What To Know About Chemical Peel Gone Wrong ?When you think of chemical peels, you probably imagine a few days of peeling and some redness. But what happens when something goes wrong? When it comes to chemical peels, there are a number of ways that things can go wrong. From allergic reactions to skin infections, the risks of getting a chemical peel can be much higher than most people realize.
Inflamed, itchy skin is the least of your concerns. It could lead to more serious health issues. Chemical peels may result in a number of issues such as chemical burns, scarring, unusual rashes and nerve damage. Many practices use chemical peels without proper training or supervision, or even a medical license. The most common chemical peel is glycolic acid. Whether it’s the right procedure for you — not the dermatologist — is something only you can decide. Read on to learn more Chemical Peel Burn Symptoms/Bad Chemical Peel Reactions.
What To Know About Chemical Peel Gone Wrong
Transcript: When you are working with acid – knowledge is power. I am going to go over 9 Myths and Warnings about chemical peels so that when you are ready to take the leap to amazing skin – you will be 100% prepared.
- This first one is more of a Warning.
There is a common misconception that a percentage in one acid is equal to the same percentage in another acid. This could NOT be farther from the truth and is very dangerous if you follow it.
Each acid has its own properties, irritation and penetration associated with it.
For example
- 30% TCA – is extremely, extremely strong. It will penetrate very deeply into the skin’s layers – down to the dermis- can cause extreme irritation, and will cause excessive flaking in the skin.
- While a 30% glycolic acid is very weak in comparison. It can only penetrate into the outermost stratum corneum, and will barely cause irritation and only superficial flaking in the skin.
I am going to give you an approximate breakdown on strengths between acids so you can have an idea how they progress. Now this is obviously subject to interpretation. I am just trying to show you close acid strengths and irritation and how the percentages are all over the place with the different acids.
Going from Weakest to Strongest:
- 3% Salicylic
- 50% Lactic, Mandelic Azelaic 22, 30% Glycolic, Mandelic 40, TCA 7%
- 50% Glycolic and 15% Salicylic, and 13% TCA (at 1 layer)
- 25% Salicylic
- 70% Glycolic, 13% TCA (at 3-5 layers)
- Jessners , 20% TCA (1-2 layers) , Progressive Peel
- 30% TCA
All these different acids are hard to tell apart and keep in order. That’s why we made the chart above, which shows the approximate increase in strength between each peel level. Even though these different types of chemical peel acids are compared, remember that everyone’s skin is different and reacts differently. This chart can be used as a tool to help you decide what the best chemical peels for your skin are.
But if you are confused or need more information please don’t be afraid to ask of help. Peels are an acid, and can cause severe irritation if used incorrectly. Always make sure you are 100% certain you have the right product and technique before you apply it.
- This next one is a Myth.
It is a common misconception that those with darker skin can not do a chemical peel.
This is not correct at all. Yes, they are more prone to run into Post inflammatory hyper pigmentation than their lighter skinned counterparts, but with proper skin preparation we can bring that level down to normal.
In truth – anyone can experience PIH. It doesn’t matter how light your skin is or if you have done 50 peels and never dealt with it. On that 51st peel you could be looking at splotchy, pigmentation on your face. It happens and is always one of the warnings of performing a chemical peel.
Now what causes the PIH in the first place?
When an irritating or strong substance is applied to the skin, your skin responds with an OUCH! It gets inflamed. When that inflammation dies down you are left with areas that have darkened. You will see this happen when someone gets a pimple. It swells and when the inflammation goes away you have PIH left. *this is not a scar by the way – it is Post inflammatory hyper pigmentation.
How can we avoid – or GREATLY lessen the chances of getting PIH?
The best thing you can do is have healthy skin. Use antioxidants, Vitamin A such as Retinol and SPF every day. Now… prior to performing a peel, you need to start using a melanin inhibitor to slow down the production in your skin. Alpha Arbutin is an excellent such ingredient and we recommend that 2x per day by using our Fade Bright Lightening Gel.
Prepare your skin for a minimum of 2 weeks and preferably 4 weeks if you are prone to dealing with pigmentation or have very dark skin.
Will this guarantee that you don’t get PIH? No, but it will greatly lessen your chances. For reference, other common melanin inhibitors are Kojic acid, Vitamin C, hydroquinone, bearberry, licorice root, azelaic acid, and other hydroxy acids. You will find SEVERAL of these in our pre-made Fade Bright Serum.
