Are Chemical Peels Safe?

Chemical peels are one of the sought-after medical aesthetic treatments in the United States, and they aren’t anything new. Chemical peels date back thousands of years, with the first documented use occurring in ancient Egypt. To this day, chemical peels remain one of the first lines of defense against hyperpigmentation, acne, and fine lines. 

During a chemical peel, a substance is used to exfoliate the top layers of your skin, which are more prone to damage, to reveal the undamaged skin underneath. 

Are you wondering if chemical peels are safe for your skin? Read on as our experts at me.losangeles aesthetics in West Hollywood, California, explain how chemical peels can be done safely.

What happens during a chemical peel?

In our office, the Perfect Derma Peel™ is our go-to. This specialized peel combines effective acids with antioxidants to deliver amazing results in a single session.

You may have concerns about the peeling of your skin. This can happen when the chemical treatment reaches the deeper layers of the skin. However, when chemical peels penetrate the superficial layers of your skin, the discomfort and downtime are minimal.

Because chemical peels are controlled chemical burns, cooling fans or other comfort measures minimize any stinging or tingling sensation during your treatment.

Chemical peels that reach deeper into the layers of your skin are also safe. The only downside is the recovery process, which may include significant peeling but no pain or other adverse effects.

Recovery and aftercare

The recovery process varies based on the depth of your peel. Superficial peels may result in mild redness and peeling that subsides within a week. Medium peels often lead to more noticeable peeling for up to seven days. Deep peels, while less common, require more significant downtime to allow your skin to heal.

To ensure your safety during recovery, we may recommend the following:

• Avoid acids and harsh skin care products
• Stay out of the sun to prevent complications like hyperpigmentation or scarring
• Let your skin peel naturally to prevent scarring

Studies suggest that when done by a professional, chemical peels are quite effective in safely managing various skin concerns. 

Learn more about chemical peels

Chemical peels are wonderful tools for a large number of skin concerns as they erase the damage on the surface of your skin. And when done by trained professionals, the downtime and risks are greatly reduced.

Good candidates have overall healthy skin (no wounds, active infections, or dermatitis) yet have some skin imperfections they want to address such as acne, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone or texture, and fine wrinkles.

If you’re unsure whether a chemical peel is the right solution for you, contact us today to schedule an appointment by calling our office or booking online. Our providers will examine your skin and let you know what treatment is best for your aesthetic goals.