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 9, 2009

Pros:

It is wonderful. My pores are so much smaller and my skin shows amazing improvement. It also helps to reduce wrinkles. I used either the 10% or 12% every two weeks and keep it on overnight. My doctor used to apply the 10% for all day wear.

Cons:

It sometimes stings a little, but it goes away within a few seconds. The peeling skin for a week, but it isn't too bad.

My skin looks the best it has ever looked. I am 38 years old, and my skin is almost flawless. People have started noticing and commenting on how clear my skin looks now. I definitely recommend it.
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April 18, 2009
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

1. Freckles, wrinkles, acne scars, pore size diminishes and eventually disappears after couple of sessions.
2. Makes skin look flawless after everything heals

Cons:

1. My face looks absolutely scary after for about 3days. Then after all the skin peels off, it looks great. So I cant really don anything for a while
2. Must avoid sun as much as you can
3. Stings!! but it's barable.

It's worth it
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October 11, 2008

Pros:

Much stronger than glycolic and lactic acid. Penetrates the skin deeply.

Cons:

The first treatments can be very painful (burning).

I use 15% TCA which I bought online over a year ago. I've used it only a few times because it takes a few months too see the full result and I don't have many scars, just red marks. It DOES WORK 100%!! Just leave it on for a few minutes and you have to be patient with the results. Avoid getting acne cream on the area for the next few weeks and avoid rubbing the skin. It will work.
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September 23, 2011
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

After one use i can already see the clearness in the skin
Very cheap
Easy to do at home

Cons:

Very red face
Peeling
Soreness
New spots have popped up

I used this product yesterday 50%. I left it on for about 4 minutes which was too much for me maybe one minute less would have been a bit less harsh! My face is current very red in the t zone area and the skin is trying to recover again. I would advise anyone with sensitive skin like mine to only leave the peel on for about 3 mins max to start with. All in all on the not so red bits of my face i can see the skin looks alot more luminous
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April 9, 2009
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

-Clears up mild/moderate red marks within a few peels
-Smooths out skin etc
-May see a improvement in very shallow scarring and helps with mild ancne (dries it out)

Cons:

-Somewhat unpleasant tingling
-Takes several peels to notice the change

recommended for light acne sufferers who have stubborn red marks, i bought a 30% 30ml glycolic acid peel with neutraliser and toner from Ebay for 9.60 and it will last for ages cos you only need to use 1-2 ml per peel
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February 24, 2009

Pros:

I seen a difference in the appearance of my skin the day of after. Skin looked clearer. The frosting process did take more where I had more of the sun damage. Which is what I was aiming for.

Cons:

The scabbing process. It's ugly but, the result are great.

If instructions are followed accordingly, this product works great. I will be using it again in a month but I will do it in sections.
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November 28, 2008

Pros:

acne cure, smoother skin, and reduction of pigmentation issues

Cons:

uncomfortable during the process.. nothing else

I have researched and studied..before I ever tried a chemical peel.. and I must say, it is the ONLY thing that worked to get rid of my acne. I have seen a dramatic difference in my skin in the 8+ weeks I have done peels.. and have been so impressed that I have looked into school to become liscensed. I would only advise that people should indeed look to have this done professionally.. and if they cannot find someone who can offer references.. or explain in detail the process they are going to undergo, to look further. Peels are an easy thing to get wrong.. and also can be a Godsend... if done right :)
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May 14, 2008
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

over a couple weeks, hyperpigmentation marks will lighten. skin will be smoother.

Cons:

possible burning of pimples, red skin for a while, possible inflamation.

i've been using this product for 3 years (however, i stopped for almost a year in between). It really helped me with my red marks. i recently started using it again after my skin got worse, and i must have left it on too long because my forehead was so inflammed the next day. i burned my forehead and there was a bunch of scabs and bumps. but it went away in a couple days and the marks healed. this stuff is usually the only thing that really helps me with my red marks but there must be great precaution! try not to put the glycolic peel on whiteheads or it may burn and leave a scab. make sure to take it slow at first. do not go past the recommended time to keep the peel on. i would also apply the peel last on the forehead since that tends to have thinner skin. if done correctly, it can work wonders!
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May 7, 2008

Pros:

Even skin tone, fine lines reduced, pigmentation reduction. Over all better skin tone

Cons:

The higher the percentage is not always better!

I am a licensed esthetician and I am horrified over people using such high strength peels at home. You should start with one of the lightest % and gradually move up. I use the 12.5 % tca with great results. Everyone has different reactions, and extreme caution should be used!
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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
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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.