- MYTH – chemical peels hurt.
Why this is a myth is because everyone’s pain tolerance is completely different. If you take a 30% glycolic and apply it to 3 different people you will get 3 different comments. One will think it burns, the next will feel a light tingling and the last person will think it was just water. So how can we state that a specific acid will be irritating and even HURT? We can’t.
In general though, some acids are more irritating than others.
Salicylic is definitely an acid with a bite! When you apply it you can feel a sharp tingling/burning. It will last for a few minutes and when you rinse with cold water it will dissipate. Keep rinsing until the irritation is completely gone and the acid is diluted.
TCA is very mild but since it is layerable the irritation can go up quickly. A 1 layer 13% is actually quite mild with some light tingling that goes away after a few minutes when it naturally neutralizes. Now add on your layers – let’s say you are working up to 3 layers…
You applied your first layer. Waited 5 minutes. Now applied your second layer. Waited 5 minutes or so….. By the time you get that 3rd layer on, your skin is most likely quite HOT feeling. Dr Fulton described it as “hot peppers” and I think that rings very true. It may take longer than 5 minutes for that feeling to subside. I have waited up to 15 minutes before applying the next layer myself for the irritation to go away.
Glycolic isn’t too bad at all and Lactic is very mild. Same with Mandelic. They are all pretty comfortable to most people. Now, remember this if you are super sensitive but still want to do peels. You can use a topical numbing cream or serum prior to your peel. Apply it according to the directions (some want clean skin and others don’t). When your skin is numb, wash your face well and prep according to your Peel Manual and then apply the peel. You should not feel any irritation at all. Any of the “cain” products are good for this. Lidocaine and Prilocaine are two popular ones that can be separate of combined in a cream.
4. MYTH – you only need to do one peel to get great results.
Boy, this could not be further from the truth. Peels are not a one time event. Ever. You will need to begin with a peel series. That is a grouping of 6-8 peels performed at a specific distance from one another. With the ligher acids like Mandelic or Glycolic, you could potentially do a peel 1x every week. But with higher percentages or stronger acids, you may only be able to do a peel 1x every other week or even 1x per month.
Once you have performed your peel series, then you can take a step back and see if you need to alter your acid or percentage or just continue on performing more peels. Once you get your skin where you want it to be you can decide to stop entirely for months or just adjust your peel schedule. *This is generally the most common as people don’t want their skin’s health and beauty to slip back to what it was prior to the series. A peel 1x per month is a great option to follow. That, and make sure you are using the proper products every day to keep your skin looking great such as:
Retinol
Acid serums, cleansers toners …
Antioxidants such as vitamin C
Exfoliating scrubs and enzymes.
- Myth – you will have to hide your face while peeling.
There is no reason to go into hiding just because you did a peel. In all actuality, for the first 2-3 days your skin will look great and feel smooth. Then around day 3-5 you will notice dryness and some flaking starting in the center of your face (around your nose and mouth) and then it will radiate outwards over the next 3-5 days or so.
The flaking can be very minimal and with some extra moisturizer you will look just fine. Now, if you did a higher strength or stronger acid you will get more flaking – but still it can be just fine to go to work. Just watch out for powders as they will make the flakes look more pronounced. The less makeup the better at this point.
To speed this up – at around day 4 or 5 you can use an Enzyme Mask to help to dissolve some of the dead skin flakes more quickly. You can also gently use our Diamond Dermabrasion scrub to remove some of the excess flaking *as long as your skin feels normal and isn’t sensitive at all.
Remember to, time your flaking to work with your schedule. On average it takes about 3-4 days before your skin starts to flake. Then it flakes for 3-5 more days. Try to time your flaking to when you have days off. Then when you go back to work the majority is done coming off.
- Warning – Everyone can have chemical peels done
This is not true. If you have been on Accutane in the past 12 months then you should forego peels altogether until your doctor has cleared you. Also, if you are prone to keloid scarring, have open wounds on your face, have an active infection or are otherwise not in good health, then you should not perform peels.
Being safe is knowing when you need to take a step back. Now, just because you can’t apply a chemical peel does not mean that you can’t improve your skin. Start using products like retinol or an acid serum or cleanser daily to thin the outermost stratum corneum and get your skin looking smoother. Then, concentrate on antioxidants such as Vitamin C and a good SPF of at least 40 to keep your skin protected. Once any issues have cleared and you are ready to try a peel – your skin will be prepared properly by following this protocol.
