helpful

11 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 6, 2009

Pros:

Works EXTREMELY well; can buy your own home kits. Used %50 on my face and followed directions, lightened my darker scars dramatically and got rid of existing acne and other scars completely. Very inexpensive for a home kit.

Cons:

About one week down time with crusting and peeling of the skin. Have to use SPF after the treatment for about 3 months. Burning of the skin (only when first applied) for about 3 minutes.

It DOES work very very efficiently; yet the actual % varies on a person actual skin type. Basically eliminated all of my acne in 2 treatments of high concentration %50 TCA in 3 weeks.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 12, 2009

Pros:

Leaves your skin baby smooth and clear, takes 20 minutes, very mild treatment,

Cons:

Peeling takes a few days, a bit pricey

28 y/o F: If you're like me with very light acne & some scarring from your teen yrs, the Vitalize Peel is what you should get! I did it on a Fri. afternoon, started peeling by Sun. morning & got the worst of it on Mon. After that, the peeling was very mild but I felt like a leper on Mon. My face was also a bit red, but my family swore up & down it was my imagination. Maybe it was. I suffer from a lot of blackheads, which are very difficult to clean. This peel removed almost all of them & the ones that were left were at the surface. All I had to do was push lightly down and out they came! One pimple that would never go away completely & would always scar has now risen to the surface & all I have to do is wait for it to heal or burst/heal & my skin will be perfect. It's now Wed. & I have a little peeling around my neck & near my ears. Just make sure to moisturize & stay out of the sun. Best part - I only have to maintain once/year! Best decision I ever made was a Vitalize
This Was Helpful

24 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 22, 2009

Pros:

Improves skin tone, color, acne, scars (smoothes the scar) and affordable!

Cons:

Takes several treatments (5-6) to see improvement.

If you have bad acne, I recommend you to get this treatment asap before you get acne scar.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 28, 2008

Pros:

acne cure, smoother skin, and reduction of pigmentation issues

Cons:

uncomfortable during the process.. nothing else

I have researched and studied..before I ever tried a chemical peel.. and I must say, it is the ONLY thing that worked to get rid of my acne. I have seen a dramatic difference in my skin in the 8+ weeks I have done peels.. and have been so impressed that I have looked into school to become liscensed. I would only advise that people should indeed look to have this done professionally.. and if they cannot find someone who can offer references.. or explain in detail the process they are going to undergo, to look further. Peels are an easy thing to get wrong.. and also can be a Godsend... if done right :)
This Was Helpful

10 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 11, 2008

Pros:

Much stronger than glycolic and lactic acid. Penetrates the skin deeply.

Cons:

The first treatments can be very painful (burning).

I use 15% TCA which I bought online over a year ago. I've used it only a few times because it takes a few months too see the full result and I don't have many scars, just red marks. It DOES WORK 100%!! Just leave it on for a few minutes and you have to be patient with the results. Avoid getting acne cream on the area for the next few weeks and avoid rubbing the skin. It will work.
This Was Helpful

11 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 2, 2008

Pros:

Face felt clean and tight. No down time, just felt like a mild sunburn. Removed superficial scars and discoloration.

Cons:

Lasted a month or so. Repeated treatments required.

This is the best treatment for skin that has blackheads and whiteheads and if you're a picker. It's at Kelly Day Spa at the Mission Inn Hotel and Resort. They have many treatments and can tell what is best for you. I really like the microdermabrasion with acid peel treatment and do it every month to three months. It is not very expensive and has great results within the first day.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 7, 2008

Pros:

At-home TCA peel 12.5%. I found this peel on the internet and I love it. It was only about $30 for a 1 ounce bottle (over 10 peels) and I have seen better results than with the lasers for not even a fraction of the cost.

Cons:

With a mild peel only a little bit of peeling and redness. Does take about a week before skin is completely back to normal though.

If you have mild rolling/icepick scars from acne that you had in your early teens this will definitely help. I would recommend getting a mild TCA peel (I got mine on Makeup Artists Choice) and doing it yourself. Combine it with an AHA cream/lotion and you will see even better results. I am saving hundreds of dollars and I have never been more satisfied with any other procedure (Fraxel and other non-ablative lasers and microdermabrasion). If you are fed up with Dr.'s that don't really listen or pay attention to what you want, I would go this route! I love being in control of the outcome and targeting the EXACT areas that bother me!
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 9, 2008

Pros:

works wonders on fine lines and hyperpigmentation. It also helps give the skin a nice glow and smooth texture.

Cons:

Can cause discomfort, redness, and moderate to heavy peeling for up to 10 days depending on the person.

Do not attempt to perform any kind of peel at home from a kit!! I am a licensed esthetician and it is so outrageous to me that these kits are even offered. Peels should only be done by a professional and only if you are using the appropriate home care before and after your peel. Peels, especially a TCA, can do more harm than good if you don't know what you are doing, and they are not for every skin type!!! GO SEE A PROFESSIONAL!
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 2 3 4
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website