What peel do you recommend?

Over the years, of all the superficial peeling agents available, I have found that salicylic acid in maximum concentrations is consistently the most effective form for treating active acne breakouts, especially combined with the proper, at-home use of topical prescription medications suited to this purpose . Full strength salicylic acid peels are also reasonably effective for treating postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (post acne skin stains) and for helping to improve the appearance of dilated pores. Salicylic acid, being lipophilic, also posseses the ability to penetrate the pores more efficiently, something that water attractive peels, like glycolic and lactic do not.Skin Medica's Vitalize peel is more like Jessner's solution (salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol) with the addition of retinol. The concentration of the salicylic acid is typically much less than in full strength.  It would be wise to consult with a board certified aesthetic dermatologist who will be able to help you to tailor an anti-acne regimen to your specific needs and to provide you with in-office peels. Best of luck to you.

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis. We see atrophic and hypertrophic scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to discuss the best treatment options for your type of skin. .

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Hi there. I actually like the Skin Medica peels. I use the Vitalize and Rejuvenize peels a lot in my own practice. The comedone breakouts that you experienced after the peels may not have been from the peel but actually from your hormones or your stress level. I find it difficult to blame one peel on a big breakout of any kind, unless you never ever have broken out besides that. That being said, you may want to use Vi peels which I also offer in my practice. They do cause your skin to peel off and are fabulous for most skin tones. Good luck, Dr. Downie

There are three levels of skin Medica peels (Illuminize, Vitalize and Rejuvenize). Each of these peels will peel you at a different intensity. Therefore, you may want to consider going to the next level of the skin medica peels if you would like a deeper peel. It may be the post care ointments and creams that you used after your last peel that caused you to get clogged up as well. Deeper peels to consider would be a TCA or Jessner solution. It would be best to meet with your dermatologist to determine the peel that is best for you and the results you are trying to achieve. 

Hello, and thank you for your question! It is difficult to choose the perfect peel for you without a picture - since in our practice we choose our peels based on a patient's individual skin type and concerns (such as pigment vs acne, etc.). Generally speaking, the SkinMedica peels are modified Jessner's solution - which is a very nice peel for people who are more on the oily/acneis side, or for those who struggle with pigment. If your main concern is acne, a 30% salicylate peel can be a good choice. If you want a deeper peel, and are mainly interested in skin tone/quality, a 40% glycolic may be what you are looking for. Keep in mind, however, that acne flares after peels are common no matter what peel solution you chose. Discuss your goals with the provider who is going to preform your peel to help you pick the right one for you. Good luck, and I hope that helps!