Glycolic Peels

[xo__KELLY]

Allright, so Im kinda new here, but ive been a little apprehensive to post, because everyone here is kinda tight knit, and eveyone is so knowledgable when it comes to make up...I must say, some of you are amazing!

So to the point:

I just had my sweet sixteen, and recieved a whole lot of birthday money! Since I still have a whole lot of stuff from christmas, and more clothes and makeup than I know what to do with, I decided I'd spend a little to see what I can do about my skin.

Basically, Ive had acne since the fourth grade, which is pretty sad, lol. It got really bad around the seventh. Ive tried EVERYTHING: From topical to oral, prescription, just about everything I could get over the counter, accutane, pro active...and no matter what it comes back. Accutane did alot, but im still not comfortable with my skin.

Anyways, after looking at different types of facials and peels I could get done, I discoverd glycolic peels! Ive been google-ing them for a couple hours when I decided to come here to hear your experiences with them! I was on acne.org, and many people recommend doing it at home due to expenses!

Just to let you know, I have been off accutane for a LONG time. The only thing im on right now for my skin is BC. Would that be alright?

Share your experiences with me! Let me know what percent you started with, how often, all that stuff. Id like to know alot about it.

 

[Dragonfly]

Hi Kelly. Post anytime - we all like to help and support each other.

I have had acne since I was in grade 4, a year before my cycle started.

I tried all kinds of stuff and nothing worked.

Finally, at 35 I went on Accutance. It worked great but after a year, some of the oil and acne came back. I started to break out more along my jaw line.

I went on another round. Now I get 1-2 breakouts a month. And some of the oilinesss has returned. The derm said that I may even need a third go.

I haven't decided yet.

What works for me is a topical prescription medication called Neo Medrol. As soon as I feel a pimple starting, I apply a drop a couple of times. In 1-2 days, it is gone. And I'm talking about cystic zits, not just white heads.

Have you considered trying another Dermatologist? I went to two different ones. The first wouldn't give me accutane because I wouldn't go on the pill. But he gave me a great skin regime that I still follow today.

The second gave me Accutane - but I had my tubes tied by then - which made a huge difference. Plus he refered my to a plastic surgeon that did wondrous things as well. And the Derm introduced me to Neo Medrol, which is fantastic.

Maybe another Dermatologist can offer ideas that the first overlooked.

 

[Kathy]

I haven't tried Glycolic peels, but I have used MD Forte products which have that in them in varying degrees. I'd start low, just as a test to see how your skin reacts to it. It can be pretty harsh. I agree with Carolyn about seeing another Derm for a second opinion. Sometimes 2 rounds of accutane is necessary from what I've heard.

 

[xo__KELLY]

Ive been on two rounds, and while it has helped LOADS, im still not completely happy.

 

[Dragonfly]

I also use Stievaa Vitamin A Acid Gel - Canada's Retin A. I use this product daily to help with black and white heads, exfoliation and because I'm in my 40's, I use it for cosmetic purposes.

Paula Begoun likes a combination of Retin A and AHA (or BHA - for oily skin).

The AHA or BHA would act as a chemical exfoliate or peel. There are a few drugstore lines that carry AHA/BHA - Neutrogena is one. As well, Paula sells her own products. Her site is cosmeticscop.com