[mis3]

I have some acne scars that I would like to get rid of. Someone told me about microdermabrasion but when I talked to my dermatologist, she recommended a mild chemical peel. She said she usually would start with 20% Glycoclic acid for the first treatment.

I told her that I was looking for something like a deep cleaning facial. She replied that the mild chemical peel would do the job and I would have some redness to my face for a few hours.

Does any of you have experience with this procedure?

 

[prclnbeauty]

I'm familiar with chemical peels. You would need to begin with a higher AHA percentage like 20% then during a series of treatments, your esthetician or dermatologist will lower the percentage to boost the effectiveness of the peel. Chemical peels are done in series of treatments so you will not notice results right away, it'll take time.

 

[mis3]

My dermatologist said most people start with 20% and increase the concentration gradually.

Like I said, I am looking for something good for my skin, like a deep cleaning facial. I may do this once or twice per year (with regular facials in between).

I am debating between this mild chemical peel and microdermabrasion.

 

[prclnbeauty]

Right, the dermatologist will lower the percentage which increases the concentration. Don't do both chemical peels and microdermabrasion because it can cause the skin some serious damage. You should try microdermabrasion for acne scars that aren't severe, whereas chemical peels are good for more severe acne scars but require more downtime and care.

 

[Omega]

Right, the dermatologist will lower the percentage which increases the concentration.

Wouldn't increasing the percentage of acid also increase the concentration?

 

[mis3]

I am deciding between the 2 procedures, but not both!

I am now leaning towards the mild chemical peel. The dermatologist told me that for 20% Glycoclic acid, there is no down time.

 

[prclnbeauty]

No, lowering the percentage actually increases the concentration of the acid. The lowest percentage i've worked with was 3% and you only leave it on for about 5 minutes. 1% is a very high concentration, it's very strong and usually good for people who have serious skin issues.

 

[prclnbeauty]

You'll be okay starting out at 20% although i don't think you will see any results right away. She will be doing a series of treatments right?

 

[Omega]

No, lowering the percentage actually increases the concentration of the acid. The lowest percentage i've worked with was 3% and you only leave it on for about 5 minutes. 1% is a very high concentration, it's very strong and usually good for people who have serious skin issues.

In this case, is the percentage you're using represent the amount of acid present in relation to the non-acid ingredients? In that case, the higher the percentage of acid, the stronger it would be. Or maybe I'm missing something here.

 

[prclnbeauty]

I'm sorry, I meant to say pH level. The lower the pH level the stronger the peel will be.

 

[Omega]

I've never seen pH expressed as a percentage before.

Acidic is anything below neutral which is 7.0.

 

[mis3]

You'll be okay starting out at 20% although i don't think you will see any results right away. She will be doing a series of treatments right?

Not sure. I will go in for a consultation first. I plan to do the treatment twice a year with regular facials in between. Maybe I should ask for stronger peel, not too strong, maybe 30%...

I use Alyria Exfoliating Cream which already contains Glycolic Acid. I use Level-1 as a daily cream and Level-2 once a week. Level-2 is stronger because everytime I apply it, my face will be red for a few hours.

 

[prclnbeauty]

I've never seen pH expressed as a percentage before.

Acidic is anything below neutral which is 7.0.

Yes, I know that. A lower pH in peels will be stronger.

 

[mis3]

I know that microdermabrasion and this mild chemical peel are 2 very different treatments but the end-results are similar.

With mild chemical (maybe 20%), both have minimum downtime.

What are the pros and cons of each treatment?

 

[mis3]

Anyone have comments on these 2 treatments?

I did my research. I know that both treatrments removes acne scars by exfoliating the old skin cells faster. However, I have no experience on them and don't know which treatment is better.

 

[Freddy]

Mild Chemical Peel:
Pros
It's faster
There is some redness but it's not abrasive on the skin.
Cheaper
More progressive results

Cons
I find that more treatments are needed.

Micro-
Pros
Results are seen with the first treatment
Thickens skin

Cons
Aggressive and abrasive. You need to use someone who knows how to provide the service well.
More expensive.
More downtime.
Painful around sensitive areas.

 

[mis3]

Thanks for the clarifications.

Now, if my purpose is to do a deep clean facial, I can go either way.

My issue now is I called a few dermatologists; they do only chemical peel but not microderm. It seems that locally (Toronto), microderm is available only in spa.

I was told it's better to do these treatments in dermatologist office, not in a spa.

 

[Omega]

If you want, you can do microdermibrasion yourself. Neutrogena has a kit.

 

[mis3]

Mild Chemical Peel:
Pros
It's faster
There is some redness but it's not abrasive on the skin.
Cheaper
More progressive results

Cons
I find that more treatments are needed.

Micro-
Pros
Results are seen with the first treatment
Thickens skin

Cons
Aggressive and abrasive. You need to use someone who knows how to provide the service well.
More expensive.
More downtime.
Painful around sensitive areas.

Thanks for your clarifications.

I thought the chemical peel is more aggressive than microderm. I guess 20% is kind of mild. I just checked, my Alyria Level-2 actually contains 15% Glycolic acid. This is why my face get red when I apply it (usually once a week).

For the chemical peel, maybe I should ask for 25% concentration?

 

[mireckca]

All this talk about glycolic acid is interesting to me. I have been using a 10% lotion maybe twice a week just to renew the surface of my skin. It's been great - I never knew how beneficial it could be to get rid of that dull outer layer. It does give my skin a healthy glow and it seems to help my products to absorb better.

Could someone recommend the name of a glycolic peel that could be done at home? I assume that this is something that you apply, leave on, and then remove - right?

We've been talking alot about making our own products. Has anyone tried to make up their own gycolic acid solution for doing a peel or just for exfoliating?

From what I've been reading here, 20% would be a good place to start - right? Also, is there anything else I should now about this before I do it?

Thanks for your help.