- Myth – chemical peels cannot improve scars.
It is true that the minor, hydroxy acids generally can only help with textural issues on the skin and minor post inflammatory hyperpigmentation after a pimple has gone away. Those are generally incorrectly referred to as (acne scars).
The deeper acids such as TCA can definitely help with deeper scarring. Specifically indented or ice pick scars that are left behind from inflamed cystic acne and other large pustules.
The TCA CROSS method – which stands for: Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars is the procedure when a sharp wooden pick is saturated with a high percentage of Trichloroacetic acid. The saturated pick is pushed quite firmly into the indented scar. Once removed, the skin will frost over inside the hole and just around the rim. This generally is not painful at all since such a small area is being treated. Now after 5 minutes the skin can be washed off and can be repeated again in 5 weeks.
There will be a small scab that forms deep within the scar. You will see it if you look very close in a mirror – but no one else will notice it as it is just skin colored. As long as that scab is there your tissues are regenerating at a quick rate. Never try to remove it early.
The CROSS method causes the dermis to thicken and the shorter tendrils pulling the skin down to be loosened. This aids in visually lifting the skin to fill in the hole. It will take a few times for there to be very noticeable changes in the depth of the scar – but this method works excellent to fill in holes.
We suggest the 30% TCA for home use, but if you have this performed in a doctor’s office they will use a higher percentage – and this is acceptable because a doctor is performing the treatment. Otherwise NEVER touch a higher percentage at home as you will risk creating more scars on your face.
We highly recommend to use SuperCop 2x on a daily basis to stimulate further tissue regeneration after day 2 and an application of pure emu oil or another soothing product to be applied.
- Myth – Chemical peels are only for the face.
Not true at all. You can use a peel on any part of your body that is not a mucus producing area. The most common areas are the face, back, arms, legs, mid section, hands and chest.
There are a few things to keep in mind though when you are peeling things other than your face. First is that the skin on your body is many times thicker than the skin on your face/neck area. That means that it will require a higher percentage and a stronger acid to get results.
We generally suggest the TCA 20% for those with medium – dark skin and the TCA 30% for those with light – medium skin for major changes. This includes acne on the back and pigmentation on the arms and legs.
If you are just looking to smooth and refine a certain area, generally something like the 70% glycolic can be enough.
Now, since the skin is thicker, it will also take a longer time frame for the skin to start peeling. We find that you can go up to 2 weeks before seeing any flaking on the body *where the face only takes about 3-4 days. That is why you can only do a peel on the body 1x per month. It takes that long to begin the flaking and then another couple of weeks for it to complete.
- Warning – Chemical peels are perfectly safe
I want to address the fact that a chemical peel is something that needs to be taken seriously. There are things that you need to do:
- You need to make sure you are purchasing a CERTIFIED peel. That is what we offer here at Platinum Skin Care. With all of the peels running rampant on various shopping sites there are acids available for literal pennies. These are not proper peels formulated in a lab. Nor are they guaranteed to be the actual acid, pH level or percentage that is stated on the makeshift labels that are applied. Do not trust them and run quickly the other way.
- Anyone can have a bad result with a peel. The most important thing to do is prepare your skin properly. If you were to step into a dermatologist’s office and ask for a peel, they would not just give you one. They will go over your skin, its condition, your issues and then put you on a pre-peel regimen to get your skin ready to do a peel. Then you would be scheduled to come back in a couple of weeks to get your peel applied. You need to do the same thing at home. Follow the protocols I have outlined prior. Antioxidants, retinoids or acid serums and sun block are the biggies. Also treat any acne or hyperpigmentation issues with preventative treatments such as Fade Bright, or benzoyl peroxide or salicylic with pimples. Then, you can do your peel.
- As long as you have prepared your skin properly you will have a much higher chance of success. Remember though, no matter what you have done to prepare, or how many times you have had a peel – things can still go wrong.
- Serious complications are very rare with chemical peels though. Especially when proper protocol has been followed. Risks may include infection, unplanned pigment changes and scarring.
The big thing to remember with peels is to prepare your skin. Make sure you have a quality product. Follow your Instruction manual to the T, and always ask if you have more questions.
Chemical Peel Burn Symptoms
Treated areas take about seven to 14 days to heal after a medium chemical peel, but redness might last for months. After a deep chemical peel, you’ll experience severe redness and swelling. You’ll also feel burning and throbbing, and the swelling may even make your eyelids swell shut.
