You can get lactic and salicylic acids pretty cheap from a number of DIY sellers. I'd suggest no more than 20% lactic/10% salicylic for starters--the molecules are bigger and they don't penetrate as deeply. You can really hurt yourself with unbuffered glycolics or TCA even at what sounds like a low strength.

But I think a better approach to home peels is to see a derm and use tretinoin or tazarotene aggressively for several months then a little less aggressively (but forever) thereafter. If that doesn't satisfy you, consider a physician administered TCA peel. They know how to apply it evenly, safely, etc. Peels are way cheaper than lasers. When the doctor uses a laser he or she has to shift some of the cost of the machine on to you. But the ingredients/tools for a peel are only a few cents (unless he or she uses one of the 'name' peels which I don't think are worth the money).

Given that the pH of an unbuffered magnesium ascorbyl phosphate solution is 7.0-8.5 and that the powder part has more sodium bicarbonate than "active" I doubt this would do much when the lactic acid part is applied. Most of the acid would be neutralized on contact. Also the price is outrageous. You can get an ounce of salicylic acid for about $3 and 4 oz. of 88% lactic acid for $4 or so and those will do a lot more. But you will have to make some measurements and dilute to get safe use rates to say nothing of keeping the product away from pets, kids, etc.

I ordered tca 12.5% as I was told it was not too strong to start with......I may just do spot treatment to start. Thanks for your input

I have done many, many TCA peels at home with great results. I started off slowly to see what my skin can tolerate and I have reached 30% for my face and 24% for my neck. That is the maximum my skin can handle. I have saved a fortune doing it myself. It's about 40 bucks for a bottle, which does about 3 peels.

I had a professional one done back at Xmas on my face, neck and chest. Honestly, not sure I would put myself through it again for the subtle results.

Use caution at home. Your neck is VERY delicate and more prone to scarring, as is the chest. You never use more than 20% on neck/chest. The face can take 30% (under medical supervision), but I would never tempt fate with anything higher on my neck/chest.

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The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be. ~Socrates~ (I pretend to be a cat with a lime carved as a helmet on my head)

I can't live without Kate Sommerville's "Exfolikate." It is a strong exfoliant peel that makes my skin glow beautifully. It is expensive but I never buy it retail. The big 5 oz. tube lasts forever and can be found on Ebay for under $100 compared to her price of $175.

Thanks for the feedback (I'm sensitive and normal-to-dry)! I can't use Lancome though, because they test on animals :( I'll pick up a kit on my next quick trip to Seattle.

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Redheads have more fun.