Chemical Peel Side Effects

Chemical peel is a procedure for enhancing the look and the texture of the facial skin with the help of a chemical solution. The chemical solution that is used in this peel helps to exfoliate or slough off the dead skin cells to reveal a softer and smoother skin with less visible blemishes, pigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines. It can also reduce stubborn acne scars. It can be of different types and each type can contain different chemicals. Usually, chemicals like, alpha hydroxy acids, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and phenols are used in various chemical peels. Depending on the type of chemical it contains, chemical peel can be mild or strong.

Types of Chemical Peel

Basically, chemical peel can be of three types, superficial peels, medium peels and deep peels. Superficial or light peels contain mild chemicals like, alpha hydroxy acids. Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid and fruit acids are the alpha hydroxy acids that are usually used in light chemical peels. Light chemical peels are basically used to get smoother and brighter skin, and remove uneven pigmentation, mild sun damage and fine wrinkles. One can also use light chemical peel for acne scar removal.

On the other hand, medium peels are used for removing mild to moderate wrinkles, blemishes, pigmentation, age spots, sun damage and precancerous lesions. Medium peels mainly contain trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Deep peels can give more dramatic and long-lasting results with a significant reduction in severe wrinkles, skin pigmentation, skin blotches, long-term sun damage, skin lesions and precancerous growths. It is the strongest chemical peel that requires much longer healing time. Deep chemical peel is used only on the facial skin. The chemical used in this type of peel is phenol.

Chemical Peel Adverse Effects

It can vary significantly depending on the specific type of chemical peel used. The side effects associated with light chemical peel are much milder than the side effects of deep chemical peel. Light chemical peel can usually cause skin irritation, mild redness of the skin and a stinging or burning sensation. Minor peeling can also be one of the possible light side effects. These effects usually resolve within a few days. Medium chemical peel that uses TCA can cause more skin redness than light chemical peel. Medium peels can also cause some changes in skin color in certain individuals. People receiving TCA peel are usually advised to avoid exposure to sunlight for a couple of months.

The side effects of deep chemical peels that use phenols are more pronounced than the side effects of light and medium chemical peels. Deep peels can cause more redness of the skin and peeling and crusting. Scarring and chemical burns are some other possible risks associated with deep chemical peels. Phenol peels can also cause permanent hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. People undergoing deep chemical peels have to protect their skin from sunlight. Individuals with heart disease can encounter some additional problems with deep chemical peels, which is why they should talk to their physician before opting for this procedure.

Cost of Chemical Peel

On an average, it can cost somewhere around $600 to $900. However, the cost can very significantly depending on the type of chemical peel. The superficial or light chemical peels can cost as less as $150. The average cost of light chemical peel is in the range of $150 to $300, while for medium chemical peel, the cost can be between $1000 to $2000. Deep chemical peels on the other hand, can cost up to $6,000.

Considering its drawbacks, it can be concluded that one should get this treatment done on his or her skin only by an experienced and well-trained professional or plastic surgeon. In general, it is a safe procedure for facial skin care, but to be on the safer side, it is better to consult a physician or plastic surgeon before opting for this procedure. Some side effects of deep chemical peel are really serious. Therefore, a complete evaluation of the various pros and cons of this procedure is very important before opting for deep chemical peels.