In case you’re not convinced by the incredible before-and-after photos of chemical peel clients, this guide exists to get you on the glowy-skin bandwagon. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about chemical peels for acne scars.
What do chemical peels do?
Fun fact: Chemical peels do involve chemicals, but they don’t really involve peeling of skin. Instead, chemical peels consist of a solution that deeply exfoliates the outer layer of your skin. This causes the dead skin cells on your top layer of skin to rapidly shed, revealing the new, smooth layer underneath. On top of the exfoliation, chemical peels induce new collagen production, an important protein that makes up about 75% of your skin and keeps it looking young, tight, and fresh.
How do chemical peels work for acne scars?
Chemical peels reduce the appearance of acne scars by reducing overall hyperpigmentation, or areas of your skin with deeper or darker color. Chemical peels also smooth the outer surface of your skin, reducing any bumpy textures.
The exact mechanism of a chemical peel on your acne scars depends on the severity of your scarring, as well as the type of scarring. There are two types of acne scars: atrophic and hypertrophic. Atrophic acne scars are indented or depressed, while hypertrophic acne scars are raised.
Chemical peels are better at treating atrophic scars than hypertrophic scars, though a professionally administered series of chemical peels can potentially eliminate both types. Hyperpigmentation, while technically not a form of scarring, is the easiest form of post-acne skin trauma to treat with chemical peels.
What to expect during and after a chemical peel
At Rochester Laser Center, our aestheticians use SkinCeuticals chemical peels, which they customize based on your particular skin situation. Depending on the severity of your acne scars, your Rochester Laser Center aesthetician may recommend a light or mild chemical peel. Deep chemical peels generally aren’t recommended for acne scars.
At your appointment, you lie comfortably in a beauty chair while your aesthetician performs the chemical peel. Your aesthetician cleans your face and protects your eyes and hair. Then, the chemical peel solution is brushed onto your face. You may experience a tingling sensation and coldness. If your peel is more intense, you may feel a slight burning sensation, kind of like the way Icy Hot® feels when you apply it to sore muscles.
What happens after your chemical peel depends on the type of peel you received, plus your skin’s individual tolerance to it. Some patients experience redness and sensitivity, while others feel just fine. You may need a few days of downtime where you don’t get any direct sun exposure and you limit exercise. Don’t worry: Your aesthetician makes sure you leave the clinic feeling confident about how to take care of your skin after a chemical peel.
Bad Chemical Peel Reactions
A chemical peel can lead to a bacterial, fungal or viral infection, such as a flare-up of the herpes virus — the virus that causes cold sores.Heart, kidney or liver damage. A deep chemical peel uses carbolic acid (phenol), which can damage heart muscle and cause the heart to beat irregularly.
Convenience:
- light chemical peels do not require much down time
- medium and deep chemical peels can require two to three weeks of recovery time
- the procedures can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes
Cost:
- the cost of chemical peels depends on the type of peel you get
- the average cost of a chemical peel is $673
What are chemical peels?
Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that can be applied to the face, hands, and neck. They’re used to improve the appearance or feel of the skin. During this procedure, chemical solutions will be applied to the area being treated, which causes the skin to exfoliate and eventually peel off. Once this happens, the new skin underneath is often smoother, appears less wrinkled, and may have less damage.
There are a number of reasons people may get chemical peels. They may be trying to treat a variety of things, including:
- wrinkles and fine lines
- sun damage
- acne scars
- hyperpigmentation
- scars
- melasma
- uneven skin tone or redness
What type of chemical peels can I get?
There are three different types of chemical peels that you can get. These include:
- Superficial peels, which use mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate. It only penetrates the outermost layer of skin.
- Medium peels, which use trichloroacetic or glycolic acid to reach the middle and outer layer of skills. This makes it more effective for removing damaged skin cells.
- Deep peels, which fully penetrate the middle layer of the skin to remove damaged skin cells; these peels often use phenol or tricholoracetic acid.
How much do chemical peels cost?
Chemical peels are almost always considered a cosmetic procedure, and insurance rarely covers it. You’ll be paying for the procedure out of pocket. Your initial consultation visit, however, may be covered by insurance.
The cost of the procedure will vary depending on factors like location, expertise of the provider, and what type of peel you want to get. Light peels can cost as low as $150, and deep peels can cost $3,000 or more (specifically if it requires anesthesia, or in-patient stays). According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the current average cost of a chemical peel is $673.
