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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5
24.9%
4
24.2%
3
20.1%
2
14.3%
1
16.5%

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July 27, 2015
Results were not immediate.
I am 29 and have been battling acne for more than 10 years due to pcos. I came off birth control pills about 2 years ago and needed some alternative treatment as a preventive measure. My concerns now are oily skin, some discolourations and occasional breakouts. The derm suggested alternating between microdermabrasion and light chemical peels every four weeks. I did not see any difference at all till the third chemical peel and this was about four months after I started this programme. The derm also gave me 10% AHA cream and acne gel to apply every night, which also didn't do much for my skin. In fact I thought my skin was looking especially dull during this period. Everybody also told me the same. I am however quite pleased with the results after the recent chemical peel. I am happy I continued going for the treatments but I wonder if it is normal to see results until much later since my peels were light? My skin now is radiant, the discoloration and most of the milia seeds are gone and no blocked pores.
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December 4, 2013
Chemical peels work to an extent

Pros:

Cleanses the skin
Prevents many future breakouts

Cons:

Very expensive
Does not get rid of all the acne
Something you have to keep up with

I have the typical hormonal acne that comes with The teenage years. About once every month I go to get a chemical peel to calm my skin down and to get rid of all the filth and dirt on my skin. It does do a fantastic job of cleansing the skin and keeping the acne under control...for the most part. It does not cure me from the acne completely, but I have a gone a few months without getting a peel and my skin looked terrible. It is something that you have to keep up with and can be very expensive.
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July 27, 2009

Pros:

None yet

Cons:

Burned face, face is red and sore, I look like I have 2nd degree burns

Just get a low acid peel, dont waste ur $
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September 25, 2008

Pros:

I have red blotchy skin.
After the first two 12.5% peels Major differnece, even skin tones.

Cons:

first three days skin turned brown in spots and was very tight!
Looked like I had Plastic dirty skin!
Started to peel on day 4, messy

Very happy with results. I will never go out in the sun again w/o sunscreen after having two peels. My skin looks to nice to ruin it again! You will be uncomfy for the first four days but worth it!
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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.
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October 11, 2008

Pros:

Much stronger than glycolic and lactic acid. Penetrates the skin deeply.

Cons:

The first treatments can be very painful (burning).

I use 15% TCA which I bought online over a year ago. I've used it only a few times because it takes a few months too see the full result and I don't have many scars, just red marks. It DOES WORK 100%!! Just leave it on for a few minutes and you have to be patient with the results. Avoid getting acne cream on the area for the next few weeks and avoid rubbing the skin. It will work.
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February 24, 2009

Pros:

I seen a difference in the appearance of my skin the day of after. Skin looked clearer. The frosting process did take more where I had more of the sun damage. Which is what I was aiming for.

Cons:

The scabbing process. It's ugly but, the result are great.

If instructions are followed accordingly, this product works great. I will be using it again in a month but I will do it in sections.
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November 28, 2008

Pros:

acne cure, smoother skin, and reduction of pigmentation issues

Cons:

uncomfortable during the process.. nothing else

I have researched and studied..before I ever tried a chemical peel.. and I must say, it is the ONLY thing that worked to get rid of my acne. I have seen a dramatic difference in my skin in the 8+ weeks I have done peels.. and have been so impressed that I have looked into school to become liscensed. I would only advise that people should indeed look to have this done professionally.. and if they cannot find someone who can offer references.. or explain in detail the process they are going to undergo, to look further. Peels are an easy thing to get wrong.. and also can be a Godsend... if done right :)
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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!
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July 15, 2009

Pros:

Smoother skin, reduction in pore size, lightened scarring, cleared existing acne

Cons:

Burns for a bit afterwards, peeling 2-3 days

I have done a series of peels through my dermatologist and they have really helped improve the tone and texture of my skin. I am 34 and am prone to cystic acne (still) and this, combined with Smoothbeam treatments, is the only thing that has helped. I would have "pocked" skin if not for these treatments.
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