Are Chemical Peels Safe? Debunking Myths About Chemical Peel!

Are chemical peels safe? It’s a question many people ask when they are considering this type of skin treatment.

Chemical peels have been around for decades and have gained popularity over time. Today, they’re used to treating various skin problems such as fine lines, age spots, acne scars, and other skin blemishes the same as microneedling does.

But as with any procedure you consider having done on your body, there are risks involved with getting a chemical peel too—especially if you don’t know what you’re doing or where to go for it!

So, let’s unpack some common myths about chemical peels and find out just how safe these popular cosmetic procedures truly are.

Are Chemical Peels Safe?

Chemical peels are safe when performed by a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

The procedure can be uncomfortable, but it usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete. You’ll need to avoid sun exposure for several days following the treatment and apply sunscreen daily until your skin has fully healed.

Chemical peels can cause side effects such as redness, swelling, itching, and a temporary increase in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

However, these side effects usually fade within a few days after treatment.

Are Chemical Peels Safe For Black Skin?

Chemical peels can be particularly harmful to people with dark skin. To a greater extent, those with melanin-rich skin will experience adverse reactions to the heat, chemicals, and other aspects of dermatological treatments.

People with darker skin tones are also more likely to have hyperpigmentation as a result of chemical peels. Spots that are darker than the surrounding skin are called hyperpigmentation.

It’s the deep chemical peels that are the worst offenders. Most commonly, they lead to hyperpigmentation, while mild chemical peels are easier on the skin and less likely to create problems.

Find a physician or esthetician who has experience treating persons with melanin-rich skin if you are seeking chemical peels for dark skin. You might investigate several other therapy options to sidestep unneeded difficulties.

Are Chemical Peels Safe While Breastfeeding? 

According to the findings of a study that was published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology in 2017 on the topic of the safety of cosmetic procedures during pregnancy and lactation, having the majority of chemical peels done while breastfeeding is a safe procedure to have done. 

However, this is somewhat dependent on the type of acid that was used. Due to the minimal skin penetration, it is generally agreed that glycolic acid peels and lactic acid peels are both likely to be safe for use. 

However, because of the greater absorption rates, peels that contain salicylic acid should be used with caution before applying them. In most cases, getting chemical peels while breastfeeding is not dangerous and can even be beneficial.

If breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor before undergoing any medical or cosmetic operation. Chemical peels are mostly safe to have done while nursing. 

Since there is little cause for alarm over the major absorption of the chemicals used in cosmetic operations like chemical peeling, it has been concluded that these procedures are safe to employ during lactation.

Are Chemical Peels For Sensitive Skin?

People with sensitive skin can still benefit from chemical peels. However, your skin’s sensitivity will be taken into account both before and during the peel by our dermatologist. Redness and peeling are common side effects of this treatment, and those with sensitive skin may experience more severe reactions.

After reading this, you may feel hesitant to try a chemical peel on sensitive skin. Is it okay to take a chemical peel if your skin is sensitive? 

With a few provisos, the answer is yes. It’s not possible to give everyone a peel; there are disqualifies. Chemical peels should be avoided by nursing and pregnant women. Patients with impaired immune systems due to illness or chemotherapy should also avoid getting a peel. 

You shouldn’t get a peel if you have a history of skin breakdowns like open sores or if your skin is so sensitive that even mild cosmetics set you back.

Myths About Chemical Peel 

But before you book that appointment with a dermatologist, there are some things you should know about how chemical peels work and what they can do for you.

Myth 1: Chemical peels make your skin raw and scab over

Fact: Chemical peels don’t leave your skin raw or scabbed over at all. Instead, they dissolve the outer layer of dead skin cells so new ones can grow in their place. 

The process is similar to what happens when you sunburn — your damaged outer layer needs to be shed so healthy new cells can grow beneath it. That’s why your skin may be slightly red after getting a chemical peel but not raw or scabbed over in any way.

