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 16, 2008

Pros:

Skin Vitalize Peel...Smooth, baby soft skin. Acne and acne marks lessened

Cons:

Can be expensive but worth it if you buy the package

Everyone's skin will react differently to this peel. For me, this peel has saved me from hiding out in my house as I once did. I have much more confident. In my last year of college I broke out horribly and then a year later I heard about this I decided to give this a shot. It's been a year now since my first peel and it has made such a significant difference for me and my face. You have to have patience and give it shot.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 7, 2008

Pros:

Even skin tone, fine lines reduced, pigmentation reduction. Over all better skin tone

Cons:

The higher the percentage is not always better!

I am a licensed esthetician and I am horrified over people using such high strength peels at home. You should start with one of the lightest % and gradually move up. I use the 12.5 % tca with great results. Everyone has different reactions, and extreme caution should be used!
This Was Helpful

10 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 10, 2008

Pros:

HIGH strength (65% solution) Glycolic, Lactic and and enzyme peels are effective when used in conjunction with collagen enhancement products (Retinol .3% minimum or retinyl palmitate, Stable 20% L-Ascoribic acid serum, home micro-dermabrasion etc.)

Cons:

Slow results, skin irritation, have to alternate therapies to avoid pummeling your skin, photo sensitivity, irregular and sometimes adverse reactions.

I have pitted acne scars on my cheeks and forehead. I have been treating them for about 2 years with glycolic peels and lactic acid. I have recently purchased retinol and vitamin c serums to try out. Sometimes I think it's not working because the progress is so slow. Then I look at old pictures and realize how much my skin has improved. I accept the fact that I will not achieve flawless skin, but some scars have disappeared and others have softened and faded. I haven't started the Retinol or L-Ascorbic acid but I've read some of research of their remodeling of collagen. I have purchased all of these products from [link removed]. They're not that expensive and their solutions are exact. One 1/2 ounce bottle of 65% glycolic acid cost me $35 and I have gotten at least 15 peels out of it. Be patient, be careful with stronger solutions, avoid the sun and let your skin have a chance to heal. Also try Derma-E products. Most of all, eat well, exercise and don't smoke!
This Was Helpful

Report
March 6, 2008

Pros:

Not sure yet...

Cons:

First fews days are tough with very tight skin and redness. The peeling will be significant also.

I had a strong Jessner peel to remove acne scars. I am not sure of the results yet but I wanted to post because I have read a lot of reviews out here where people are using peels to control acne. I had major acne from 13 - 26 and I can give everyone some good advise about treating it. First off - most acne is caused by bacteria on the skin, excess oil or other skin irritations. I had a major cat allergy that I was not aware of until my mid-20s (I knew I was allergic to something just didn't know what until then) that made my acne much worse. Acne mixing in with skin rash can really cause a mess so if you have bad acne think about an allergy further worsening your situation. Killing all bacteria on the skin and controlling the oil is the best thing to do and don't pop your zits! The scars are far worse than the zits and creating sores on your skin only lengthens the duration of the pimple.
This Was Helpful

Report
January 14, 2008

Pros:

I had a little sun damage from a long vacation and mild acne prone skin, so my derm did a 25% TCA peel. It really evened out my complexion and my skin has been clear for the last 6 weeks! Fantastic results and I will be doing it again soon!

Cons:

I looked horrible for about 12 days! I spent most of my time inside and when I went out I wore a big hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

You will look a lot worse before you look better!

I suggest going to a dermatologist etc to get it done the first time before trying it yourself so you know how it is supposed to look and feel... I was very happy with the results and I plan on going back for another 2 or 3 peels because I still have some freckling on my forehead that I want removed. Lot's of downtime but the results are worth it! Do not go outside for prolonged periods when you are healing, if you have to go out wear a big hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. Post peel: Wear a hat and sunscreen or you will get more sun damage then you started out with because your skin is now more sensitive!
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 30, 2007

Pros:

ITS COVERED BY MY INSURANCE... Lessoning my active acne. Bottom Line: If you go to a dermatologist to get them done check with your insurance company and send it in yourself. Read below...

Cons:

None for me

I have Aetna and have been on Acne meds for years, I'm 27. Go to [link removed], "Members: Public Information"--> "Health Coverage Information"-->"Clinical Policy Bulletins"--> "Medical"-->and then search Acne. the people that I spoke to at Aetna could not give me a 100% answer that it would/wouldnt be covered. So I took a chance and got one. I sent it in for reimbursmant and have been covered ever since...I still have a co-pay. IMPORTANT...my doctor's office first sent it in and it kept on getting denied...the reason is because the doctors bill it as a cosmetic procedure. So I have to pay full price and then send it in and get reimbursed by Aetna
This Was Helpful

Report
September 12, 2007

Pros:

your skin looks better

Cons:

to much downtime, had to call off work today feel horrible about it

buy it, it works
This Was Helpful

Report
August 16, 2007
Great stuff if used with caution. Bought a 25% from Loganwood Skincare. It worked excellent the first few times. It came with a rubber dropper bottle. Noticed the rubber was rotting off, replaced bulb with cardboard gasket. The next time I used it, it seemed to frost way to long. From reading prior posts realized it was penetrating way to deep. Marked level with pencil, when I came back 2 weeks later, I found the level had dropped by 1/4 inch!! Theorized I was putting at least 60 to 70% on my face!! It seems that the contents was evaporating!! Each time to a more concentrated level!! My face has a fairly small ding, luckly I think with patience can be repaired. The point I want to make is be sure the bottle has a solid cap, other wise the same may happen to you.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
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!!!
This Was Helpful

18 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 23, 2007

Pros:

within 24 hours, the redness had subsided and my skin was really glowing and fresh. Instand revitalization.

Whole procedure took 10 minutes

Cons:

redness, slight burning and tingling, tightness immediately after the procedure

worth it, but you have to go every couple of weeks. i've only had the lightest peel done, however.
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