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
July 15, 2009

Pros:

Smoother skin, reduction in pore size, lightened scarring, cleared existing acne

Cons:

Burns for a bit afterwards, peeling 2-3 days

I have done a series of peels through my dermatologist and they have really helped improve the tone and texture of my skin. I am 34 and am prone to cystic acne (still) and this, combined with Smoothbeam treatments, is the only thing that has helped. I would have "pocked" skin if not for these treatments.
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June 18, 2009

Pros:

Can't find any

Cons:

EZ Peel information on Anais Website states no frosting or burning. I got just the opposite in addition to huge brown-birh mark looking blotches. This is not a simple peel.

I put one coat of EZ Peel on my entire face. I set the timer for 3 mintues but washed off in less due to burning. It did frost and on the same day I had huge brown blotches which resemble birth marks on my cheeks and chin. I contacted Anais only to get vague responses. If you read the ad it states there is no down time, no frosting, a light flakey peel in a few days. I do not take any medication and EZ Peel states there is no pre-conditioning required to use this product. I have been off work without pay for several days now because I cannot be seen like this. Makeup does not cover it. I just have to wait it out and hope I did not ruin my skin. DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT
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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!
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March 19, 2008
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

Cheap and the possible results are apeeling

Cons:

made my skin erupt bad!!!!!! had a couple blemishes,and then the peel caused a reaction and developed clusters of cysts

I did alot of research before i did a 10% lotion peel all natural saw alot of good results from others.It must have brought out alot of junk but it did not agree with me at all,it took 3 months for my skin to recover but it looks much better now.All I can say is dont mess with your skin too much since ive left it alone and wash only once a day i am almost crystal clear,i will deal with one to two blemishes anyday compared to that mess
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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.
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February 6, 2007

Pros:

evens out skin tone

Cons:

caused scarring all over my face.

i had 2 25% tca peels done through my derm. before, i'd had isolated patches of scars. now, my entire face is covered in countless tiny scars that have completely destroyed the texture of my face. i also found that my derm had been cleansing my face before each procedure with glycolic acid. during my last procedure (not a chem peel), my skin worsened again from the glycolic alone. please be careful- it took my skin from poor to almost deforming.
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December 3, 2006

Pros:

Before they put on the last layer they do some extractions. It is a bit painful, and usually leaves marks but after a couple days it peels right off. Helped with the appearance and little bit of the texture helped as well.

Cons:

After you peel your skin tends to be red and your very sensitive to the sun. After the chemical peel you look like you just got beat up cause of the extractions and trauma with the chemicals. I wouldnt recommend it if you have to go to work right awy

helped me in the beginning but i noticed that the extractions may have caused other breakout to appear. I rec. if you have minimal acne. I also rec if you want to treat some discoloration and skin tone. goodluck
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August 22, 2010
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

evens skin tone and texture

Cons:

20-30% can cause serious irratation and flare ups

it gets rid of dark scars and helps with acne by exfoliating, BUT if you think a stronger concentration of glycolic acid will give you better results BEWARE it can cause major irritation and flare ups.
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September 22, 2009
Product used: Glycolic Acid Peel

Pros:

Skin is softer and getting a "glow" back, appears brighter.

Cons:

Although the overall look of skin is improving I got a huge breakout, about 8 pimples within 2 days of use. I have never had more than one pimple in 35 yrs, I used the product for fine lines and I'm not sure I'll keep using it.

I'll continue use for a few more weeks to see if the pimples go away and no more breakouts occur, if they do I will stop and find another solution for fine lines.
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July 11, 2009

Pros:

Skin was brighter, reduced cystic pimples, eliminated oil on my face, and lighten scars

Cons:

Had a few break outs after the peel. Payed about 180.00.Pricey 4 me. Oily skin and bumps came back and face looked terrible again

Overall I liked the after results, but I was hoping it would reduce pore size but it just lightened the dark spots on my face. For me it lasted for about 2mths, then after that I felt like Cinderella...:( But the great thing I've discovered regarding my acne breakouts was that my hormones was out of wack and found a great herbal product that was such a blessing 4 me gosh wish i could show a before and after pic. Well ill be planning for a 2nd peel soon..Much Healing and Blessings to all that read this
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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.