Myth 2: Chemical peels are unsafe for sensitive skin

Fact: Chemical peels indeed remove layers of skin, but the epidermis (your outermost layer of skin) is only one or two millimeters thick. Chemical peels don’t remove entire layers of skin, just the topmost layer.

Chemical peels are safe for sensitive skin because they’re localized and controlled by a trained professional who can monitor your reactions and adjust the procedure as needed. The process may cause redness or flaking in some people, but it usually subsides within a few days after treatment.

Myth 3: Chemical peels don’t treat deeper skin issues

Fact: Chemical peels can address many skin concerns including fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scars. It is possible to achieve these results with superficial peels that only affect the top layer of skin on your face. 

However, if you want to treat more significant issues like melasma or age spots (both forms of hyperpigmentation), then you need to consider a medium-depth peel or deep chemical peel which will penetrate deeper into the layers of your skin.

Myth 4: Winter is the only time for chemical peels.

Fact: Light peels, one of many types of chemical peels, can be performed at any time of year as long as the patient is not tanning and is using a daily high-SPF sunscreen.

For a mild peel, it’s best to start with four to six treatments and then maintain with a peel every three months.

For a medium-depth peel, you’ll need anywhere from 1 to 4 treatments, with a maintenance peel every 4 to 6 months.

To maintain the results of a deep peel, you’ll need to repeat the procedure once every six months following the initial session.

Myth 5: Chemical peels require multiple days at home to recover

Fact: It’s not true that you have to take days off of work and stay in your house while you recover from a chemical peel. Chemical peels are actually pretty quick and easy recovery time. You can go back to work the day after your chemical peel, you can go out in public the next day, and you can go back to doing all of your normal activities right away as well.

Myth 6: Myth: Chemical peels are painful.

Fact: Most chemical peels cause little or no discomfort and can be easily tolerated. The sensation experienced during a chemical peel varies depending on the depth of the peel and the sensitivity of the individual’s skin.

Myth 7: Chemical peels are only for people with severe skin conditions.

Fact: Chemical peels can benefit individuals with a range of skin conditions, from mild to severe. They can improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and help with skin discoloration.

Myth 8: Chemical peels can cause scarring.

Fact: When performed by a trained professional, chemical peels rarely cause scarring. However, if the peel is done improperly or if the individual picks at their skin after the peel, scarring may occur.

Myth 9: Chemical peels thin the skin.

Fact: Chemical peels do not thin the skin. In fact, they can increase collagen production, which helps to thicken the skin and make it more resilient.

Myth 10: Chemical peels are only for the face.

Fact: Chemical peels can be used on many areas of the body, including the neck, chest, hands, and back.

Myth 11: Chemical peels are a one-time fix.

Fact: To maintain the results of a chemical peel, multiple treatments may be necessary. The number of treatments required varies depending on the individual’s skin type and the severity of their skin condition.

Myth 12: Chemical peels are not safe for people with darker skin tones.

Fact: Chemical peels can be safe and effective for individuals with darker skin tones when performed by a trained professional using the appropriate peel solution.

Myth 13: Chemical peels are expensive.

Fact: The cost of a chemical peel varies depending on the type of peel, the area being treated, and the number of treatments required. However, chemical peels are often a more cost-effective option than other cosmetic treatments such as laser therapy.

Final Thoughts 

As you can see, there are many myths about chemical peels that need to be debunked. A good chemical peel should not burn or sting, nor should it be painful in any way or leave you with sensitive, red or inflamed skin.

It’s important to know what to look for when shopping around for a dermatologist who is experienced in administering chemical peels and makes sure that they use high-quality products while doing so. 

The most important thing is that your skin remains healthy and beautiful after the procedure and doesn’t cause any unnecessary damage because of the wrong choice of product or incorrectly applied chemicals.

Hope so this blog post have busted the myths in your mind about “Are Chemical Peels Safe?”