Customer Reviews

HQ+ Gel Peel, 30ml (Professional)

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

First of all, I want to mention how very strong this peel is. Not only does it have a rather strong chemical odor, but it really stings when applied. The instructions say to leave it on for 30 seconds for the first application and build up to several minutes on subsequent applications. However, the first time I used this product, I could only stand leaving it on for about 10 seconds. It stung rather intensely, and the chemical fumes made my eyes water so that I could barely keep them open. I had to rinse my skin off for a good 5 minutes to makes the burning stop, but after that, my skin was hardly red and it didn't burn at all anymore. Each time I use this, I've only been able to keep it on for about 10-15 seconds longer than the previous time before I had to rinse it off. Also, the instructions say to apply only once every 10-14 days, but I've been using it every 7 days since I rinse it off so quickly.

Even though I haven't been able to keep it on for more than 30 seconds tops, I've really noticed a difference in my skin. I have pretty bad skin: acne-prone, lots of old indented scars, and hyperpigmentation like no other. But I just did my third application, and my skin is a lot smoother and old acne spots are very noticeably fading. My pores practically disappeared overnight, and my face is sooo much less oily during the day. In just one day, I could already see results, and they just get better with each application.

I've used this company's glycolic peel before, which made me break out after each use and left my skin red for a week afterwards. However, I've haven't had any breakouts with this peel, and it doesn't leave my face red at all (but that might be because I leave it on for only a short amount of time).

Overall, I would really recommend this product (use it carefully!), and I can't wait to see the full results in a few more weeks!

UPDATE: So I'm on my second round of treatment (6 weeks at a time), and I'm still loving this product. Now that I've been able to keep it on for 3-4 mins though, it does make my skin slightly red. But it's nothing terrible, and it starts to fade in a few days. I am still seeing improvement in the texture and complexion of my skin. After my first 6-week treatment, I took a break for 4 weeks, and I noticed that my skin continually looked better and better every week. Now that I'm back on the peel, it does look a little worse, but once I'm done again, it will probably start getting better. So in my experience, it takes several weeks after treatment to get the full effect of this amazing peel.

Also, as a disclaimer, be warned of the chemicals in the ingredients, particularly hydroquinone. You can search up some information on it and use at your own discretion! I felt that the potential benefits were worth the risks (just my opinion), but I discontinued use after one bottle.

I have been using this peel for about 4 months now and am impressed with my results. I didn't want to review this product until I have used it for a significant amount of time, so that I can give others a true and accurate review of this product.

I would have to say that it took about a month before I really started to see results. I have hereditary acne and have used a lot of OTC and prescription medications. This peel has worked better at keeping my acne under control than most of the medications I have used over the years.

I haven't really broken out since using this peel and the hydroquinone in it has really helped with most of the dark scars I had from previous breakouts. It does dry out your skin, so you will definitely need to use a good oil free moisturizer and sunscreen.

After reading the other reviews, I was convinced this would help with my acne scars and residual acne. First of all, this peel is intense. I actually frosted the two or three times that I tried it. Frosting is a white residue that forms on the skin and is a sign that the product is penetrating deeply, below the epidermis to the dermis (making it a medium grade peel). This is actually something good if you want to get rid of complexion problems or acne scars. The problem is that I was still breaking out around my chin and thought that this product would help clear up my acne. It did, but left tiny indents where the pimples healed. It happened once after my first peel, but I decided to give the peel another try since I thought maybe it was a fluke. Second time I used the peel, the same thing happened. I ended up with an even larger dent around my chin.

If you are prone to acne scarring, STAY AWAY from this peel unless your acne has cleared up. I'm hesitant to use it on healthy skin because it's a little too strong and hasn't really worked to my benefit. Lactic acid peels work so much better at clearing up my acne (pimples dry up within an hour or two after application, it's amazing).

Just be careful.

I am an RN and used to work for a plastic surgeon who had a medi spa. We would get chemical peels when we wanted. I feel that this product was better than what I used in the office. I had great results after the first use. My skin was so smooth and my acne much better. I experienced minimal peeling and no redness. The product did sting like the office products but because I am used to the peels, I was able to leave it on for 4 minutes. I will definitely order more.

