so i had a glycolic peel yesterday. absolutely no difference-normal?

[TinyDiamond]

bit annoyed really. went to SK:n clinic, in consultation she recommended either a glycolic or isolaz treatment for my acne and blackheads. I opted for the peels as didn't think I could afford the isolaz. I rang up before my appointment to say I'd reevaluated and actually, I would like to try isolaz so they booked me I'm for it.

but when I arrived they said that actually, it probably wasn't going to be right for me after all which makes me think now that in my initial consultation they were just trying to get me to book loads of different things.

had the glycolic treatment and it was 10.8% that she used. I noticed no difference straight after (never had one before so not sure if that's normal or not) and today my skin is no different. it doesn't feel any cleaner, or look at all different.

after reading all the home peel threads I feel cheated as people rave about the smooth results straight away etc.

been told I'd need a course, but want something that will actually make my skin feel less clogged after spending cash on it.

what do you think? are there any other treatments I could try instead?

I have ordered the glycolic kit from bravura to try at home it just hasn't arrived yet

[chapeaumelone]

the bravura one is good, but you need to use it a few times before you start to notice a difference and that's with the 30 per cent one. I would really recommend the Bravura one though, I feel I look a lot healthier after using it.

[TheRealFellatio]

I am doing the weekly glycolic peel from Bravura as well, on about week 4. Can't say I'm noticing anything at all to be honest - well, a few small changes, but changes rather than improvements.

but I don't have acne or problem skin as such - just wrinkles and a few visible pores. I am going to stick with it though, and give it more time.

[Alwayscheerful]

I booked 4 glycolic sessions with sk:n (via groupon) I was very disappointed and complained after the first one, the first one was only left about 5 mins second treatment 10 mins etc etc. like you the first one did nothing and i travelled 40 minutes to the appointment, when I complained they said it was usual to gradually increase treatment times. very disappointing, I will buy some and DIY next time.

[Yonihadtoask]

I started using the Bravura glycolic acid 3 weeks ago. I have noticed an improvement in my skin. Only slight so far, but I have high hopes.

[TinyDiamond]

Alwayscheerful that's interesting it was only on my skin for 3 mins and it was the weakest one. She said about building it up blah blah. But they know I want quick results as I am getting married. If you can go straight for the 30% at home then why not in the salon? Grrr.

Feel miserable was at least hoping to at least look a little brighter...or something. Didn't get a deal. paid full price. Feel done

[Speedos]

I've had glycolic peels for my acne at a medical clinic. I've had 5 in 6 months and the first one was 15% and it was combined with laser resurfacing so my face was very red and bumpy for a couple of days and then skin became very dry and scaly about 4 days after (this is the skin peeling).

10% doesn't sound very high for a clinic peel, I think many home ones are this strength. My skin definitely looks fantastic immediately after peels, not so great a few days after then great again after a week or so.

Did you find it horribly uncomfortable and need to be fanned or cooled whilst it was on?

[Alwayscheerful]

There is a thread on here recommending a mail order supplier, someone will probably give us the link, sorry imcant recall the company but the prices were very reasonable. I was very disappointed with sk:n. I took a well behaved 4 year old to the first appointment (20 miles x2) and they refused to see me due to health and safety.

[Alwayscheerful]

Yes sorry, the mail order company has been mentioned already Bravura. I agree 10% did nothing for me, certainly no need for a fan or cooling.

[Yonihadtoask]

The Bravura GA is 30%.

[TinyDiamond]

Yes I have already ordered the bravura stuff it just hasn't arrived yet.

Speedos no not at all just a very mild tingly sensation like I wanted to itch it. Not uncomfortable or hot at all.

I don't know what to do now as she says I can't have the isolaz laser and vacuum thing. WTF do I try now?

[TheRealFellatio]

I think that sandblasting/laser resurfacing is probably the way to go if you want hardcore results. I'm going to look into it.

[TheRealFellatio]

the home peel does burn and fizz a bit but I am kind of getting to like the sensation in a weird way.

[TheRealFellatio]

Not too badly though - perfectly bearable, no big deal at all.

[NotTreadingGrapes]

I'm about to restart the 30% GA, I did it last summer and it was only when I got to about week 6 that I was hopping up and down impatiently with the ouch effect.

It never made me look any younger, but it definitely made my skin feel smoother. Kind of luminous.

I wouldn't be as happy if I'd paid more than the tenner or so with Bravura mind.

