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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Compare To Other Treatments
5
24.9%
4
24.2%
3
20.1%
2
14.3%
1
16.5%

Used Chemical Peels? Rate It:

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August 2, 2011

Pros:

effective on hyperpigmentations from acne and age spots; faster results than skin lightening creams/lotions/hydroquinone.

Cons:

burns a bit; I can only use one every few months so skin heals properly; pigmentations get super dark and leathery for up to 2 weeks

I used hydroquinone for 3 months with ZERO results! I saw results in 2 weeks with this peel. I would repurchase, but it may not be necessary because 1/2 oz would last a lifetime if I'm only gonna use it only 3-4 times per year. I only spot treat for now. I just can't do my entire face without looking like a burn victim for 2 weeks. In the back of my mind, I fear that my skin would not heal properly and leave me with skin worse than what I have now... My supervisor asked if I was ok. He probably thought someone hit me in the eye.
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July 29, 2009

Pros:

less pimples, skin tone better

Cons:

still have rednesss, more little bumps on cheeks colourless, worsen my texture, pricy

I have combinational/normal skin. I only did one peel, but it probably improvied my skin 50%. I am going for 2 more peels. It stings when they do it, but its no big deal I have been putting a lot more antibacterial things on my face. What i liked about this peel is that my pimples size and quantity had reduced, but my pores are still getting glogged and u can see them in the mirror, just sitting there on my forehead full of dirt, when I try to pick em out, its only good for couple days and they clog again :( need better toner or something. If you have extra cash, go do it, but if dont - try just using gentle cleansers based on water and oil free moisturizer, that helps a lot to not break out!!!
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February 7, 2007

Pros:

TCA PEEL-READ THIS!!!!! BECAUSE IF YOU ARE NOT CAREFUL & FORGET A SIMPLE INSTRUCTION YOU JUST MAY REGRET IT.

Cons:

I did 4 applications of DEEP 50% TCA Peel myself and each peel turned out spectacular with absolutely astonishing results from a born surfer with brown spots everywhere & wrinkles, very tough skin.

I brought another bottle of 60% TCA. It had been 1 year since the last peel. So I put it on with much pain as you could imagine, my skin over the next 4 days weeped, broke out in white spots, blew up like a balloon, my down time was 14 days. I made a critical error of forgetting NEVER HAVE A SHOWER !!!!!! unless you can keep your face out of the water, I was showering 2 times a day, so when I got out my skin was soft & white much like being in a pool too long. So my face pre-maturely peeled, it just fell off, then went hard again and peeled again but my whole chin & under lip scabbed over like it was a major sore sitting on top of my skin. i did not go out in the sun for 4 months or even bright light afterwards. I treated it properly because it was serious LEFT IT ALONE I did not stress about it, it took 4 weeks to come off, I applied pure aloe vera plant once healed & now my skin is absolutely spotless Ageless with no scaring. I did scare me a little NEVER EVER FORGET THE RULES TO TCA
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July 16, 2007

Pros:

Made my skin texture smoother and clearer.

Cons:

Takes about 12 days for all the peeling to shed and can't go outside...unless you put on alot of sunscreen...ALOT!!

I am a medium complexion black girl with acne prone skin. My face had started looking really dull like I had a dirt mask on my face or something, so I went to a dermatologist in my area and they said they could help me a little for about $500.00.... I did not have that kind of money. So i did some research on the internet about chemical peels, and I saw that the TCA was safe for darker complexions. So i ordered the 15% one for $19.00 of the web. When I applied it, it burned, but the directions say that is normal, along with frosting of the skin( when it turns white). It took about 10 days for it to completely peel the skin. The results looked real nice, but I could benefit from another. I have applied it again.. with a 3 week break from the last one. And my skin looks so much fresher and the color is more even. I am glad I tried this and will be doing another one in about 3 months. BUT IF YOU DO DECIDE TO USE THE "TCA" PLEASE FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS EXACTLY...IT IS CRITICAL!!!
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July 28, 2010

Pros:

I did my own peel and the results were good. Some sloughing but after 3-4 days it was gone.

