Are Chemical Peels safe

A chemical peel is a procedure in which an acid solution is used to remove dead and damaged upper skin layers to smooth and refine the skin’s texture. When performed by a skilled professional, a chemical peel can safely reduce wrinkles and correct skin tone.

With most chemical peels, adverse reactions are rare, but can include scarring, numbness, and infection. Following mild to medium peels, patients can expect some relatively common chemical peel side effects, such as mild irritation, redness, and peeling. These side effects will usually last for only a few days. Stronger chemical peels generally take more recovery time, and the peeling and/or crusting of the skin is typically more pronounced. As with any medical procedure, patients who decide to undergo a chemical peel should carefully follow their doctors’ instructions for pre- and post-procedure care so that they minimize the potential for adverse side effects.

The majority of patients who undergo a chemical peel suffer no serious side effects as a result of the procedure, and most patients say that they would gladly repeat the treatment. However, potential severe risks of chemical peels include permanent scarring, permanent pigment change for people with darker skin, and chemical burns. Because chemical peels can cause adverse reactions, prior to undergoing any chemical peel treatment you should provide your doctor with a complete medical history and tell your doctor if you have:

• a history of heart disease
• recurring fever blisters or cold sores
• a tendency to scar

Are chemical peels safe for all skin types?

There are three different levels of chemical peels: mild, medium and deep. Mild treatments, like glycolic acid peels, are suitable for many skin types and give the skin a smoother, brighter look. The least likely to produce negative side effects, these peels remove only the top layers of damaged skin, but you’ll probably need multiple treatments to get the results you’re looking for. Keep in mind, however, that even the mildest chemical peel still involves using an acid to remove layers of skin from your face or body. There’s always a chance that discoloration or scarring might occur

Medium peels, like the popular trichloroacetic acid peel, go just a little bit deeper than mild peels. One major benefit is a reduction in minor wrinkles, which is an effect that mild peels don’t tend to produce. The downsides include a greater chance of complications and an increased sensitivity to sunlight. Medium peels are popular because of their versatility — physicians can mix concentrations to suit many skin types. People with darker skin will most likely get the best results from a medium peel.

Phenol peels, commonly called deep peels, aren’t right for everyone. The explanation is in the name. A deep peel takes off several layers of skin and can have dramatic results. However, these results can be accompanied by a permanent bleaching effect, to the point that people with brown or even olive skin might be able to see a line between the treated and untreated areas. As a result, deep peels are usually only a good option for people with fair complexions.

Deep Chemical Peel Risks and Medical Considerations

There are certain risks and medical considerations exclusive to the deep chemical peel, or phenol peel. Because deep chemical peels can cause permanent darkening of the skin, called hyperpigmentation, or permanent lightening of the skin, called hypopigmentation, they are generally not recommended for patients with darker skin. Phenol peels pose a special risk for patients who have a family history of heart disease, so any patient considering the procedure should inform his or her physician in the pre-treatment consultation of any family connection to heart problems. Additionally, because deep chemical peels generally require anesthesia, there is a risk of anesthesia-related complications occurring during the procedure.

Consider Home Use Peels

The active ingredient in any chemical peel is usually an acid. It could be Trichloro-acetic acid (TCA), Alpha hydroxyl acid ( AHA), Glycolic acid or phenolic acid.

These acids have the property to burn anything that they come in contact with. Care should be taken to keep it off sensitive parts of skin like eyes, neck etc. Also, a person’s skin’s response to these acids can vary from one to another. Some skins may be very sensitive to certain acids, while others may not.

It is very important to always start from lower concentrations or peel strength and slowly build it up as you learn that your skin is tolerant. It is recommended to do a patch testing in a small area of the skin to start with. If you learn that your skin is tolerant, then you can proceed with the peel. Home peels are preferred these days as it is economical and easy for self application. When these acid peels are used at home, it is even more important to be informed of the right methods to have a safe chemical peeling.

resource:

Advanced Chemical Peels, Vol. 4, Medical Grade Peels

Advanced Chemical Peels, Vol. 2, Beta Hydroxy Peels

Milady’s Aesthetician Series: Peels and Peeling Agents