This stuff works! i've used them all- glycolic, lactic, tca, jessner with not so great results. Either it did nothing or I burned my face and created the dark areas that I was trying to get rid of in the first place. I am 48 with asian blood which means Im prone to hyperpigmentation. I would get a little white head that would never come to surface and I of course would worry it and pick it. The result would be an ugly brown spot. This product has cleared my skin so I no longer have bumps/white heads. So it gets to the source of the problem. It also through only two uses have noticeably diminished my dark spots and cleared my skin. It looks so much better Im so pleased after over a year of trial and error to have found this product! My only caution would be not to get too overzealous. Apply a maximum of 2 layers and leave on no longer than 2 minutes. Adjust to your skin. I applied a little too much in one area and created a hot spot (frosting) its peeling and theres no damage but it is a STRONG peel. It would be more effective to apply more frequently with a lighter hand and for a shorter time. The cumulative effect will pay off.

This product does exactly what it says. It helps even the worst cases of acne, scaring, wrinkles, and skin texture. After using the product my face looked much more vibrant and younger. You also can visibly notice the difference in the size of your pores.

With all that said it is important to understand that it takes about 4-7 days after use to start to see the results. In the immediate days following application your face will flake, peel, and discolor to the point where you may regret having used the peel! Just make sure you use PLENTY of facial lotion that contains spf and you will be fine. Again, this is not a peel to use if you have someone you want to impress in the next couple of days, but if your schedule looks pretty clear for a week then go for it, the results will be great.

I don't know whether to laugh or cry! I have been battling moderate acne for 25 years. When I was on the pill for a few years, it went away, but I have hypothyroidism now and the estrogen makes my synthroid not work, so I can't take it. TMI, I know.

Before I started using it, the term "acid" sounded painful to me, so I was too scared to have a peel done, much less do it myself. Well, I'm so glad I changed my mind!! This stuff is a Godsend! I'm actually kind of upset that I didn't know about it sooner, because it would have saved me so much stress, seclusion and scars! Ugh!! Why oh why????

Anyway, I have not had a zit since I started using this stuff. Seriously! I don't know how well it works for wrinkles because I don't really have many, but if you have acne, you MUST purchase this stuff. My scars are definitely smoother! (Follow the directions, of course.)

I use it once a week, although the directions say to use it less often. I thought I had sensitive skin, but I don't find this to be that irritating at all. That said, when I first starting using it, I made sure that my skin was dry and hadn't been washed recently, so my skin wasn't too soft. I did the peel once a week for a few weeks and didn't have any irritation or even redness or peeling. I have since started doing it after I get out of the shower when my face is moist. It tingles a little more now but it's fine. Little bit of peeling. No redness. I use a soft make-up brush to apply it. I wait a few minutes, then wash it off. Definitely apply a moisturizer after. I use Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin. Hope I didn't leave anything out. I am just so thankful that I found this. I'm so glad my children won't have acne like I did!

It's definitely worth a try if you have acne, just make sure you're very careful. I'm so tempted to tell strangers with acne to try this stuff, but am not sure how to approach. I'll figure it out because it's worth it. I'd rather be embarrassed for trying to help someone than because I have a huge zit any day!!

I've used this peel up and am about to get another bottle!!! Try it!!!

I too ordered the HQ+ Gel Peel, Level 3, and received a HQ+ Peel, Level 4. I am 45, with acne and severe melsama on my cheeks and forearms. The first peel stung, just like the in-office dermatologist peels, and frosted, as a previous reviewer noted. From the moment I washed it off, I could see a significant reduction of the melsama darkness, and an overall smother, brighter complexion.
Judging from the effectiveness of the product I quickly reordered two, with hopes that I would receive the Level 4 peel (which I did). My second peel did not frost, but I was able to leave it on for 5 minutes. I can hardly wait for the day when I feel good about my sink, and this product has given me HOPE!!!