Cons:

None really other than going w/o makeup for 4 days.

Denise, if you have pimples all over your face from the laser three mo. ago why have you already had 4 peels since then? You should always wait after you have a procedure done to give your face time to settle down. Also, peels are not suppose to be done more than 1-2 times per mo. so I do not see how you've had 4 if you would have needed to give your face at least two months to calm down. If it was me, I would have given my face a good six mo. before trying anything else. Most things with the skin will clear up on their own.
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December 30, 2008

Pros:

With the first peel .. I noticed a significant difference.

Cons:

The burning was almost unbearable.

I love love love the chemical peels -- the results are so good that you won't mind the burning.
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August 20, 2008

Pros:

I have done all types oh peels in the AHA family. Salicylic, Glycolic name astrength I have done it. The TCA peel is quite so different, the burn isn't very bad it is kind of numbing and my skin looks so even and new than it did pre-TCA.

Cons:

The down time. Okay this is way different than the AHA peels. It gets lobster red, dry and uncomfortably tight, then your skin turns brown in patches (I felt like I looked dirty) after that skin peels alot & rapidly.

A bonus. The peel is stronger than a Saly or a Glyco and very different. Do prepared for some down time, the stronger the peel the longer the down time. PLEASE do not use a strong % it's not neccesary. But after the initail cons which the worst of go away after @ a week...it's amazing how flawless the skin appears and feels! Fight the urge to pick or scrub or aggrevate and take very good care of your skin before & after. Wear sunscreen religiously, after a peel I think of myself as being allergic to the sun (because it is technically) and my good sunscreen is my best friend! This took 5 years off my appearance. LOVED IT!!! Cost I indicate reflects the cost of the TCA ($17) and also the $ amount of skincare products used to maintain and tend to my skins needs after the peel.
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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.
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May 16, 2009

Pros:

-baby soft skin after peel
-if I receive the peel on Thursday, I look much better by Monday and don't have to take time off of work
-notice difference in tone and texture after 3 peels

Cons:

-caused me some breakouts (esthetician said this is normal)
-must limit sun exposure (so hard in the summer!)
-went spray tanning after mini micro session and had SEVERE burning on face and breakouts on neck. My fault

I'd give these anywhere from 3.5 to 4 stars overall. I got the Vitalize peel about 2 months back and then purchased a 5 pack b/c I knew my scars and hyperpigmentation would need at LEAST the minimum 5 for me to see any results. Each peel is individually priced at $175 but the 5-pack special was only $575. I've had 3 peels so far with mini micro sessions one week after each peel. Unlike some reviewers, I peel BIG TIME for only about 2 days...once in the shower, I massage lightly with my fingers to remove all of the flakes. I was even able to go out to the bar 3 nights after my peel. I see a noticeable difference in my red marks and a huge change in my skin texture. Hopefully the next 3 will be successful to. I know the peels won't completely remove my shallow scars but am considering trying injections to even everything out. I've been suffering so long that cost and effort is no longer an issue! I just want smooth, clear skin!
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July 11, 2007

Pros:

awesome results on light skin

Cons:

burns like crap and downtime and hyperpigmentation o darker skinned people

I love it. I'm an estetician and I believe that light skinned people should use it. I've got 50% on my whole back and chest. I worked up to it. I suggest retin-a .1% for 2 weeks,then 12%, then 20%, then 30%, and then as high as 50% if you need it. Take 1 and 1/2 months break in between. Use aquafure for first week post peel. This is a breathable vasoline, then use blue copper by osmotics for the healing period. Best tca internet peel is Yavonne. If you carefull you will see great results. Ive worked for a dermatologist and they rip you off, and they don't know anymore about tca's than you can learn on the internet yourself. I suggest start with glycolic and salycilic peels at first then work up to 12% tca and so. See how you skin reacts to each one.
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