Chemical Peel Side Effects and Risks

If you're looking to rejuvenate your youthful appearance with all the accompanying glow and vitally, then chemical skin peel procedure may be for you!

A chemical peel could be your secret weapon in erasing the tell-tale signs that go hand in hand with growing older. Whether you opt for a superficial chemical peel or a deep peel that penetrates several layers of the skin, the introduction of newer peeling agents are giving dermatologists more options than ever to treat fine lines, sun damage, mild scarring, some forms of acne and pigmentation disorders safely and effectively.

Chemical peels are treatments that consists of the application of a chemical exfoliating (acid) solution to the skin, which causes the aged or damaged skin to "peel off" and allows the underlying new skin to regenerate in its place. Depending on the severity of the skin damage, the chemical solutions are applied in varying concentrations to alter the superficial, medium or deep layers of the skin. These treatments are generally considered very safe, although like any cosmetic procedure, there are some associated side effects and risks.

The most superficial chemical peels are alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) such as glycolic acid. These peels normally have the most minimal side effects. The two major side effects of alpha hydroxy acids are irritation and sun sensitivity, with symptoms that are manifested as redness, burning, itching, pain, and possibly scarring. However, these problems normally subside within a few hours to a few days, depending on the individual's skin condition and healing process. Beta hydoxy acids (BHA) are newer on the market and are gaining more popularity due to their effectiveness and also because the side effects are significantly less noticeable than AHAs.

If a patient has more noticeable wrinkles or dispersed areas of irregular pigmentation, and mild acne scarring, dermatologists may opt to use an intermediate or medium depth peel to penetrate beyond the outermost layer of the skin. These medium chemical peels are usually made from trichloroacetic acid (TCA). TCA chemical peels produce more obvious results although side effects may be more prominent than AHAs. Side effects are similar to mild chemical peels, and include redness, burning, itching, and hypo-pigmentation. These effects linger for a longer period than AHA treatment, usually within from a few days to a couple of weeks. However, the effects are usually temporary.

For more severe skin damage, deeper peeling agents like phenol are used. This deep chemical peels are usually applied with a local anesthetic and also while the patient is under sedation. While deeper chemical peels produce the most dramatic results, the procedure can be painful due to the higher concentration of peeling agents used and require a longer healing period than other peels - usually two to three weeks. The most consistent side effect of phenol chemical peels is permanent hypo-pigmentation (lightening) of the skin. Because of this, the procedure is not suggested for individuals with dark skin tones. Other serious side effects are possible including scarring and discomfort, with increased sun sensitivity.

A thorough evaluation by your doctor or dermatologist is necessary. The specific risks and the suitability of these procedures for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All procedures have some degree of risk, with the deeper chemical peels producing more severe and long-lasting side effects as a general rule. At the same time, the deeper the peel, the more remarkable the results will be. It is important to understand that complications that do not affect the outcome can occur occasionally.