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
November 28, 2008
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 :)
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.
October 10, 2008
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
clears acne fast. skin looked better in less than a week.
Cons:
it stung really bad, and the extraction part hurt too.
it hurts, but its worth it. i was on retin-a micro for about two months, and it was working, but this cleared out the stubborn bumps that were still there. go to an esthetician! i think that has a lot to do with how well it works.
September 2, 2008
Pros:
Face felt clean and tight. No down time, just felt like a mild sunburn. Removed superficial scars and discoloration.
Cons:
Lasted a month or so. Repeated treatments required.
This is the best treatment for skin that has blackheads and whiteheads and if you're a picker. It's at Kelly Day Spa at the Mission Inn Hotel and Resort. They have many treatments and can tell what is best for you. I really like the microdermabrasion with acid peel treatment and do it every month to three months. It is not very expensive and has great results within the first day.
August 7, 2008
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
It improves skin tone, clears up acne, smooths out wrinkles and reduce pore sizes.
Cons:
It tingles.
After I had my son, my skin broke out really bad because of my hormones. I did take some medication to help with the acne, but unfortunately I still had uneven skin tone and small acne still popping up. I bought some glyoolic peels and used them for 6 weeks. I was amazed! I loved it!
July 7, 2008
Pros:
At-home TCA peel 12.5%. I found this peel on the internet and I love it. It was only about $30 for a 1 ounce bottle (over 10 peels) and I have seen better results than with the lasers for not even a fraction of the cost.
Cons:
With a mild peel only a little bit of peeling and redness. Does take about a week before skin is completely back to normal though.
If you have mild rolling/icepick scars from acne that you had in your early teens this will definitely help. I would recommend getting a mild TCA peel (I got mine on Makeup Artists Choice) and doing it yourself. Combine it with an AHA cream/lotion and you will see even better results. I am saving hundreds of dollars and I have never been more satisfied with any other procedure (Fraxel and other non-ablative lasers and microdermabrasion). If you are fed up with Dr.'s that don't really listen or pay attention to what you want, I would go this route! I love being in control of the outcome and targeting the EXACT areas that bother me!
June 9, 2008
Pros:
works wonders on fine lines and hyperpigmentation. It also helps give the skin a nice glow and smooth texture.
Cons:
Can cause discomfort, redness, and moderate to heavy peeling for up to 10 days depending on the person.
Do not attempt to perform any kind of peel at home from a kit!! I am a licensed esthetician and it is so outrageous to me that these kits are even offered. Peels should only be done by a professional and only if you are using the appropriate home care before and after your peel. Peels, especially a TCA, can do more harm than good if you don't know what you are doing, and they are not for every skin type!!! GO SEE A PROFESSIONAL!
June 5, 2008
Pros:
I used a 12.5% TCA peel at home. It worked well with immediate results. Skin flaked and peeled two days later and then was a little red. Did this on Friday night and Monday morning my skin looked great.
Cons:
Really no cons. I have had professional peels before (5 yrs ago) and knew what to expect. I could have used a stronger peel but wanted to be conservative. Had to layer the peel on brown spots from severe sun damage but that was easily done.
I ordered from Makeup Artists Choice and there website has lots of information and warnings. I am ordering my second peel and going up to 18% so that I can use this on my neck and hands. Best bet is to start slow and move up, you can always layer up to 5 layers in problem areas after you do the first peel and feel comfortable with the results and procedures. The hands and necks where there was more damaged and leathery skin definitely needed layering and took longer for the skin to peel. Results were not as dramatic however, I will repeat the peel once a month with the higher concentration until most of the damage is gone. There is definitely improvement in the hands and neck but to get maximum results will take more applications. Use neosporin as directed and sun screen religiously and wear a hat for the first months or so...
Have already recommended this product. It is great!
May 31, 2008
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
I have experienced noticable improvement in my complextion. Smaller pores fine lines have begun to fade and my skin is smoother and more firm.
Cons:
The peels are done at one week intervals and for three days after applying your skin doesnt look so great. So for three days out of seven your complection is worse.
I have done a total of 4 peels. Two at 30% and two at50% at one week intervals. I plan on doing 3 more. I have seen such an improvement in my skin. I also have been applying a copper peptide night cream after the peels and think this is beneficial, as well as applying hayluronic acid lotion and spf 70 sunscreen before leaving the house in the morning. I work outdoors and live in FL and unfortunatley did not make an effort to protect my skin for any years. However these peels are proving its never to late and they actually can still repair and restore my skin.
April 22, 2008
Pros:
reduces wrinkles undereyes and sun spots.
Cons:
you look worse before you get better
I highly recommend getting this procedure done for the first time by a professional. it looks like in the reviews the people that used the higher % had bad results. now that I know how to apply it and the steps the surgeon took and what to do during the healing time I will use a at home soltution . it is important to prep the skin before you do the area . the after care is very important. if you do not keep moist it will not heal properly. you can not be on any type of hormone or birth control becuse this could cause darkening of the skin. I went to a plastic surgeon and had a peel under my eyes. I applied crisco vegetable oil under my eyes 24 hours after the procedure and had to spray with water every 2 hours and reapply the crisco oil. it took a full week to peel and my eyes look awesome. it is fresh new skin that is flawless. it is ver very important to do the prep and psot care or you will have a terrible result .
Pros:
acne cure, smoother skin, and reduction of pigmentation issues