Have you ever had a chemical peel done? (color, complexion, toner)

[Roma]

Hi,

Have you ever had a chemical peel done? How was it? How was the results? I have a lot of sun damage to my skin and was hoping this would help. I'm 41 years old if that helps any.

Thanks!

[Mooseketeer]

The idea would terrify me. I have really sensitive skin so I think I would end up worse. I am sure you are quite beautiful just the way you are and it seems extreme to resort to chemical peels but then again I'm not you ! I would try creams and other "potions" if I was you. I would be worried by side effects and the possibility of it going wrong as well.
How bad is the sun damage ? Is it really visible or can a good covering of foundation help? Do you nourish your skin really well and do you drink enough? I know a lot of damage is irreversible but some can helped and alleviated with just better skin care.
I'm turning 40 myself, in December and I already notice my skin being more prone to problems such dryness and it is less elastic .

[GreenMachine]

Originally Posted by Roma

Hi,

Have you ever had a chemical peel done? How was it? How was the results? I have a lot of sun damage to my skin and was hoping this would help. I'm 41 years old if that helps any.

Thanks!

I did one last year when I was 43, I did an Efudex peel. Efudex targets the sundamaged skin directly. It was not easy to go through. Takes about two weeks. Skin on my face turned red and came off. I think it made my skin much softer and nicer. I recommend it, but I warn you the treatment is not for the weak of heart. It is tough to go through. My friends thought I was crazy.

You will not get the same results through creams and drinking water, sorry.

Go for it!

Greenie

[Shopaholic]

I have never had one because I have really sensitive skin. One of my good friends has had them several times and she said it left her skin a little red and raw at first. She always went to a dermatologist or a medical spa to get hers, which I would recommend at least for your first one.

[tahiti]

I haven't had the full blown chemical peel done, but I've had glycolic acid, beta-x (similar to glycolic acid) and parisian (microdermabrasion) peels done. these are less intense than chemical peels, but I'm not sure if they can help sun damaged skin. i get the parisian peels done once every 8 weeks, due to my dry skin that's prone to breakouts (it's cruel, I tell ya! how can my skin be dry AND acne prone? ). no redness, dryness, and the improvement is amazing!

i'd look into these other peels first, the recovery from chemicals can be a bit rough from what I understand.

(btw, we're about the same age!)

[GreenMachine]

If you want a results, you have to do the serious peel.

Do the efudex peel but do it in the winter and plan for a week off of work.

Also, and I can't stress this enough, wash your hands all the time. You do not want to get an infection on your face like I did -- very painful. My face swelled up and I felt like I'd been run over by a truck and left in the road..

Greenie

[ayannaaaliyah]

I've used to get glycolic acid treatments on my skin when I lived in Miami but it wasn't due to sun damage, I have extremely sensitive skin and frequent breakouts. Haven't had any done since moving away, but i'm sure looking for a good esthetician/dermatologist who has experience dealing with ethnic skin

[Roma]

Thanks. All of these post have been very helpful. I need to find a good esthetician/dermatologist too. Where I live now, I will have to travel to find one. I'm moving though and where I'm moving to there are tons of good ones.

I'm scared to get the chemical peel done but I need it. My face and neck is turning that leathery feeling from when I used to tan for years. So I hope they can do my neck too?

I really need a whole body makover though!!!!

[MB2]

Yup...I hear ya about sun damage and all.
Live here in FL, AND was a frequent sun worshipper as well as tanning beds (fake n' bake).
I am trying to avoid the sun, but, her in FL it's not an easy thing to do..... SPF only takes you so far, and doesn't reverse the damage already done.
I am doing peels like glycolic acid peels every 2-3 weeks, microdermabrasion every week.
I also went to a COMPLETE skin care regimen, with washes, toners, day creams, night creams and moisturizer.
WHAT A HUGE DIFFERENCE IT IS!!!!!
I know of some people which had the invasive chemical peels done at a plastic surgeons office.
Here are a bunch of things I have noticed:
My friends skin is incredibly smooth with an even complexion and no blemishes, fewer wrinkles and sagging skin.
The down part is, that it is painful (I am quoting THEM, since I have never had one), and you will be off from work.
The risk of infections, as the peeled skin is healing, is ever present.
And, what I personally noticed is.....their facial complexion/ color does NOT MATCH to their body anymore !
Their faces are so much more lighter in color now, since the layers of skin had been removed.
My advice?
Here's what I am doing....
For the next couple of years I am going to baby my facial skin (as well as my decollete) as much as I can with non-invasive peels, and tons of skin regiment treatments.
When I get older, and stuff like that don't work anymore, I will consider a professional chemical peel.
As for right now.....nah, pass on it, since I don't want that "feeling" on my face, nor want to give up a week vacation for it.

[Roma]

Originally Posted by MovingBack2PA

I am doing peels like glycolic acid peels every 2-3 weeks, microdermabrasion every week.
I also went to a COMPLETE skin care regimen, with washes, toners, day creams, night creams and moisturizer.

Hi,

Can you tell me what brands you are using and where do you get them? I need to do all those things you mentioned.

Glycolic acid peels
microdermabrasion
Complete skin care regimen.

I'm turning 42 soon and I am shocked at how my skin looks now. I have never done any regimens and I obviously need to now.

Thanks,

~Roma