Facial peels

[packrat]

I had a consult today on my acne, and this is what the Dr. recommended, based on my acne history. 1 peel every 2 weeks, for a total of 6 peels. She said they''re light peels, so the downtime is minimal. Most people need a maintenance peel every 3 or 4 months she said, but I might need them a little more frequently-I''m guessing every 2 or 3 months. There will also be a specific skin care line to use, rather than the OTC things I''ve been using, like Cetafil etc.

Just wondering if anyone has had facial peels before, and what kind of results you had?

 

[Jen_91909]

Hey packrat,
For the past 8 months (since I got engaged) I have been getting 1 light peel per month and will continue to do so a few more months until my wedding. For me, the purpose is mainly to prevent acne.
There is very minimal downtime - I might be a little pink for an hour, if that. 2 days later or so my skin will start to peel, not in big flakes like a sunburn but more like a dry skin type of peeling. It''s pretty subtle. That will usually last 1-2 days.

Now, for what you''re really interested in- results. Honestly? It''s hard to say. I''ve had months where my skin has barely broken out at all, maybe one tiny bump, and I''ve had months that were a bit more of a struggle. This probably has to do with stress or other such factors. I really haven''t noticed much like smaller pores or anything like that. I will continue them until the wedding, more as a "just in case" backup, but probably won''t continue with them after that.

 

[omieluv]

Never had a peel myself, but will probably get a lactic acid peel soon. Each month, I get a facial to help improve my acne prone skin, but was told that a peel would be even more beneficial.

A bit off topic, but have you ever tried Dr. Schrammek''s Blemish Balm? I love that stuff for my skin and it is also used to sooth skin after peels too.
http://www.schrammek.de/en_products_regulatingcare.html (scroll to the end of page).

 

[packrat]

Thanks for the replies, and thanks for the link Omie! I bookmarked it-sounds promising!

I''m starting back into eating better and exercising, which I think is a big factor in how my skin looks, so I''m hoping these peels will give an extra boost. Even if it''s something I have to keep doing now and again after the initial treatments are done. My skin is so horrible I don''t even like looking in the mirror!

Jen, do they have you on a specific skin care routine, or can you use whatever?

 

[omieluv]

totally understand about skin issues, as I have had them since I was 12 (32 now). My brother was worse and went on Accutane, which cleared him up very well and he feels it was totally worth it. For me, it would be a total pain to go on, so I am going with facials and using better skin care products, which have helped. I used to be on antibiotics and topicals, but I hated all of that stuff.

Still though, I hate looking in the mirror after I wash off my makeup, as I have so many hyperpigmentation marks from previous acne. Fortunately, I came across the blemish balm, which is tinted, so I wear it to bed. I love it because it helps my skin while I sleep and it covers some of my issues, so I can wash my face a few hours before bed, put that on and have some coverage. I wear it in the AM under my Bareminerals and it is such a fantastic makeup base too! BTW, Bareminerals has also helped my skin too.

Eating better will help as I notice I have skin issues when I eat too much sugar. Additionally, drinking water will keep your skin hydrated, thus less likely you get breakouts from dry skin clogging you up. These are two big reason why I breakout, but everyone is different. I have also been told that exfoliation is one of the most important things you can do for your skin, which is why I think facials work well for me.

I was told that I will have to be on some sort of skin care regimine post peel, not sure what that will be yet. My mom loves getting peels and says they get all of the "gunk" out and her skin feels great. She has had a pumpkin peel and lactid acid and loves them both.

 

[Jen_91909]

Packrat, I use tazorac cream at night (prescription retinol, similar to retin A) and then use finacea cream in the morning (another prescription). I''ve been doing that nearly 3 years now and it helped a lot. They are known to make your skin worse before it gets better, that definitely happened for me- but about 3-4 months in my skin pretty much totally cleared up. Now, it''s a bit up and down but I associate that with stress mostly. Oh, I use Cetaphil to wash my face b/c it''s so gentle and the prescriptions are fairly strong.
I also drink TONS of water and find that is always helpful.

I think the peels do give a sense of getting all the gunk out, which is a nice feeling afterwards... you do feel like you are really helping your skin.

 

[packrat]

I''m going to call Monday and see if I can get something set up for the week after. (going to the zoo Friday and I''ll be in the sun all day so that nixes this week)

I''ve been on Accutane 2 or 3 times, years ago, and it did work for me, but I had to be on a much stronger dose than what was recommended for my weight. The Dr. did say yesterday that it could be another option after doing the set of peels, but I think I''d rather just get on a routine with great products instead. I''ve been on so many different antibiotics and tried so many different OTC and prescription meds I feel like a walking medicine cabinet.

The Schrammek products that Omie posted look quite promising. Tho..I might be a little daft as I couldn''t figure out how to order anything or find out prices..I kept ending up on sites that say they sell the stuff, but wasn''t sure how to get any additional info. Omie, can you help me on that?

