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 16, 2009
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.
July 24, 2009
Pros:
- Improved hyperpigmentation problems.
- Smoother and soft skin.
Cons:
- Requires a lot of down time (about a week).
- Quite expensive for one bottle.
I've used Glycolic/Lactic acids to remove some dark spots on my forehead and they only lightened them up as well as making the rest of my skin smoother. However, after using TCA (first 10%, then 20%), my dark spots on my forehead lightened a LOT (60%+ improvement). Made me skin much softer, smoother, and radiant. Only con is downtime and the amount of money to spend on one bottle, which probably won't last long...
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!!
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.
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.
April 9, 2009
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
-Clears up mild/moderate red marks within a few peels
-Smooths out skin etc
-May see a improvement in very shallow scarring and helps with mild ancne (dries it out)
Cons:
-Somewhat unpleasant tingling
-Takes several peels to notice the change
recommended for light acne sufferers who have stubborn red marks, i bought a 30% 30ml glycolic acid peel with neutraliser and toner from Ebay for 9.60 and it will last for ages cos you only need to use 1-2 ml per peel
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
March 7, 2009
Pros:
face feels refreshed
diminishes red marks
softer smoother skin
Cons:
mild buring during the peel
Vitalize peel- i had my first peel today and im already noticing amazing results!! everytime i look in the mirror it seems like my face looks better! i havent noticed any peeling yet, although my mom said my face was lookin a little pink. I cant wait to do another one in 3 weeks and im anxious to see the results! **oh and if you live anywhere near Kearney, Nebraska, i would suggest Dr. Kingsley. Hes the best dermatologist there is!
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.
January 3, 2009
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
Helps to clear acne and acne scars. Evens your skin tone.
Cons:
none
This works great. Do it once or twice a week for 2-5 min and it works great.
Pros:
some downtown, it really depends on how fast your skin recovers, for me, it takes about 3-5 days