All chemical peels involve some risk to the skin. There are different types of chemical peels, appropriate to an individual’s skin type, as well as different levels of chemical peels–superficial, medium and deep. Superficial and medium peels can be done at a day-spa or medi-spa by a certified esthetician. Deep peels can only be performed by dermatologists in a medical setting.
Erythema
Erythema, or redness, is associated with all chemical peels. The redness usually fades away quickly with superficial peels. Medium or deep peels can cause erythema that lasts from a few weeks to a few months. To prevent further redness in the skin after peels, one must stay out of direct sunlight and use an appropriate sunscreen on the treated areas.
Pigmentation Problems
Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation is the darkening or lightening of the skin. Although rare, either can occur on treated skin after a chemical peel. Using a qualified practitioner as well as limiting sun exposure after a peel lessens the chance that this will happen. According to Eliot Ghatan, M.D., birth control pills, exogeneous estrogens, sunlight, photosensitizing drugs and pregnancy within six months after a peel can cause pigmentation changes.
Infection and Scarring
Deep peels elevate the risk of infection and scarring of the skin treated. Although unusual, patients receiving deep peels can experience a bacterial or viral infection. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery note that a patient with herpes simplex virus can have a resurgence of cold sore infections following a chemical peel.
Some scarring is normal with all chemical peels because of the skin’s healing process. These scars fade with time, depending on the level of peel administered. Abnormal scars may develop after deep peels and additional treatments may be needed to correct the scarring.
