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
217
Read All About Chemical Peels
Compare To Other Treatments
5
24%
4
27.2%
3
21.2%
2
12.4%
1
15.2%

Used Chemical Peels? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
December 22, 2009

Pros:

I think it does make a difference. It is cheaper and less painful than other treatments and requires no medications or anesthesia.

Cons:

I think it takes a while to notice a difference. You need to be careful for a few day after treatment, and it only works on mild scarring.

I think if you only have minimal scarring you should try it. My skin had very little pit marks and was mostly discolored. It seemed to improve my skin but I am also very fair skinned so depigmentation works differently for me than for other people.
This Was Helpful

80 user(s) found this helpful

Report
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.
This Was Helpful

41 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 7, 2009

Pros:

It does even out your skin, period. Its an acid, its not like there's much room for it to not work. Over time, will reduce scarring, period.

Cons:

Slight down time (for higher concentrations) and the possibility of not following the instructions and messing your face up. Can't be in the sun for 2-3 days after for risk of serious burning. (they aren't kidding about this, even @ 12.5%

Please for the love of god don't start with anything higher than 12.5%. One bottle of the 12.5% will last you 4-5 peels. Spread them out about 2-3 weeks apart, no sooner. Understand that it isn't an instant cure. You're putting acid on your face, so your skin has to regrow and all that. I didn't really notice results until my 3rd peel (of the 12.5). In my opinion (been an acne sufferer for years, now just deal with scars and occasional blackheads), tca peels are a LONG TERM treatment. You dont just buy a bottle, put some on, and expect results. I plan on doing several peels over the next year. You have to think long term if you are looking for dramatic results. You can speed this up by going higher %, but youll have the flaking, peeling, horrible downtime that people talk about. I have a job so I can't hide for 3 days at a time. With 12.5, you dont get this, but it obviously takes more treatments to get the desired results.
This Was Helpful

139 user(s) found this helpful

Report
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
This Was Helpful

45 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 20, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

SEVER ACNE BREAKE OUT HYPERPIGMENT DARK UGLY SPOT ALL OVER.

I had a Laser Genesis Treatment in Phila. The "sales person" thats bascially what they are they dont care. she told me its a wonderful treatment my skin will glow i will look younger so i had 1 treatment 2 days later i was breaking out like a mad women i never had acne before 3 months later my face is cover with large and tiny underground pimples. i have dark ugly spot all over. i been using a salicylic acid peel its my 4th peel but my skin has not improve im so depress i look like sh*t. if anyone tried any product and it work please recommend.
This Was Helpful

66 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 3, 2009

Pros:

The only thing that manages my acne prone skin- I have extractions and a B-hydroxy peel every month. I also use Mandelic acid 15% morning and night. My skin is smooth and flawless where it used to be covered in tiny pimples.

Cons:

My face is a bit tender after the peel- for me my face is sensitive 1-5 days depending on how severe the peel is (whether you have it done at a spa or a dermatologist).

For me it works.
This Was Helpful

71 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 31, 2009

Pros:

save money

Cons:

look burned in the face for few days

I have used a 25 % TCA 3 days ago and so far so good. The first 2 days it looked terrible just like a brown patch or burn in the face, and since I have never done this before I was all worried but as it stands now it slowly start peeling and I cant wait to get the results. The laser treatment I went to charged me over 5 thousand dollars and this TCA bottle that I got from the states cost me 35 dollars plus shipping,lol, Gotta love the American for their products and a special thx to the laser treatment clinic that gave me a free information cession. My advice is get a good ointment cream, apply every 3 or 4 hours daily and repeat the peel every 4 weeks for 24 weeks.
This Was Helpful

62 user(s) found this helpful

Report
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.)
This Was Helpful

51 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 22, 2009

Pros:

one of the worst treatment for acne scars

Cons:

dont waste ur money doing dis,it wont help @ all

skin wil look very nice for 3-4 days aftr treatment,but after sumdays it wil becum d same lyk before.its beter 2use any cream rather than doing such treatments,even laser treatment isnt effective.d best treatment is to use any ayurvedic cream,Dr's jst know hw 2 mint money,they dnt care whther ur skin is sensitive,hard,soft,etc,they wil jst run their machines n treatment on ur face lyk a butcher does 2 slaughter goats.trust me,its beter using any cream for scars rather than takin apointments n visiting Dr's n wasting money
This Was Helpful

Report
October 18, 2009

Pros:

Gives fresh look to skin! Done by dr, 25% first peel; 25% & 50% three weeks later due to low result of first, stings a LOT, but do not need anesthetic. He covers w/ wet, cold gauze & stinging stops quickly. Go to a dr, he can redo if not satisfied

Cons:

4 days downtime minimum. $400. Dr will not use on neck or chest as scarring can result. Used salysilic acid on that area with minimal results. Had second peel 3 weeks later with better result. Brown, scabby look day 2 & 3, peeling day 3 & 4.

I didn't have scarring or acne, but am 50 and wanted fresher skin without brown spots. I can see a line where dr didn't go right under my eye. I'm going to use weak peels and do it at home. Also have Rx for Retin A that I'll use every other day. That really makes me exfoliate, too. Better than microdermabrasion that drives those little crystals into my skin and CAUSES breakouts. If you're acne prone, DO NOT have microdermabrasion. My chin breaks out every time I have a micro. Confirmed with dermatologist that micros cause breakouts. If your dr. owns the machine and makes money from it, get a new dr.- he's cheating you.
This Was Helpful

37 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 2 3 4 5 … 14
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