Chemical Exfoliation
Reviews
3.4
372 Reviews
Chemical Exfoliation
Efficacy
61%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Chemical Exfoliation
Side Effects
Medium
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!
Read All About Chemical Peels
Compare To Other Treatments
5
26.3%
4
28%
3
19.9%
2
12.1%
1
13.7%

Used Chemical Peels? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
October 26, 2008
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

lighter complexion, smoother skin, younger looking

Cons:

the burning sensation was horrible! and I couldnt go out that same day because of how red I was

The cons are worth it Ive used it twice and I love the results
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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September 18, 2008

Pros:

Hyperpigmentation, mild to moderate scars, interrupts acne breakout cycle, fine lines and wrinkles diminished. Post-peel kit for after care is given to you to take home!

Cons:

Can have a tingling sensation at the start of treatment, skin visibly/physically sloughs off.

Had the VI Peel performed just before Memorial Day '08, and again 09/15/08. Excellent results, your skin is much brighter and even toned. Women beware: You can't cover up with make-up because of the peeling. After you complete the peeling process, you will not want to wear make-up.
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August 22, 2008
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

made my skin look refreshed-smooth and shiny.

Cons:

i did a professional peel, so it was $70, and it was recommended every other month for best results. made my skin very sensitive to sun

youthful skin, give it a chance. home remedies always are "ify" because you are not a dermatologist. You have no idea, even if it says on the box, what you actually have purchased and the best way to use it.
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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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July 3, 2008

Pros:

My medical insurance covered the cost of the peel. Had a salicylic peel at the dermatologist's office.

Cons:

Stinged a more longer in areas of my face. Left the office with SO much moisturizer that I looked completely greased up.

It brought to the surface all of the whiteheads and blackheads that were hiding. You look worse before you get better but it was mild enough that you can deal with it. I WILL get it done again esp since I only had to pay my co-pay for my medical insurance.
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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.
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May 21, 2008
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

dead skin peeled off, for a more radiant even toned complexion

Cons:

kind of expensive but totally worth it

I only had 1 peel so far and i notice the difference already...i was using proactiv before which made my skin sooo dry and flacky just gross ...so i got the peel it even my skin right up right away, also i use a glycolic acid cleanser and exfoliate and lovee the results and its only been a couple of weeks if even a couple:-)
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May 14, 2008
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

over a couple weeks, hyperpigmentation marks will lighten. skin will be smoother.

Cons:

possible burning of pimples, red skin for a while, possible inflamation.

i've been using this product for 3 years (however, i stopped for almost a year in between). It really helped me with my red marks. i recently started using it again after my skin got worse, and i must have left it on too long because my forehead was so inflammed the next day. i burned my forehead and there was a bunch of scabs and bumps. but it went away in a couple days and the marks healed. this stuff is usually the only thing that really helps me with my red marks but there must be great precaution! try not to put the glycolic peel on whiteheads or it may burn and leave a scab. make sure to take it slow at first. do not go past the recommended time to keep the peel on. i would also apply the peel last on the forehead since that tends to have thinner skin. if done correctly, it can work wonders!
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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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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.

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.