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
June 23, 2007

Pros:

within 24 hours, the redness had subsided and my skin was really glowing and fresh. Instand revitalization.

Whole procedure took 10 minutes

Cons:

redness, slight burning and tingling, tightness immediately after the procedure

worth it, but you have to go every couple of weeks. i've only had the lightest peel done, however.
May 25, 2007
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

Great treatment

Cons:

Takes a Few peels to see results

I have literally tried hundreds of products over the last couple of years. None seemed to help I have been on thr regimine for about 6 months with little results. Frusterated,I decided that I would try out a estatition. I decided on microdermaabrasion with a glycolic peel. AMAZING! The first couple of sessions did make me brake out but after the fourth my skin looks better than it's looked in years. I am now trying MD Forte's glycolic face wash along with a glycolic mosturizer and can really see a differance in my skin. Try it , it migh work for you too.
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April 5, 2007

Pros:

given your comments regarding the pain you experienced during your peels I was hesitant to try it. My dermatologist that gave me something called a Refinity peel... it has something in it that lessens the pain but works the same.

Cons:

none really. some mild tingling is all I felt.

I recommend it. I've had several now and have noticed good results with no discomfort. Their take home products are great too.
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March 7, 2007
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

Its Cheap and quick and clears spots

Cons:

It stings while it is on and you do break out more

I've used 50% peel at home for 6 weeks (once a week) I started at 45 seconds, then moved up to 1 min 45, then 2 min 45 until 5 min 45. I am now taking a break for a month. The first treatment did nothing, it was more of a sensitivity test, then next week it tingled and began to sting, the week after i just wanted to scratch my face and wash it off but I was noticing a difference and 2 people commented on my complexion. At present my skin has broken out and this time on my cheeks-I normally only get spots on my chin. I hope this will go! My skin is softer. I use bicarb of soda when the time is up to neutralise as water alone is not enough. I hope when I start the course agian in 4 weeks at 2 mins and work up that my skin will respond - I'm confident that it will. I have invested in cleanser, tonner and moisturiser with glcoric 10% over the internet to use in the month between - I'm also confident this will work!
February 22, 2007
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

Evens skin tone, reduces overall blemishes, gives skin a "glow", and reduces pore size.

Cons:

After extractions (which is recommended) my face is inflamed, but the next day its great! Because this is a mild peel, I expect real results are going to take a lot longer than I would like, but I'd rather wait it out to avoid looking bad for 2 wks.

I've only had 2 peels and Blu-U Light right after. That and the combination of tetracyclene (500mg twice day)has done wonders. I only have red spots left, and hopefully after 6-8 treatments they will all be gone. I recommend seeing a specialist/Aesthetician because, unlike a derm Dr, the aesthetician wants you to look good. My treatment is $250 for 6 peels and its worth it.
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February 22, 2007
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel
I am using a Gycolic acid peel kit treatment brought from the local beauty shop. I have only used it twice, and can see amazing results. I would put the solution and wear it over night because it doesn't have a high percent of acid, so safe enough to wear when I sleep and in the morning I will remove with water. My skin is not really sensitive thats why I can bare the treatment and that's why I can see results, but I am also on medication pills to help with my skin(acne mild) aswell. I would recommend girls to try it cause it does work and if it doesn't it either your skin is really sensitive or your need a stronger strength or Gycolic acid because skin might produce to many olis.
February 7, 2007

Pros:

TCA PEEL-READ THIS!!!!! BECAUSE IF YOU ARE NOT CAREFUL & FORGET A SIMPLE INSTRUCTION YOU JUST MAY REGRET IT.

Cons:

I did 4 applications of DEEP 50% TCA Peel myself and each peel turned out spectacular with absolutely astonishing results from a born surfer with brown spots everywhere & wrinkles, very tough skin.

I brought another bottle of 60% TCA. It had been 1 year since the last peel. So I put it on with much pain as you could imagine, my skin over the next 4 days weeped, broke out in white spots, blew up like a balloon, my down time was 14 days. I made a critical error of forgetting NEVER HAVE A SHOWER !!!!!! unless you can keep your face out of the water, I was showering 2 times a day, so when I got out my skin was soft & white much like being in a pool too long. So my face pre-maturely peeled, it just fell off, then went hard again and peeled again but my whole chin & under lip scabbed over like it was a major sore sitting on top of my skin. i did not go out in the sun for 4 months or even bright light afterwards. I treated it properly because it was serious LEFT IT ALONE I did not stress about it, it took 4 weeks to come off, I applied pure aloe vera plant once healed & now my skin is absolutely spotless Ageless with no scaring. I did scare me a little NEVER EVER FORGET THE RULES TO TCA
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January 14, 2007
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

I use 50% Glycolic acid it cleared little bumps that i had under my skin for years,makes my complexion alot less patchy,and genraly refreshes my whole face! it does work quit well and u will defanetly notice the diffrence but its no miracle cure.

Cons:

first few peels u mite have a break out coz its clearing all the deep grime out and brings it to the surface! sometimes it can be quite sore during the peel!

It is defantly the most effective home treatment out there! the first couple of peels might make u have a break out but by your 3rd or 4th peel u will defantly start to see results and you have 6 peels 1 a week! u will need a top up peel after a month or so beacuse the effects are not permanent but it is very cheap and a 30ml bottle does 30 peels so it lasts months! for me it cleared lumps under my skin that had been there for years,evened out my skin tone and made it less patchy and gives me a healthy glow,makes my face soft as a babys ass,kills all my spots (although i still get the ocasional spot but no where near as many as before) also slighty minimized my fine lines on my forhead not very much but enough to notice! so yeah i think its good! just dont exspect miracles!
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December 21, 2006
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

Works to clear up current acne and also fades past acne marks.

Cons:

Can dry out the skin if not used as reccomended.

I love it. I also look for acne washes that have Glycolic acid as an ingredient. I found a 1-step Glycolic acid peel at [link removed]. It's about $32 for 20 pads.
October 5, 2006

Pros:

excellent reslults for acneic,aging and sun damaged clients

Cons:

irritation
redness
peeling

i am an aesthetician in las vegas and i have read some of the comments about peels. the bottom line is .you must maintain proper skincare mantainence at home as well as repeat visits to your skincare specialist.it does not happen over night and you should have a series of treatments not 3-4 months apart. this time span will not give you the result you are seeking. my clients come in for a series of 5 treatments in a row 14-21 days apart then we start customized facials for 3 months (1 a month) then start the series as needed. you are responsible as a client to maintain your proper skincare regimein at home as well, this is how it works hand and hand. most times clients have a false since of what their skin really looks like and the expectation is too high .take a photo at the begining of the treatment then at the end, you will definately see a difference good luck and don't give up. remember its you skin wear it well
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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.