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
216
5
23.6%
4
27.3%
3
21.3%
2
12.5%
1
15.3%

Used Chemical Peels? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
March 22, 2013

Pros:

Amazing value, results in only a few weeks, minimal downtime and cost

Cons:

Very gross feeling when it is being applied, you look like you have plastic wrap on your face for a few days

I was given a 7% auto-neutralizing peel at a local doctor's office (more than strong enough and I'm a guy with II-III level acne that was cleared with doxy). The results were very good compared to the three microderms I got at the same office - and each of those was also $100! Def worth a shot and so much cheaper than lasers! Results can still be seen a year later!
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 6, 2011

Pros:

Instant results.
MUAC TCA peel is VERY cheap (too bad I accidentally spilled half of it down the sink).
With the amount in the bottle, it's possible to have it last for the whole year or even more (if you do the 2 applications in a month)

Cons:

flakiness

At first, I was hesitant of putting chemicals on my face. But I've tried everything from proactive to BP creams, to putting olive oil on my face to clay masks, from milk baths to getting more sleep, running to bikram, and almost got on the accutane (yeah I know, I've spent HUNDREDs already). But after seeing multiple videos online about MUAC TCA peel, I thought maybe I should try it (I'm desperate at this point) since it's cheap and before putting myself on a medication that causes birth defects (Accutane). I bought the 12.5% since it was the recommended concentration for acneic skin. I was extremely surprised of the results. On the 1st day (12/2/2011) of applying it then several hours later of having neosporin on my face (it actually didn't hurt but I put it on to keep my face from drying out) and after washing it off, i could see the results already!! By the 5th day (12/6/2011), I started to see the flaking that people were talking about but I'm still so happy about the results. I'm quite satisfied with my skin right now and looking forward to doing the next session after the recommended two weeks. I was thinking that maybe I should up my concentration to 15%. But I feel bad about buying another one since my bottle is still pretty filled.
This Was Helpful

32 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Gerger
March 13, 2016
Apparently it is possible to do two or three layers to strengthen the peel I'd you have a low concentration acid :) research it first tho.
Report
August 2, 2011

Pros:

effective on hyperpigmentations from acne and age spots; faster results than skin lightening creams/lotions/hydroquinone.

Cons:

burns a bit; I can only use one every few months so skin heals properly; pigmentations get super dark and leathery for up to 2 weeks

I used hydroquinone for 3 months with ZERO results! I saw results in 2 weeks with this peel. I would repurchase, but it may not be necessary because 1/2 oz would last a lifetime if I'm only gonna use it only 3-4 times per year. I only spot treat for now. I just can't do my entire face without looking like a burn victim for 2 weeks. In the back of my mind, I fear that my skin would not heal properly and leave me with skin worse than what I have now... My supervisor asked if I was ok. He probably thought someone hit me in the eye.
This Was Helpful

23 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 13, 2011

Pros:

Cleared current acne, reduced scars and redness

Cons:

Peeling skin for 5 days, expensive, but worth the results.

I have struggled with acne for as long as I can remember. It was mostly on my jawline area and a few on my forehead and chin. I even had some cystic acne and it was very red and noticeable. I did some research and found out jawline acne is caused by unbalanced hormones, especially common in woman in their twenties and thirties who are still suffering from acne. Some of the recommendation were to cut out foods containing hormones, especially dairy. Dairy and meat are REALLY bad for acne prone skin because of all the hormones in the animal meat and in the milk. So I went pescatarian and dont eat nearly as much dairy as before. (Cocunut Ice Cream is SOOO good) Anyways I have also had 2 chemical peels so far. They dried up my acne and reduced redness so much already and my esthetician recommend six for maximum benifits. I cant wait for the full results. I have tried everything and finally Iam beginning to see results and people are also commenting on my skin and how clear it is. So bottom line try to reduce or elimanate meat and dairy, drink lots of water and try the chemical peels It worked for me and is worth a try for anyone suffering with acne.
This Was Helpful

108 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 15, 2010

Pros:

Shows good results pretty fast. Better skin. Doesn't take long to get and not painful.

Cons:

None

This works people need to really read up on it. Find a person who knows what they are doing, a person who cares about your skin. It maybe be spendy but you are taking care of your face, which is well worth it. 3 peels make a huge difference for acne or sun damage and even wrinkles.
This Was Helpful

58 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 7, 2010

Pros:

Results in gorgeous skin. Fades scars and hyperpigmentation significantly, removes acne, smoothens skin, etc.

