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
March 24, 2007
Cons:
5 days of intense peeling (like a snake shedding it's skin) and mild itching. Also, there was no reduction in deep pitted scars.
Retin-A Peels: The first peel reduce pink scars about 15%, the second peel did NOTHING, and the third peel reduced pink scars about 15%. The pain is minimal (about a 3 at its height) and only lasts about 20 minutes. Do not pick or pull your skin while it peels, or it could leave permanent scars...but my dog did actidently paw my face and it did not leave permanet damage. Retin-A peels are inexpensive, and give only mild results. You should have a series done. You will peel and look like a burn victem for 5 days, but the 30% reduction in pigmentation was worth it for me.
January 17, 2007
Pros:
Dermetologist really know what they are doing...LISTEN to them.
Cons:
Even though some Dermetologist will approch curtain issues lightly first its for your own good. This will allow them to get to know your skin and how it reacts.
I had my first "glycolic peel" done. This was done at a medical spa, not my Dr. office. As soon as they applied the acid to my face its started to burn really bad....i mean my face was on fire. They left it for about 2 minutes b/c that is how long i could tolerate it. Afterwards my skin looked like someone took a blow tourch and went over my face with it. I had blistering and 1 day later my whole face was like a big scab. About 3 days later my face started to peel. Now i see more breakouts then ever. The peel made my skin thiner thus causing the breaks out under my skin to come to the surface. The up side to this traget event is that my face is more even, pores smaller, and the dark post acne marks gone. I really caution u give to do your research. If you had an experience like mine then your dermetologist/aesthetician/anyone is NOT the one to go to. Rather then having a glycolic peel i would recommend a Salicylic Acid Peels. SA peels will clear skin up,glycolic is for post ance
January 16, 2007
Pros:
I have been going to the face Dr. for about 3 or to 4 months now. they put me on a topical cream that i dont ever use any more because it made my face super dry and i would peel. Then after the first visit i had a chemical peel to get rid of blemishe
Cons:
during the process of the peel it hurts for about 5 mins then they cool it off. i have one more peel left. && i hope it shows more improvement than the last peels. i dont break out more after a peel it stays the same. && i wash every morning & nite.
i haven not seen that much improvement with the chemical peels that i have had so far. so i searched the internet and seen some ideas that u liked && others that were bad ideas. i seen that boiling water && letting the steam hit your face for a few mins. then washing and rinsing with cold water so that the pores close. i repeated that twice and i dont see any blemishes rite now and only my pimples. so the blemishes went away && now i see ugly pimples. but at least my face looks better than it did! so try the boiling water =] hoe it helps a little.My face DR. told me to only use these soaps. Cetaphil /dove / Neutrogena... only because they work best....pick one for your choice.. or the type of skin you have.. mine is oil and blemishes and pimples..honest truth
January 15, 2007
Pros:
I can tell a slight difference and it makes your skin very soft.
Although I am on a regiman (Purpose cleanser, Benza-cline, Differin, and Eucerin SPF) I haven't had but a few breakouts since I started the peels last fall.
Cons:
You have to stick with the plan and not wait 2 months to go back. Forking out $75-$100 a visit once a month for a student like me is quite a bit but IF it works it's definately worth it. Keyword is IF!!!!!
Peeling also sucks but it's part of it so
So far I've done a series of 3 AHA chemical peels about 30 days apart give or take a few. The first visit they used 10% and went over my face twice, the second we went up to 15% but just did it once, and this last visit we used 15% but did it twice. Next time I'm hoping to go up to 20%. Being light skinned helps since you don't really have to worry about discoloration.
I can tell a difference but I want something to work NOW...but don't we all?!? I'm hoping if I stick with the program by my 5th one I'll be able to tell a big difference.
Once the peel is apilied it's uncomfortable but it only lasts a few minutes. I have a little redness for about a day but nothing huge then around day 2 the peeling starts. I didn't really have too much peeling with the 1st or 2nd but the last one the peeling lasted for about 1 week.
Overall, I'd recommend it but follow their instructions exactly!
Pros:
30% reduction in pink pigmentation