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
July 28, 2010

Pros:

I did my own peel and the results were good. Some sloughing but after 3-4 days it was gone.

Cons:

None really other than going w/o makeup for 4 days.

Denise, if you have pimples all over your face from the laser three mo. ago why have you already had 4 peels since then? You should always wait after you have a procedure done to give your face time to settle down. Also, peels are not suppose to be done more than 1-2 times per mo. so I do not see how you've had 4 if you would have needed to give your face at least two months to calm down. If it was me, I would have given my face a good six mo. before trying anything else. Most things with the skin will clear up on their own.
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December 30, 2008

Pros:

With the first peel .. I noticed a significant difference.

Cons:

The burning was almost unbearable.

I love love love the chemical peels -- the results are so good that you won't mind the burning.
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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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October 10, 2013
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pigmentation Peel "Pumpkin Peel" Dermaquest

Pros:

Helps with acne and ageing

Cons:

Does tingle/burn a little bit when being applied
Skin can dry out and flake a little

The Dermaquest pumpkin peel is glycolic, salicylic and lactic acid based. I suffer from moderate to severe acne so booked a peel to see if it would help. I had my first peel last Thursday and immediately after it my skin felt much smoother and tighter. The following Monday my acne had completely flattened out and disappeared. I am now left with redness which is nothing compared to the acne I had! Plus I can cover redness up with makeup. I have my second peel booked for tonight (one week after my first). It is recommended to have six peels one week after the other to get the best results. I am already seeing the results after just one so I can't wait to see how my skin will look at the end of it all. I am so excited about this product as I have tried medications, cleansers, scrubs, changing my diet and nothing has helped. It is amazing! Be patient with it though it is a six week process so don't expect overnight results.
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February 2, 2012
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

Best exfoliator out there.

Cons:

Can cause open wounds on existing lesions if left on too long. Must be careful.

It has helped with my cystic acne by unclogging pores. I noticed black heads on nose disappeared. I've used 30% for a couple minutes all over. I also use 20% as a toner and leave it on. I've used 50% on spots, but that's when I run into trouble. Maybe I should stick to the 30%. Twice a week or every 4 to 5 day is good.
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October 3, 2009
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

tried biphasic peel using glcyolic ,lactic ,salicylic and mandelic acids

Cons:

none

i tried the new peel it works well compared to glycolic peel alone [link removed]
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August 4, 2009

Pros:

gets rid of all existing acne fast,
lightens red spots at first.

Cons:

causes tons of blackheads (I use to never have many
blackheads and now I have a ton!)

I have had one vitalize peel and three PCA peels (different then TCA.) I am always happy with my results at first, but they don't seem to last long. I have had some of my red spots fade, but some just regain color. I am told that after six your skin is normally great, and I have almost had six so Im wondering just how effect these peels are in the long run. I think it is still worth it though, because it does help with acne.
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August 12, 2013
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Oh. My. Goodness.

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

Hurts like no one's business. Itchy, burning, sensitivity, reddness, YOU NAME IT!
Takes forever to heal.
Ridiculously Expensive.

Two words: Never. Again. I don't know if it's because I have super sensitive skin or what, but this treatment did not go over well with me. It burned like heck when my esthetician put it on my face, and while she assured me that's normal I did not feel it should hurt that badly. I left her office with a red and irritated face. The next day things weren't horrible, but they weren't normal either. My face hurt and was noticeably puffier than usual. Then the next day I woke up looking like a million bees had stung me on my face. My skin was red, peely, excessively dry, and if the tiniest breeze blew by it felt like i was being stabbed all over my face. And the worst part is that I was breaking out ON TOP of all of that yuckiness. Let the record show, that I tried everything to reduce the inflammation and nothing worked. And worse than that, is when my face returned to normal there was absolutely no improvement... Waste of time, money, and pain.
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June 19, 2017
Did she do a skin test BEFORE to see if you were senstive? If not, take photos and call and attorney. You should get all your money back and some money for your pain and suffering and money to pay for future treatment if this damage is permanent.
March 6, 2013
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

Reduces signs of scarring

Cons:

Burning, redness, slow to see results

You need to use several times over several months in order to see results.
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May 16, 2009

Pros:

-baby soft skin after peel
-if I receive the peel on Thursday, I look much better by Monday and don't have to take time off of work
-notice difference in tone and texture after 3 peels

Cons:

-caused me some breakouts (esthetician said this is normal)
-must limit sun exposure (so hard in the summer!)
-went spray tanning after mini micro session and had SEVERE burning on face and breakouts on neck. My fault

I'd give these anywhere from 3.5 to 4 stars overall. I got the Vitalize peel about 2 months back and then purchased a 5 pack b/c I knew my scars and hyperpigmentation would need at LEAST the minimum 5 for me to see any results. Each peel is individually priced at $175 but the 5-pack special was only $575. I've had 3 peels so far with mini micro sessions one week after each peel. Unlike some reviewers, I peel BIG TIME for only about 2 days...once in the shower, I massage lightly with my fingers to remove all of the flakes. I was even able to go out to the bar 3 nights after my peel. I see a noticeable difference in my red marks and a huge change in my skin texture. Hopefully the next 3 will be successful to. I know the peels won't completely remove my shallow scars but am considering trying injections to even everything out. I've been suffering so long that cost and effort is no longer an issue! I just want smooth, clear skin!
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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.