I am new to chemical peels, but I like this one a lot. I am in my 30s and have always had acne prone skin, and as a result have large pores and mild rolling acne scars. I started with the 50% lactic peel made by this company. It brought a lot of pimples to the surface and after a few peels my skin was definitely clearer, but I didn't notice a lot of difference in the scars, and the lactic acid tended to leave my skin oily. (I've read that AHA's like lactic acid don't cut through oil in the way that BHA's like salicylic acid can.) So I decided to try the HQ+ instead, because it has both lactic and salicylic acid. I did the first peel last night, and compared to the lactic, it has a very chemical odor--like nail polish remover--but it did cut through the oil and had a more dramatic effect on the scars. I think my skin is definitely smoother today, so I look forward to the results after a few more peels! I haven't noticed any sloughing, maybe in a couple days that will happen. With the lactic, a little loufa in the shower after a few days of healing removed the little bit of dead skin fast. Anyway, great product!

I'm in love with this HQ+ gel peel. A bit of background on my skin: I'm 30, no sun damage, non smoker, no wrinkles that I've noticed, but I've had persistent mild to moderate acne since my early teens. I have large pores, and blackheads on my nose and chin. I use a 2% salicylic acid liquid on my face daily but I realized I needed something with more "oomph" to deal with acne and my pores. Before using this peel, if I tried to "express" the blackheads on my chin, it was difficult to do and it would backfire on me and become huge inflamed blemishes. I am also fair skinned, and acne would leave a red "shadow" of itself for a few weeks after the blemish itself had disappeared. I also had a fair bit of redness around my nose... I do blow my nose a lot as I have allergies.

In my search for a peel with more "oomph" than my regular skin care routine, I first tried both the salicylic 20% and the glycolic 35% by Skin Laboratory, and didn't really get any "Wow, my skin looks great!" results. I'd done 3 peels of each of those two peels, fyi.

So I ordered a bottle of the HQ+ peel. In terms of my skin recovering from the HQ+ peel, my skin is red the first day (I do the peel in the morning), but the next day it's glowing and the redness is gone. Sometimes the skin around my nose will start sloughing/peeling 2-3 days after I do the peel (probably because that's where my skin is most sensitive). I may get some dryness around my mouth.

Yes, the bottle says "gel peel" but it isn't a gel, it's a liquid (doesn't surprise me, there's salicylic acid in this and it usually comes in the form of a liquid). I wouldn't really call it "smelly", I'd say it just has quite a bit of fumes. I can't hold the cotton makeup pad I apply the peel with near my face for long because the fumes seem to take my breath away, so I apply the peel quickly as I can. Keep this in mind if you are sensitive to smells or fumes. Also, my skin is sensitive so this peel really feels like it's burning, especially around my nose where the skin is thinnest.... to be able to tolerate the peel longer before I have to wash it off, I'll sit in front of a fan or I'll turn my hairdryer setting to "Cool" and blast cool air on my face. That really helps the burning feeling subside.

So, now on to the results of the peel: I've just finished my 6th peel (one peel per week, so it's been 6 weeks), each one done for 3-5 minutes, but I'll tell you I saw a difference after the first peel. Two days after the first peel, I noticed that my skin had a lovely glow... not shiny, mind you, but just... glowing. It wasn't its usual blah self, normally I have to use a skin brightener with my makeup to get that effect.

My pores seem smaller and that glow lasts all week until the next peel. It's improved the red marks my acne leaves behind, and there's a general more even tone to my skin. Also, when I try and express blackheads on my chin (yes, I do still have them after doing this peel) they express easily and they don't turn into huge blemish monsters! I've also had no big blemishes since doing these peels, and only two or three tiny tiny blemishes that quickly go away.

I'm pleased as punch with this peel. No, it's not laser resurfacing or a heavy duty peel, but the HQ+ peel is affordable and it doesn't make my skin look like hamburger where I'd have to hide from people for weeks until I'd recovered. And I'm young enough that I don't need the "big gun" peels yet anyway. For my poorly behaved pores, this stuff is doing the trick.

Update 2 weeks later: Something to note, I have to continue using this peel once a week to get the benefits of keeping my pores clear and blemish-free. I tried to go 2 weeks before doing my 7th peel, and around day 11 into the 2 weeks, my pores were starting to misbehave and clog up again into a couple pimples, one on my chin and another on my forehead. So on day 12 I did the HQ+ peel and the blemishes are already healing quite nicely the day after. So, I'll be planning to do this once a week. Easy to do seeing as the redness fades quickly on me (even with my sensitive skin) and the bottle does a lot of peels, I don't think I've made much of a dent in this bottle even with 7 peels.