Chemical Peels
Results
Side Effects

Chemical peels are strong acids applied by a professional in high percentages to the skin for a few minutes at a time. They...

Chemical peels are strong acids applied by a professional in high percentages to the skin for a few minutes at a time. They remove the top layer of skin cells and are thought to help promote the growth of fresh new skin cells.

Chemical peels are usually performed 4 to 10 times in 2-week intervals. Results are usually temporary, therefore it is not normally recommended for chronic acne.

 [more]
3.3
217
Read All About Chemical Peels
Compare To Other Treatments
5
24%
4
27.2%
3
21.2%
2
12.4%
1
15.2%

Used Chemical Peels? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
February 22, 2009

Pros:

Improves skin tone, color, acne, scars (smoothes the scar) and affordable!

Cons:

Takes several treatments (5-6) to see improvement.

If you have bad acne, I recommend you to get this treatment asap before you get acne scar.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 6, 2009

Pros:

no swelling, almost no downtime

Cons:

face waive, discolorate, horrible texture and loss of eye lashes

I have a lot of dark spots, and I did the fraxel on nov 2008, I did swell so bad for a week, but my skin was glowing, nice texture but still had dark spot, I doctor recommended a Jessner peel, I had a week ago, the result are terrible, I have hyperpigmentation, more dark spots than ever, really waive face pink brown skin, I regret to have this done. My doctor said to wait a month to go back to normal. I am so depress
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 1, 2009

Pros:

Affordable compared to other peels.

Cons:

This is a harsh peel, and you will not be presentable outside. Skin peeled off in sheets, but after that I looked no better. No one ever knew I had a peel.

I don't think I would do this again. My skin didn't look any better after the peel. If you rub your face, your skin will turn red and you will scar. I was very disappointed with the results.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 30, 2008

Pros:

With the first peel .. I noticed a significant difference.

Cons:

The burning was almost unbearable.

I love love love the chemical peels -- the results are so good that you won't mind the burning.
This Was Helpful

16 user(s) found this helpful

Report
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 :)
This Was Helpful

10 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 20, 2008

Pros:

Got rid of brand new redmarks like a day or two old.

Cons:

didnt really do much for old red marks :(
made acne a little worse beacause al the exfoliation at once and u can't put any acne products on ur face for a week after u use it
toooo much downtime

i think lactic acid over a period of a couple months is much better than the tca peel...i did a 12.5%. It did almost nothing for me, but make my acne a bit worse and got rid of my brand new red marks.
This Was Helpful

Report
November 8, 2008

Pros:

Had no pros.

Cons:

Made my skin worst with horrible break outs

I had some acne scars I wanted to get rid off, so I tried the peel. Instead of getting rid of the scars it made me break out severely!! I am now dealing with acne again. I had two TCA peels. The first one I had minor break out. The dermatologist said it was normal and that they would go away. So I did a second one hoping that she was right. After the second one my break outs went out of control. My face is red and full of acne now. I am now having to deal with another dermatologist that is trying to help me clear up. I am desperate to get rid of this acne. I am 26 but look like a teenager going through puberty. I would not recommend this procedure to anyone. It worsen me and has made my life horrible.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
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.
This Was Helpful

11 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 25, 2008

Pros:

I have red blotchy skin.
After the first two 12.5% peels Major differnece, even skin tones.

Cons:

first three days skin turned brown in spots and was very tight!
Looked like I had Plastic dirty skin!
Started to peel on day 4, messy

Very happy with results. I will never go out in the sun again w/o sunscreen after having two peels. My skin looks to nice to ruin it again! You will be uncomfy for the first four days but worth it!
This Was Helpful

12 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 18, 2008

Pros:

Hyperpigmentation, mild to moderate scars, interrupts acne breakout cycle, fine lines and wrinkles diminished. Post-peel kit for after care is given to you to take home!

Cons:

Can have a tingling sensation at the start of treatment, skin visibly/physically sloughs off.

Had the VI Peel performed just before Memorial Day '08, and again 09/15/08. Excellent results, your skin is much brighter and even toned. Women beware: You can't cover up with make-up because of the peeling. After you complete the peeling process, you will not want to wear make-up.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 5 6 7 8 9 … 14
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website