How is a chemical peel done?
Chemical peels are typically done in-office; deep peels may be done in an outpatient surgical facility. Before the procedure, they will likely have you tie back your hair. Your face will be cleaned, and eye protection like goggles or gauze may be applied.
Your doctor may numb the area with a topical anesthetic, especially if you’re receiving a deep peel. For deep peels, your doctor may also use a regional anesthetic, which will numb large areas. They are particularly likely to do this if you’re having your face and neck treated. For deep peels, you’ll also be given an IV, and your heart rate will be closely monitored.
Light peel
During a light peel a cotton ball, gauze, or brush will be used to apply a chemical solution like salicylic acid to the area being treated. The skin will start to whiten, and may have a slight stinging sensation. Once complete, the chemical solution will be removed or a neutralizing solution will be added.
Medium peel
During a medium chemical peel, your doctor will use a gauze, special sponge, or a cotton-tipped applicator to apply the chemical solution to your face. This may contain glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid. A blue color may be added to the trichloroacetic acid, commonly known as a blue peel. The skin will begin to whiten, and your doctor will apply a cool compress to the skin. You may feel stinging or burning for up to 20 minutes. No neutralizing solution is needed, though they may give you a hand-held fan to cool your skin. If you’ve had the blue peel you will have a blue coloring of your skin that may last for several days after the peel.
Deep peel
During a deep chemical peel, you will be sedated. The doctor will use a cotton-tipped applicator to apply phenol to your skin. This will turn your skin white or gray. The procedure will be done in 15-minute portions, to limit the skin exposure to the acid.
How do you prepare for a chemical peel?
Before your procedure, you’ll first have a consultation with the skin care specialist. During this visit, they’ll help you determine what the best treatment option is for you. They’ll let you know the details about the specific peel you’ll be getting, and they’ll ask about anything that could interfere with the peel. This may include whether you’ve taken acne medication, and information about whether or not you scar easily.
Before a chemical peel, you must:
- not use any type of retinol or retin-A topical medication for at least 48 hours
- inform your skin care specialist about any medications you take
- not have been on Accutane for at least six months
Your doctor may also recommend that you:
- take an antiviral medication if you have a history of fever blisters or cold sores to prevent a breakout around the mouth
- use special lotions to improve treatment, like glycolic acid lotion
- use a retinoid cream to prevent skin darkening
- stop waxing, epilating, or using depilatory hair removal products the week before the peel. You should also avoid hair bleaching.
- stop using facial scrubs and exfoliants the week before the peel.
- arrange for a ride home, especially for medium or deep chemical peels, which will require you to be sedated.
If your doctor prescribes a painkiller or sedative, take it according to their instructions; you’ll likely have to take it before you come to the office.
What are the risks and possible side effects of a chemical peel?
Common side effects are temporary, and include redness, dryness, stinging or burning, and slight swelling. With deep peels, you may permanently lose the ability to tan.
Chemical peels can, however, have more serious risks and dangerous side effects that can be permanent. These include:
- Darkening or lightening of the skin color. These can be more common in people with darker skin.
- Scarring. This can be permanent.
- Infections. People with herpes simplex may experience flares following a treatment. Very rarely, chemical peels can cause fungal or bacterial infections.
- Heart, liver, or kidney damage. The phenol used in deep peels can actually damage the heart muscle, kidneys, and liver, and cause irregular heartbeats.
What to expect after
Recovery time varies depending on which chemical peel you received.
Light chemical peels
Recovery time is about four to seven days. Your skin may temporarily be lighter or darker.
Medium chemical peels
Your skin will recover about five to seven days after a medium chemical peel, though you may have redness that persists for months. Your skin will initially swell, and then form crusts and brown blotches before revealing new skin.
Deep chemical peels
Deep chemical peels will cause severe swelling and redness, with burning or throbbing sensations. It’s common for the eyelids to swell shut. It will take about two weeks for the new skin to develop, though white spots or cysts may last several weeks. It’s common for redness to last for several months.
During recovery, follow your doctor’s postop instructions faithfully. They’ll give you specific instructions for how often to wash your face and moisturize, and which products you should use to do so. Try to stay out of the sun until your skin has healed, and avoid using makeup or other cosmetics until your doctor gives you the go-ahead. You can use ice packs for 20 minutes at a time, or a cool fan, to help relieve discomfort at home.