How Safe Is a Chemical Peel and What Are the Side Effects?

A chemical otherwise known as chemexfoliation is a procedure that helps to exfoliate your skin on a deeper level. When you get a chemical face peel your dermatologist will help determine what your facial needs are and move forward by suggesting a specific strength level for your peel.

What are the chemical peel side effects? Are chemical peels safe? We’re here to answer all your burning questions and more below.

What to Know About the Safety of Chemical Peels

Is Chemical Peeling Good or Bad?

With any type of procedure, there are going to be some people that state it as a beneficial procedure while others could do without it. We’re going to list the benefits and allow you to make your final decision about whether a chemical peel is at the top of your list.

As we age our skin becomes looser which can directly change the texture and appearance of the skin. Chemical peels can improve your overall complexion by reducing and improving hyperpigmentation as well as dark spots present on the skin.

Do you enjoy soaking up the sun? Another benefit of chemical peels is they can undo some of the unevenness done to your skin caused by tanning in the sun for too long. If you’re looking for a treatment that will firm your skin while also toning it a chemical peel can take care of that.

Chemical peels promote and stimulate the production of collagen. This also helps to stimulate and improve skin elasticity. Now that you’re aware of some of the benefits that come along with a chemical peel here are some of the side effects.

Skin Redness

One of the first and most visually apparent side effects that occur after a chemical peel is reddening of the skin. This is normal and the redness can be mild to severe depending on the level of peel you’ve chosen.

The redness does eventually go away but it may take some time.

Skin Crusting

When you put any form of chemicals on your skin it will react. In this case, applying an acidic solution to your skin will cause it to crust in some areas.

The crusting is in direct response to the exfoliation taking place. As the older layers of skin fall away the new layer of skin underneath will make its way to the surface.

Peeling

You might begin to wonder why your face is peeling after a chemical peel but just like the crusting mentioned above its’ 100% normal. The thing to remember as your skin begins to flake, or peel is to not pick at it.

When the skin is ready it will fall off on its own but if you pull it off yourself you could risk igniting an infection or cause scarring.

A Brief Chemical Peel Guide

The assumption that a chemical peel is good or bad is something you must decide on your own. It has several benefits to offer to those that decide to get one.

Are you ready to schedule your next cosmetic service? Contact North Pacific Dermatology and let us help you put your best skin forward.