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
April 10, 2008
Cons:
Slow results, skin irritation, have to alternate therapies to avoid pummeling your skin, photo sensitivity, irregular and sometimes adverse reactions.
I have pitted acne scars on my cheeks and forehead. I have been treating them for about 2 years with glycolic peels and lactic acid. I have recently purchased retinol and vitamin c serums to try out. Sometimes I think it's not working because the progress is so slow. Then I look at old pictures and realize how much my skin has improved. I accept the fact that I will not achieve flawless skin, but some scars have disappeared and others have softened and faded. I haven't started the Retinol or L-Ascorbic acid but I've read some of research of their remodeling of collagen. I have purchased all of these products from [link removed]. They're not that expensive and their solutions are exact. One 1/2 ounce bottle of 65% glycolic acid cost me $35 and I have gotten at least 15 peels out of it. Be patient, be careful with stronger solutions, avoid the sun and let your skin have a chance to heal. Also try Derma-E products. Most of all, eat well, exercise and don't smoke!
March 6, 2008
Pros:
Not sure yet...
Cons:
First fews days are tough with very tight skin and redness. The peeling will be significant also.
I had a strong Jessner peel to remove acne scars. I am not sure of the results yet but I wanted to post because I have read a lot of reviews out here where people are using peels to control acne. I had major acne from 13 - 26 and I can give everyone some good advise about treating it. First off - most acne is caused by bacteria on the skin, excess oil or other skin irritations. I had a major cat allergy that I was not aware of until my mid-20s (I knew I was allergic to something just didn't know what until then) that made my acne much worse. Acne mixing in with skin rash can really cause a mess so if you have bad acne think about an allergy further worsening your situation. Killing all bacteria on the skin and controlling the oil is the best thing to do and don't pop your zits! The scars are far worse than the zits and creating sores on your skin only lengthens the duration of the pimple.
March 6, 2008
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
helps clear skin, smoother texture
Cons:
drying, burning
started 30% peels myself, and my acne is less severe now. i was hoping it would help with discoloration & scars also, but not so much. i'm going to start back up in a month and hoping it makes my skin clear & more even tone.
January 14, 2008
Pros:
I had a little sun damage from a long vacation and mild acne prone skin, so my derm did a 25% TCA peel. It really evened out my complexion and my skin has been clear for the last 6 weeks! Fantastic results and I will be doing it again soon!
Cons:
I looked horrible for about 12 days! I spent most of my time inside and when I went out I wore a big hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
You will look a lot worse before you look better!
I suggest going to a dermatologist etc to get it done the first time before trying it yourself so you know how it is supposed to look and feel... I was very happy with the results and I plan on going back for another 2 or 3 peels because I still have some freckling on my forehead that I want removed. Lot's of downtime but the results are worth it! Do not go outside for prolonged periods when you are healing, if you have to go out wear a big hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. Post peel: Wear a hat and sunscreen or you will get more sun damage then you started out with because your skin is now more sensitive!
November 6, 2007
Pros:
Great for lighter skin tones, notice a difference after the first one, many different types to choose form
Cons:
Slight to moderate burning when applied, pretty bad peeling for a few days after
I greatly recommend chemical peels done by an esthetician. Estheticians can assess your skin and they have many peels they can choose from. For example, I had a tomato peel done. It's works for removing scars and treating existing acne. Many people don't know that tomatoes are actually very beneficial to skin, as many acids exist in it. The first day after my peel, my skin was a tad pink, but no flaking yet. The next morning it was very flaky and then peeled to reveal new skin. Overall, I do recommend this to be done by an esthetician.
October 30, 2007
Pros:
ITS COVERED BY MY INSURANCE... Lessoning my active acne. Bottom Line: If you go to a dermatologist to get them done check with your insurance company and send it in yourself. Read below...
Cons:
None for me
I have Aetna and have been on Acne meds for years, I'm 27. Go to [link removed], "Members: Public Information"--> "Health Coverage Information"-->"Clinical Policy Bulletins"--> "Medical"-->and then search Acne. the people that I spoke to at Aetna could not give me a 100% answer that it would/wouldnt be covered. So I took a chance and got one. I sent it in for reimbursmant and have been covered ever since...I still have a co-pay. IMPORTANT...my doctor's office first sent it in and it kept on getting denied...the reason is because the doctors bill it as a cosmetic procedure. So I have to pay full price and then send it in and get reimbursed by Aetna
October 15, 2007
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
Helps clear up skin, controls moderate acne, gives my skin a "glow"
Cons:
Does irritate the skin and cause peeling
I have used glycolic peels in the 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% strength. It took me 2 years to work my way up from 20% to 50%. I do the peels approximately every other week, and alternate with 12.5% TCA peels periodically. I feel that this regimen has helped keep my skin clear and I receive many compliments on my "glowing" skin. I am 33 years old and am constantly mistaken for being much younger. These peels do cause irritation and skin peeling. If/when I don't do the peels for a while, this irritation/peeling is worse. I also use glycolic toner and cleanser and copper peptide serum/emu oil as part of my regimen. I purchase all of my products from an online store that I have been extremely satisfied with. Most important - follow directions exactly - when in doube
September 12, 2007
Pros:
your skin looks better
Cons:
to much downtime, had to call off work today feel horrible about it
buy it, it works
August 16, 2007
Great stuff if used with caution. Bought a 25% from Loganwood Skincare. It worked excellent the first few times. It came with a rubber dropper bottle. Noticed the rubber was rotting off, replaced bulb with cardboard gasket. The next time I used it, it seemed to frost way to long. From reading prior posts realized it was penetrating way to deep. Marked level with pencil, when I came back 2 weeks later, I found the level had dropped by 1/4 inch!! Theorized I was putting at least 60 to 70% on my face!! It seems that the contents was evaporating!! Each time to a more concentrated level!! My face has a fairly small ding, luckly I think with patience can be repaired. The point I want to make is be sure the bottle has a solid cap, other wise the same may happen to you.
July 16, 2007
Pros:
Made my skin texture smoother and clearer.
Cons:
Takes about 12 days for all the peeling to shed and can't go outside...unless you put on alot of sunscreen...ALOT!!
I am a medium complexion black girl with acne prone skin. My face had started looking really dull like I had a dirt mask on my face or something, so I went to a dermatologist in my area and they said they could help me a little for about $500.00.... I did not have that kind of money. So i did some research on the internet about chemical peels, and I saw that the TCA was safe for darker complexions. So i ordered the 15% one for $19.00 of the web. When I applied it, it burned, but the directions say that is normal, along with frosting of the skin( when it turns white). It took about 10 days for it to completely peel the skin. The results looked real nice, but I could benefit from another. I have applied it again.. with a 3 week break from the last one. And my skin looks so much fresher and the color is more even. I am glad I tried this and will be doing another one in about 3 months. BUT IF YOU DO DECIDE TO USE THE "TCA" PLEASE FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS EXACTLY...IT IS CRITICAL!!!
Pros:
HIGH strength (65% solution) Glycolic, Lactic and and enzyme peels are effective when used in conjunction with collagen enhancement products (Retinol .3% minimum or retinyl palmitate, Stable 20% L-Ascoribic acid serum, home micro-dermabrasion etc.)