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.

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

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June 5, 2008

Pros:

I used a 12.5% TCA peel at home. It worked well with immediate results. Skin flaked and peeled two days later and then was a little red. Did this on Friday night and Monday morning my skin looked great.

Cons:

Really no cons. I have had professional peels before (5 yrs ago) and knew what to expect. I could have used a stronger peel but wanted to be conservative. Had to layer the peel on brown spots from severe sun damage but that was easily done.

I ordered from Makeup Artists Choice and there website has lots of information and warnings. I am ordering my second peel and going up to 18% so that I can use this on my neck and hands. Best bet is to start slow and move up, you can always layer up to 5 layers in problem areas after you do the first peel and feel comfortable with the results and procedures. The hands and necks where there was more damaged and leathery skin definitely needed layering and took longer for the skin to peel. Results were not as dramatic however, I will repeat the peel once a month with the higher concentration until most of the damage is gone. There is definitely improvement in the hands and neck but to get maximum results will take more applications. Use neosporin as directed and sun screen religiously and wear a hat for the first months or so... Have already recommended this product. It is great!
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April 22, 2008

Pros:

reduces wrinkles undereyes and sun spots.

Cons:

you look worse before you get better

I highly recommend getting this procedure done for the first time by a professional. it looks like in the reviews the people that used the higher % had bad results. now that I know how to apply it and the steps the surgeon took and what to do during the healing time I will use a at home soltution . it is important to prep the skin before you do the area . the after care is very important. if you do not keep moist it will not heal properly. you can not be on any type of hormone or birth control becuse this could cause darkening of the skin. I went to a plastic surgeon and had a peel under my eyes. I applied crisco vegetable oil under my eyes 24 hours after the procedure and had to spray with water every 2 hours and reapply the crisco oil. it took a full week to peel and my eyes look awesome. it is fresh new skin that is flawless. it is ver very important to do the prep and psot care or you will have a terrible result .
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March 6, 2008

Pros:

Clearer Skin, great look

Cons:

Doesnt stop acne (not advertised to do so), down time

I have moderately severe acne, had the TCA 20% peel at home, I did not do it on the whole face just the forehead and cheeks. The skin turned hard, dark brown, and leathery on the 2nd morning, but it shed approx 5th night. It reduced 70% of my dark blemishes, and the inflammed cystic acne also disappeared. But one or two days after the pimples came back, but atleast some of the previous scars diminished.
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February 20, 2008

Pros:

significantly lightens melasman. helps with fine lines and for me, significantly lightened past acne marks

Cons:

Painful at 25% yikes

I HAVE to agree with Antonella below. I am online right this minute to see if a side effect of TCA is weakened immunity. I performed an at home 25% peel this morning and was full of energy, as soon as my peel was done, I fell asleep and am still so tired I can barely move. I have no appetite and I can't keep my eyes open. I'm taking C, A, Zinc and a multi vitamin. Anyway! back to the actual peel. I've done lower strength TCA peels before and they really do work for me. My melasma has lightened 80%, my acne marks are gone and the peels always help my acne for a bit (not long term for me). Be careful with the home peels because they hurt a lot and it's easy to apply too much or accidentally go back over an area (it's usually a clear solution).
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December 18, 2007

Pros:

I like the glycolic acid peel. It is gentle but effective. It improves skin texture and appreance.

Cons:

a little bit of stinging but doesnt hurt that bad

I bought a bottle of 30% glycolic acid for about $15.00. I do it 1-2 times a week. It improved my acne greatly and improved my skin tone and texture. My skin looks amazing. I reccommend this for anyone who doesnt want to go throught a TCA peel which is very very painful.
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October 8, 2007

Pros:

I have use the EZpeel TA peel and the 50% strength on my face that i ordered from [link removed] i loved the results on the EZpeel because they is no downtime and it is for all skin type. I loved the 50% but the down time is 7 days!!!

It made a huge difference on my skin appearane and texture and all my friends are amazed how good my skin look now.
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October 6, 2007

Pros:

Good for management/prevention of breakouts.
Improvement in tone/pigment.

Cons:

Multiple procedures required.
Peeling can get annoying.
Won't improve redness/plush, and not the best choice for moderate/severe acne.

This is specifically for the VitaPeel - which I didn't see anywhere else on this board. VitaPeel is great. I have seen a huge reduction in breakouts, and great improvement in skin tone, reduction in pigment, and improvement in scars. I use this combined with the Fraxel (for scars) and V-beam (for redness) - see my reviews on these for more info. Use: Did 2 in first month initially to clear up the skin, then have done once a month for management/prevention of breakouts.
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October 4, 2007

Pros:

Very effective! Keeps my skin soft, smooth, and clear

Cons:

Slight discomfort/peeling/redness

I use the 12.5% at home TCA peel purchased from an online site. I have never had problems with this strength. I use it approx. once a month and follow with applications of Copper Peptide serum and emu oil (also purchased online). The first day post-peel my skin feels slightly tight and looks red and kind of wrinkly. By the 4th or 5th day after, I am usually done peeling. Sometimes I do a 30% glycolic peel in between TCA peels also. I have received MANY compliments on my "glowing" skin, and I attribute it completely to doing this regimen. I agree with others that you must use caution, but if you follow the directions, you should be fine. I have never used more than 12.5% strength, but I am thinking of bumping up to the 15% next time I order.
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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.
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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.
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