Chemical Peel Risks

Chemical peel side effects are usually rare, but it may include chemical skin stinging, chemical skin irritation, and skin color change. Luckily these changes are temporary and the chemical peel recovery is quick. A chemical peel exfoliates the skin so that damaged or aged layers of skin are removed to expose the softer, more youthful skin underneath. It typically uses acidic chemicals, such as Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), Phenol, or Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs).

Chemical Peel Side Effects

There are several possible common side effects from a chemical peel. These include stinging, redness and peeling of the skin. Any patient who has a chemical peel should expect them. In order to reveal the new fresher skin underneath, the old dead skin is basically burnt off chemically.

Chemical Skin Stinging

Stinging or burning will be felt on contact. Most chemicals, even in herbal peels, are acidic. The stinging and burning is not tremendously painful and nothing to worry about. The strength of the solution used will determine how red your skin will be afterward, and how long your skin will remain red. A medium peel may make your skin somewhat red for a few weeks. A deep peel may make your skin red for up to 3 or 4 months.

Chemical Skin Irritation

One side effect that is likely to happen is skin irritation and scabbing. Crusts or scabs form after the mild burn as part of the normal healing process. Your doctor will give you specific instructions for treating this phenomenon. Your skin may also flake and peel. These are normal, minor and temporary side effects. It is very important that you don’t pick at the flakes of peeling skin, because that could result in infection or scarring.

Skin Color Change

One of the most serious and least desirable side effects of a chemical peel is a change in skin color. It is rare, but no matter how skilled the treating physician, your skin color could change by getting either darker or lighter after a chemical peel. This condition is often temporary, however.

Chemical Peel Recovery

Your skin type, and the strength of the peel, will affect how you recover from your chemical peel. Within the first two weeks the skin may break out until it has fully recovered. I fact, your skin could also look and feel sunburned. Lighter peels tend to cause redness and skin peeling for a few days. Deeper chemical peels, on the other hand, can cause your skin to blister, scab or peel for up to two weeks. Your skin may also be swollen after a deeper peel. If your skin reacts severely the doctor may prescribe ointments, creams, oral steroids, and the use of dressings. The treated skin is extremely susceptible to injury after being treated. Therefore, it is necessary to communicate any adverse reactions to your doctor.