[TinyDiamond]

so if I told you I'd paid £80 for only 10% you'd think I'd been ripped off right? skin still no different at all no better no worse

[ClaudiaCutie]

TinyDiamond, I went through this same process about ten years ago and realised I'd been had as well. What a waste of money, grrrr.

I would really recommend you go and see a proper dermotologist who does aesthetic work. Not only are they experts on skin, but they are fully qualified and fully regulated unlike the people you've been to. Honestly I cannot believe how someone with no medical quals can say to you 'you should have this peel or that resurfacing" or whatever. Going to a properly qualified dermotologist who has spent years in medical training and specialises in skin, anti-aging, improving the skin etc etc - that's the best way to get a good result and it certainly won't cost you any more than what you've coughed up so far!

FWIW, a dermo (who had exquisite, youthful, silk-like skin in her 40s)I saw mentioned that the best results for the money, that gave measureable results, for anti aging/skin brightening were from IPL photo-rejuventation. (However that is not suitable for all skin tones).

I know I bang on a lot about using dermos and doctors but honestly, you don't pay a lot more than seeing someone unqualified (often LESS) and you're getting treatment from someone who is fully qualified and fully regulated. And it's your face!

[TinyDiamond]

how do I find one though? I've googled but I only got spire healthcare where we had a really bad experience with dp when he was seeking some treatment. I'm in Leicester

[ClaudiaCutie]

TD, well that's a fair question and more of a challenge than I expected. I'm in London and the entire SE is full of reasonably priced private doctors of all descriptions, it takes five mins to find someone here! So I thought finding a private dermo who wasn't affiliated to Spire would be a piece of cake. Well ... it's not simple, is it? I couldn't bear to be beaten, however, so I did have a look at the management of Skn, which has some highly experienced sounding doctors as it's directors. There is a consultant dermo called Dr Sean Lanigan who operates out of Birmingham (if you can face the journey). His experience and interest look ideal and he is apparently pleasant.

The fact you've had very poor value for money from the treatment at Skn so far is actually a good reason to have a consult with one of their directors; the fact you didn't get the result you wanted from your treatment is something that their medical directors should be acutely aware of, anyway.

I would understand, though, if this is starting to feel all too hard! Really, it depends on how much hassle you want to go to in order to get the result you want. But I can't help feeling you've had lousy value for money from your spend to date, and you do want to rejuvenate and improve your skin. In terms of acne treatment alone, a consulting dermo should surely be able to give you very good advice and treatment. I have never regretted seeking advice and treatment from either dermos or aesthetic-focussed doctors. Conversely, I've had nothing but disappointment and wasted money when seeing non-medically-qualified people in the beauty industry, but perhaps that's just me. Good luck with the seach for smoother skin!

[BustleInYourHedgerow]

I use the Bravura salicylic acid for my acne prone congested skin. And a microfibre cloth ( sounds mad but look at the reviews on makeup alley). Moidturising with pure, virgin jojoba oil (get it on amazon) has also helped. And good old neutrogena cleansers are fab, I like the blue one.

If you are really unhappy with your skin, would you go visit your GP and get something prescribed? I know how down it can make you feel:(.

[herethereandeverywhere]

I'm watching this with interest as i have terrible blackheads and open pores and I'm starting to get wrinkly :-(

ClaudiaCutie I live in London - could you recommend your dermo/someone in the London area? Thanks

[TinyDiamond]

Thanks Claudia. I travel to Birmingham very frequently so will get in touch with him.

Bustle I have already had every prescription antibiotic over the years, it didn't help. I have PCOS so my skin problems are hormonal. Currently on dianette which has improved it a bit so far.

My Bravura stuff has arrived so I'm going to try it out soon

[FrugalFashionista]

I've used mild salicylate products daily for a couple of months and they have cleared my hormonal acne and my skin has an incredibly smooth, almost glassy texture now. Maybe a more gradual at-home approach would work for you too OP? And yy to consulting a real dermatologist!

[TinyDiamond]

what have you used Frugal?

[FrugalFashionista]

LRP Effaclar. Worth a shot while you are investigating what to do next?
No overnight miracles but a definite improved over several weeks.
(Have tried my share of rubbish products but these really seem to work.)

[TinyDiamond]

yes I have seen them recommended before. I am pretty happy with my regime product wise I have some new stuff I had been using dermalogica for years I have now added in a SK:n wash that I really like and a couple of ££ skinceuticals products. for me I just need a treatment to give me a bit more of a blank canvas really, bit of extraction or something which I was really hoping the isolaz would give me