 

[omieluv]

I bought my Blemish Balm via Ebay from a "non" certified vendor. It was much cheaper going this way, but of course, not encouraged by authorized sellers. Howeer, if you would like to order from an authorized site, look into this one: http://www.theskinspecialist.com/store/dr-schrammek-/dr-schrammek-blemish-balm-4-tints/prod_60.html . I bought the "classic" in 30ml just to try it, but I think I am going to look into the 50ml the next time around. Recently, I ordered this, and still waiting for it to arrive: http://www.theskinspecialist.com/store/dr-schrammek-/dr-schrammek-blemish-balm-4-tints/prod_60.html . Actually, the price I paid via ebay was only $2 less than the skin specialist site, so I might go through the site if I like the product.

To exfoliate, I use Nami gel 2-3 times each week: http://www.theskinspecialist.com/store/pigmentation-products/nami-glycolic-exfoliator/prod_35.html (you can find this super cheap via ebay). It's odd to use, but I like it. When I first got it, I tested it on my feet and it did take some of the dead skin off. If you do not see results on your face, you can use it on your hands, feet and other rough spots.

As for Cetaphil, it still dried me out, so I have been using CeraVe, which has been so much better for me. It is even more gentle and makes my skin feel so smooth. You can find it at CVS and Walgreens for about $11.00.

ETA: I just wanted to add that products I use will not really clear up cystic acne. However, I believe they help prevent it to an extent.

 

[packrat]

Thanks for the help Omie! I didn''t even think to look on Ebay. Have you ever tried that Green Peel? It sounded like something you have to go to an actual salon to have done-is that right?

I get both "regular" (for lack of correct term) acne and cystic acne. So I suppose even tho those products don''t clear up cystic, they''ll work on the other anyway.

Hopefully the peels will be good for both types! The Dr. gave me info on the peel and follow up routines they recommend, but I''m thinking I set them down when I was rounding up mom and the kids and forgot them there, so I can''t even check them out!

This is what I used for about 6 months. obagi clenziderm

It worked well for a while, and then it was almost like my skin got used to it or something and it didn''t work near as well. I''d had people comment on how clear my skin was, and then a few months later it was like being back to square one.

 

[omieluv]

I think prevention is key when it comes to cystic acne, so using high quality products and getting facials/peels are good steps to take. Peels should help with keeping your skin clear, as I know facials have helped me. Since getting facials every 4-6 weeks, I have noticed a large reduction in cystic acne, which has been great. Using Blemish Balm and that Nami stuff help my skin in between facials and also using a facial scrub in the shower. Also, I have been reading that using an AHA product is good to.

I think you can do the green peel on your own, but I would not advise it. Plus, I think it is expensive to buy yourself.

Have you been over to acne.org yet?

 

[packrat]

Never heard of acne.org so I now have it up in another screen to peruse. I''ve always been one to shy away from spending a lot of money on face stuff but I think I''m going to have to suck it up and do it-like spending money on peels and higher quality face products. In some instances I think more expensive/better quality does equate to better results.

I did also use Bareminerals at one point but the color didn''t seem to match my skin very well, and I notice that my skin seemed better when I used it. Might have to browse their site and see if there''s other foundation colors.

 

[rockin11]

I had a peel about a year ago. What a horrific experience. Mine was probably stronger than the one you are considering. I was on birth control and had a bad adverse reaction that caused acne and breakouts. Once it was out of my system I still had issues and places i wanted to get rid of. I had been going to a dermatologist and liked her and she suggested the next step be a peel. I was so excited. I knew it would be uncomfortable but WOW. I felt like my face was going to fall off..for a whole week(pretty sure she went way to strong on my peel). I truly looked like a burn victim. it was so bad that it cracked in places and caused bleeding and scars. After all that I was not very pleased with the results. I saw few if any really. I also had very bad discoloring. You could tell where the peel had been because you could see the circles around my eyes and mouth. Months later I started having very regular microderm treatments(with a different person) and using a good skin care line(LOVE) and aloeglyc. I have been very pleased. My husband out of the blue just comments on how great my skin looks as well as an occasional comment from a stranger. **Knock on wood** I am clear.
I am sure your peel will not be as harsh. I hope you get the results you are looking for.

 

[packrat]

Jeez Rockin-what a horrible experience! What type of peel did she use, do you know? What is Microderm?

 

[omieluv]

I did not want to get into facials, because of the cost. However, they have really helped my skin, so I figure they are worth it.

Revisit BareMinerals...you can usually mix colors together to arrive at the shade you need. All I can say is that when I switched from liquid foundation to BareMinerals, I did not break out as much.

Rockin - that sucks about your first peel! My skin is sensitive, so I have been holding off on getting a peel, but I have been told that the lactic acid peel is gentle as compared to the rest. Glad you found something that worked for you!

