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.

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Compare To Other Treatments
5
24%
4
27.2%
3
21.2%
2
12.4%
1
15.2%

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September 7, 2008

Pros:

It worked after two treatments and my face cleared up.

Cons:

Expensive and need it every month. It buns when applied and with the peel I had my face was yellow for a couple of hours (but I knew this so didn't plan on doing anything).

My acne could not be controlled by any product from a store/online (Pro-Activ, Acne Free, Clearasil, Daniel Kern, Murad, etc) or from a dermatologist (Differin, cremes, antibiotics, etc). I was very cautious to try this because of the expense and no guarantee, but I went for it and after two treatments I had already seen much improvement. I just had my third treatment a week ago and my face is a lot clearer than it has been since I've had acne.
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September 2, 2008

Pros:

Face felt clean and tight. No down time, just felt like a mild sunburn. Removed superficial scars and discoloration.

Cons:

Lasted a month or so. Repeated treatments required.

This is the best treatment for skin that has blackheads and whiteheads and if you're a picker. It's at Kelly Day Spa at the Mission Inn Hotel and Resort. They have many treatments and can tell what is best for you. I really like the microdermabrasion with acid peel treatment and do it every month to three months. It is not very expensive and has great results within the first day.
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August 20, 2008

Pros:

I have done all types oh peels in the AHA family. Salicylic, Glycolic name astrength I have done it. The TCA peel is quite so different, the burn isn't very bad it is kind of numbing and my skin looks so even and new than it did pre-TCA.

Cons:

The down time. Okay this is way different than the AHA peels. It gets lobster red, dry and uncomfortably tight, then your skin turns brown in patches (I felt like I looked dirty) after that skin peels alot & rapidly.

A bonus. The peel is stronger than a Saly or a Glyco and very different. Do prepared for some down time, the stronger the peel the longer the down time. PLEASE do not use a strong % it's not neccesary. But after the initail cons which the worst of go away after @ a week...it's amazing how flawless the skin appears and feels! Fight the urge to pick or scrub or aggrevate and take very good care of your skin before & after. Wear sunscreen religiously, after a peel I think of myself as being allergic to the sun (because it is technically) and my good sunscreen is my best friend! This took 5 years off my appearance. LOVED IT!!! Cost I indicate reflects the cost of the TCA ($17) and also the $ amount of skincare products used to maintain and tend to my skins needs after the peel.
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August 12, 2008

Pros:

no pros

Cons:

it's a waste of money

i regret i've done it. it didn't help :(
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July 28, 2008

Pros:

no peeling, quick in procedure

Cons:

cost, slight sting when applied

I'm african american, I went to medical spa and had two chemical peels. along with the peels I used a AHA cleanser, hydroquinone and retin-A prescribed by my doctor. altogether these products worked great in 2months my skin was almost clear. then i stopped using them because of the high price 90 for the peel, 120 for thr retin-A, 50 for the cleanser and 40 for the hydroquinone. i wish i had the money to continue because now my skin is worse then before i started.
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July 27, 2008

Pros:

skin with out acne is smoother

Cons:

my pitted scar was deeper, more and more acne appears at the area which i have nv experience acne before

i have more ance after the peel and its getting worst after each seesion. the doctor say for the 1st 3 months my acne wil get worst because the seed below my skin is being resurface....i dont knwo wherther its true...but compared to my face 3 months ago...i wish i have never try doing chemical peel..its much more better back then
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July 25, 2008

Pros:

None

Cons:

I had a facial peel prescribed to me by a dermatologist done yesterday morning and suffered severe 2nd degree burns due to it. I am certainly never doing this again if my face ever goes back completely normal.

Be warned, dermatologists are not to be always trusted.
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July 7, 2008

Pros:

At-home TCA peel 12.5%. I found this peel on the internet and I love it. It was only about $30 for a 1 ounce bottle (over 10 peels) and I have seen better results than with the lasers for not even a fraction of the cost.

Cons:

With a mild peel only a little bit of peeling and redness. Does take about a week before skin is completely back to normal though.

If you have mild rolling/icepick scars from acne that you had in your early teens this will definitely help. I would recommend getting a mild TCA peel (I got mine on Makeup Artists Choice) and doing it yourself. Combine it with an AHA cream/lotion and you will see even better results. I am saving hundreds of dollars and I have never been more satisfied with any other procedure (Fraxel and other non-ablative lasers and microdermabrasion). If you are fed up with Dr.'s that don't really listen or pay attention to what you want, I would go this route! I love being in control of the outcome and targeting the EXACT areas that bother me!
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July 3, 2008

Pros:

My medical insurance covered the cost of the peel. Had a salicylic peel at the dermatologist's office.

Cons:

Stinged a more longer in areas of my face. Left the office with SO much moisturizer that I looked completely greased up.

It brought to the surface all of the whiteheads and blackheads that were hiding. You look worse before you get better but it was mild enough that you can deal with it. I WILL get it done again esp since I only had to pay my co-pay for my medical insurance.
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June 21, 2008

Pros:

Smoother skin and Reduced redness

Cons:

Flaky, Tightiness on the face and Embarrassing 3 or 4 days after the peel.

I started to have acne when I was 16 and it is just became part of my life. Proactive, Murad, AcneFree etc. they all did reduced my ance breakout but I never good the same clean face look and had some scars and red spots. I tried this chemical V-treatment. And, its been only 6 days that I had my first peel and my old scards are fading away. I look much better with less scar and red spotted face. Few people have noticed it and commented on my skin. So I am feeling better. ( Hopefully, after my 2nd and 3rd peel. It will get better and better!. Just waiting to see clear smooth face.
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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.
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