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 18, 2008
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Cons:
Drying, temporary burning after washing off the glycolic acid.
I use a 50% Glycolic acid peel. I do a peel once a week and I'm getting a lot of compliments about my complexion. The only pet peeve I have about the glycolic peel is the burning sensation I experience right after I wash off the glycolic acid. I usually stick my head in the freezer to minimize the burning sensation!
April 13, 2008
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
clears up skin, lightens scars, makes it less oily, makes skin smoother..you actually see ur skin lightly peeling, which indicates that the scarred, dull skin is peeling off
Cons:
dries up face (not really a problem->use moisterizer)
i am using this product biweekly and have already done 2 treatments in 3 weeks. in the 1st treatment, it was great. my face was less oilier. 2 days later, i had breakouts on my forehead of the pimples that were under my skin, which is good..its cleared my skin from the inside. 4 days later my skin had dry blotches that were peeling off. about 1 week later, the scars were ALITTLE lighter. my skin felt like a babys skin, not that it was rough to begin with but it just felt alot smoother and baby feeling. my second peeling, was good. i started noticing my scars slightly fading like 5 days later. not much difference, theyre still there but its a start. theyre continuing to fade as the old skin peels off. its alot better than using fading creams that take approx 6 weeks to see results!
April 9, 2008
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
It really helps
Cons:
Can be greasy
I have no more red marks!
March 6, 2008
Pros:
Clearer Skin, great look
Cons:
Doesnt stop acne (not advertised to do so), down time
I have moderately severe acne, had the TCA 20% peel at home, I did not do it on the whole face just the forehead and cheeks. The skin turned hard, dark brown, and leathery on the 2nd morning, but it shed approx 5th night. It reduced 70% of my dark blemishes, and the inflammed cystic acne also disappeared. But one or two days after the pimples came back, but atleast some of the previous scars diminished.
February 20, 2008
Pros:
significantly lightens melasman. helps with fine lines and for me, significantly lightened past acne marks
Cons:
Painful at 25% yikes
I HAVE to agree with Antonella below. I am online right this minute to see if a side effect of TCA is weakened immunity. I performed an at home 25% peel this morning and was full of energy, as soon as my peel was done, I fell asleep and am still so tired I can barely move. I have no appetite and I can't keep my eyes open. I'm taking C, A, Zinc and a multi vitamin. Anyway! back to the actual peel. I've done lower strength TCA peels before and they really do work for me. My melasma has lightened 80%, my acne marks are gone and the peels always help my acne for a bit (not long term for me). Be careful with the home peels because they hurt a lot and it's easy to apply too much or accidentally go back over an area (it's usually a clear solution).
December 18, 2007
Pros:
I like the glycolic acid peel. It is gentle but effective. It improves skin texture and appreance.
Cons:
a little bit of stinging but doesnt hurt that bad
I bought a bottle of 30% glycolic acid for about $15.00. I do it 1-2 times a week. It improved my acne greatly and improved my skin tone and texture. My skin looks amazing. I reccommend this for anyone who doesnt want to go throught a TCA peel which is very very painful.
December 18, 2007
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
Pros:
clear skin! more even skin tone, helps with mild pitting, only have to apply 1-2x week
Cons:
burns a little during application, can't buy at a retail location, have to purchase online, not supposed to use if pregnant/lactating
I started doing biweekly glycolic peels over two months ago and my acne is gone. I am 28 and have struggled with acne since college and tried everything. I have tried every product that Wal-Mart offers, Proactive, Dr. Murad...I mean everything. Now my routine is washing and moisturizing twice a day and a 4 minute peel with 50% twice a week. I have used this in the past with good results but got pregnant and had to stop using.
October 8, 2007
Pros:
I have use the EZpeel TA peel and the 50% strength on my face that i ordered from [link removed] i loved the results on the EZpeel because they is no downtime and it is for all skin type. I loved the 50% but the down time is 7 days!!!
It made a huge difference on my skin appearane and texture and all my friends are amazed how good my skin look now.
October 6, 2007
Pros:
Good for management/prevention of breakouts.
Improvement in tone/pigment.
Cons:
Multiple procedures required.
Peeling can get annoying.
Won't improve redness/plush, and not the best choice for moderate/severe acne.
This is specifically for the VitaPeel - which I didn't see anywhere else on this board. VitaPeel is great. I have seen a huge reduction in breakouts, and great improvement in skin tone, reduction in pigment, and improvement in scars. I use this combined with the Fraxel (for scars) and V-beam (for redness) - see my reviews on these for more info. Use: Did 2 in first month initially to clear up the skin, then have done once a month for management/prevention of breakouts.
October 4, 2007
Pros:
Very effective! Keeps my skin soft, smooth, and clear
Cons:
Slight discomfort/peeling/redness
I use the 12.5% at home TCA peel purchased from an online site. I have never had problems with this strength. I use it approx. once a month and follow with applications of Copper Peptide serum and emu oil (also purchased online). The first day post-peel my skin feels slightly tight and looks red and kind of wrinkly. By the 4th or 5th day after, I am usually done peeling. Sometimes I do a 30% glycolic peel in between TCA peels also. I have received MANY compliments on my "glowing" skin, and I attribute it completely to doing this regimen. I agree with others that you must use caution, but if you follow the directions, you should be fine. I have never used more than 12.5% strength, but I am thinking of bumping up to the 15% next time I order.
Pros:
My skin is more even-toned, smoother skin, cleared up most of my adult acne.