Cons:

Intense uncomfortable burning during the procedure. Very tight, leathery, dry skin afterwards. Takes 5-7 days for peeling to stop.

I had a salicylic acid peel and lactic acid peel done about a week ago, and I love the results. I had horrible scarring and hyperpigmentation from hormonal acne. Now, my skin looks so much better, and I feel very confident going out in public now. Be sure to apply plenty of moisture to your face, and use a gentle cleanser like cetaphil. You can still see some slight imperfections on my skin, but its nowhere near as noticeable. I'm going to get 2 or 3 more peels done to maximize the results.
This Was Helpful

135 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 21, 2009

Pros:

I prepped for four weeks with 50% glycolic peels, one per week. I did the 15% TCA and it was mild.I only had flakes.I am moving up to another level. The acne that I had was diminished.

Cons:

Didn't "snake peel", wanted too:( But I will move up in strength. It is always best not to burn yourself and to test out products first. The good news though is that I can successfully do this at the same downtime as a glycolic(a weekend of flakies)

Buy least % first. Even the first glycolic was crazy, but then they all had adjusted to a certain tolerance, so I didn't scar myself. I am excited to see long term goals. Forehead gets nice and taught, which is a good feeling.I am only 26, but I like anything that makes me feel young:) Good luck... $40 for both glycolic and TCA
This Was Helpful

45 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 29, 2009

Pros:

Diminishes Acne Marks, Gets rid of Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Even Skin Tone, Smooth Young Skin, Reverses Signs of Aging, Easily done at home, Takes away sun damaged skin, Loads of Positive Comments on how you look, Bottles last years, Really Affordabl

Cons:

Down Time, about a week of skin peeling, just use mild cleanser and Vaseline to Moisturize

Those that have a negative response seem to be the ones that had a lower % peel and paid hundreds of dollars to get it done by a professional. If you can follow instructions, don't panic when it burns (it is supposed to) and are careful during the recovery, you should do it at home Imo I paid $20 for 2 100% strength Tca bottles. Diluted to make a 12% solution for my first peel, 4 weeks later made a 25% peel. The results are unquestionable, really great! 6 weeks after the second, I did another 25% peel and the overall results after these 3 peels are really awesome. The best product I've ever spent such a little amount of money on. I can't believe how slack they are charging thousands of dollars for a peel you can do yourself for $20! I had fine lines around my eyes and was beginning to get dark pigmentation around my eyes (dark circles) and they are all gone, like I am 17 again. Some wouldn't use it under their eyes, but I went ahead and put it all over my including right up to my eyes.
This Was Helpful

38 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 16, 2009

Pros:

some downtown, it really depends on how fast your skin recovers, for me, it takes about 3-5 days

Cons:

burns like hell when the chemical peel is applied, but it's worth it in the end... and STAY OUT OF THE SUN!!!

I have had really bad acne scarring since the beginning of January after having really bad severe acne last year. The texture of my skin was not smooth, there were craters EVERYWHERE and it looked like i had really bad stretch marks on my face. so I ended up doing chemical peels since January. It's now August, and after having the peels performed on me once a month since January (just finished my 8th peel), my skin texture is sooooooo different! MY GOD! It's so smooth now, and MUCH LESS craters. I've noticed after each peel, I saw a 5%-20% improvement. Doesn't sound like much, but think about it, I've been using using it for the 8th month now, so my skin texture is WOW. the craters are more plumped up so it's more even with my normal skin, and a lot of the discolorations from the acne scars are almost gone. If you have never gotten it done before, I would suggest going to your dermatologist's office to see if it's right for you.
This Was Helpful

49 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 24, 2009

Pros:

- Improved hyperpigmentation problems.
- Smoother and soft skin.

Cons:

- Requires a lot of down time (about a week).
- Quite expensive for one bottle.

I've used Glycolic/Lactic acids to remove some dark spots on my forehead and they only lightened them up as well as making the rest of my skin smoother. However, after using TCA (first 10%, then 20%), my dark spots on my forehead lightened a LOT (60%+ improvement). Made me skin much softer, smoother, and radiant. Only con is downtime and the amount of money to spend on one bottle, which probably won't last long...
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 2 3 4
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