Chemical Peel Side Effects

Chemical peels (also often referred to as derma-peeling and chemexfoliation) are a method for skin improvement. Chemical peels entail applying a chemical solution on the skin, which makes it blister and eventually, peel off. This results in a newer, younger and smoother-looking complexion. There are some possible side effects that are commonly associated with chemical peels.

Peeling

Skin peeling and flaking is a common, usually minor side effect of chemical peels. Peeling is a part of the initial process, but sometimes, as a side effect, it continues for a brief while afterward. Generally, the peeling and flaking is no cause for alarm and subsides within a few days. Do not pick at or peel off the skin, however, as that could result in permanent damage like scarring, or even infection. Doctors generally offer patients a type of ointment to soothe the discomfort associated with the peeling and flaking.

Redness

Redness is a common side effect of chemical peels. The redness is temporary. It is caused by the extreme high strength of the chemicals used in the treatment. Some types of chemical peels result in more persistent and noticeable redness, such as phenol chemical peels (the deepest type of chemical peel).

Burning Sensation

A lot of people experience burning and stinging sensations after chemical peels. Even if you opt for the gentlest and lowest strength chemical peel (the alphahydroxy acid peel), you may experience some mild burning and stinging. However, this is generally not painful.

Irritation

Irritations of the skin, such as crusting and scabs, also can occur with chemical peels, due to the skin healing from the shock and stress of the contact with the acid solution. This happens particularly to people who get phenol peels.

Skin Discoloration

One rare but serious side effect of chemical peels is a change in the skin tone. Both hypopigmentation (the skin becoming lighter) and hyperpigmentation (the skin becoming darker) can happen after chemical peels. In the majority of cases, however, skin color changes are temporary.