 

[Rock_of_Love]

Date: 6/5/2009 7:13:20 PM
Author:packrat
I had a consult today on my acne, and this is what the Dr. recommended, based on my acne history. 1 peel every 2 weeks, for a total of 6 peels. She said they''re light peels, so the downtime is minimal. Most people need a maintenance peel every 3 or 4 months she said, but I might need them a little more frequently-I''m guessing every 2 or 3 months. There will also be a specific skin care line to use, rather than the OTC things I''ve been using, like Cetafil etc.

Just wondering if anyone has had facial peels before, and what kind of results you had?

Peels are great for acne - especially a combination of salicylic and glycolic. I totally agree with her recommendation of every 2 weeks to get the acne under control...then you can do maintenance treatments every 6 - 8 weeks.

Peels range is strength from very superficial (which barely cause any reaction, maybe just minor flaking) to medium, deep and even to ones that only doctor''s can administer during anesthesia (phenol). Glycolics and salicylics tend to be superficial to medium strength. Lactic is great for dryer skin, tends to be moisturizing and usually in a cream formulation. I really like Lactic Acid peels! Deeper peels can end up causing more damage than good, especially for younger skin. They are really best reserved for older skin.

I also do microdermabrasion. Not good for *active* acne. I like to alternate my treatments to microderm than peel every other time. Sometimes if I need a more agressive treatment, I will do a microderm then a peel as well.

Products I''ve found helpful for my acneic skin are: Biomedic line - purifying cleanser, conditioning solution. I''ve also used some products from Jan Marini and Obagi. Obagi is good for hyperpigmentation, but have not found it great for acne. Jan Marini''s glycolic cleanser is good, and their bioglycolic products. For acneic skin it is really good to use products that exfoliate to keep pores clean so they don''t get clogged. Enzyme masks are good to use once a week, too, for this purpose.

 

[omieluv]

Thanks for the info, Rock of Love!

 

[packrat]

Yes, thanks Rock of Love, for the extra info!

 

[cellentani]

I''ve used Retin A for 2 years now. I didn''t really have bad acne, but I''d get stubborn breakouts in the same location that would take forever to clear up. It drove me crazy to feel the bump(s) and not be able to get rid of them. I ended up with some scarring from squeezing attempts (I know, I was bad), and I started showing some sunspots from my tanned youth in Florida. I started with a .01% strength, but have been using a Neutraderm .1% strength for the past year. I''ve had no more breakouts, but the biggest difference is in the texture of my skin - it''s really smooth and even. It''s helped lighten some of my dark patches, but I have some remaining ones that will probably need lasering or IPL. I am on an every-other-day schedule, and I''m maintaining this schedule even though my skin looks pretty good. I''ve heard that people should not use Retin A for an extended period of time (internet research), but I spoke extensively with my dermatologist, and he did not think it necessary for me to stop. Even on my current maintenance schedule, my skin sheds regularly, which is exactly what it''s supposed to do. However, unlike the unsightly flaking from a peel (or the initial phase of Retin A), it just rubs off when I wash my face. Once my face is clean, I just blot it gently so it''s still damp, then rub my fingers (never a towel or washcloth - too rough) over my face and the skin rolls off. Sort of like when you apply some products over a moisturizer and it rolls off in eraser-like bits. Sounds weird, but I''m 40, and people think I''m in my 20''s - I swear. Having said all that, I realize that Retin A isn''t for everyone, but it''s turned into my fountain of youth.

Sorry for the really lonnnnng post - I hope you find something that works for you.

 

[rockin11]

omieluv and packrat-not sure what type of peel I had..all I know was that it felt like acid and my face was white for an hour or so. i think i am a little dark and should not have had it done..that might have been one of my problems. i trusted the Dr. though. I am just glad things are better now. I still have a few bumps every now and then but all in all I better. The micoderm has really helped. She does use a few dabs of a low grade peel in certain areas and it helps too. The best thing is to find a good Dr. or an experienced professional that you like and trust.
I have used many of the mineral makeups out there. I am currently using youngblood and have been very pleased.
Let us know how your peels go. I am sure you will be pleased!

 

[packrat]

Having my first peel tomorrow. They said it takes about 30 minutes and they give you a pack of face stuff to take home. I also asked her about mineral make up. She said that''s the best to use for your skin, and that we''d discuss which products are best for me tomorrow. They sell Jane Iredale (I think is the name) there. I''m nervous about how it will feel...stingy or burny..but I guess if it will mean clearer skin I''ll put up w/it!

 

[packrat]

First peel was great! My chin is so broke out today, it''s disgusting, but I''m guessing it will start to get better. I forgot to have them color match me for the Jane Iredale mineral makeup beforehand, so I didn''t get any there. I did break down and buy some off ebay tho, little trial sizes in the color I think I''m closest to.

I never did think to ask what kind of a peel it was. She said it''s really light. It had a strange smell and made me cough. She gave me a fan tho, in case it got warm, so I used it to blow the smell away.