Common Side Effects of Chemical Peels Can Alter Your Appearance In Ways You Might Not Like

The side effects of chemical peels are generally mild but extremely common. It should come as no surprise that the application of chemicals directly to the skin would not be without its risks. Understanding these risks beforehand and finding a qualified dermatologist to perform your peel is critical. Since the desired goal is to alter your appearance, you should know the risks as well as the benefits.

As the name suggests, a chemical peel involves applying a mixture of chemicals to the face in order to burn off and peel away the outer layer of skin. This is a procedure often used in place of plastic surgery for individuals who want to reduce the signs of aging like wrinkles and blotchiness. There are products that can achieve these results without the risks, but that is for another article or visit the link at the end of this article.

There are several different types of peels that can be performed, depending on the level of age-related damage to your skin. The mildest form of peel, an alpha-hydroxy peel, uses alpha-hydroxy acid to treat fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration. TCA peels are a medium level of treatment for wrinkles and minor skin blemishes. The strongest type of peel is a phenol peel, used to treat deep-seated wrinkles and remove pre-cancerous growths.

The side effects of chemical peels will vary depending on the level of peel you undergo. In all cases, some amount of redness, burning and peeling will occur. A burning sensation is caused by the application of acid to the skin and will usually only last for a short while. The stronger the peel, the more intense the burning will be but in all cases it is really quite mild and usually bearable.

Redness and peeling are expected aftereffects as the new layer of skin is exposed to the air. Again, redness varies depending on the strength of the peel but doesn't usually last for very long. Peeling will occur as the old layer of skin is exfoliated. Much like the peeling associated with sunburn, you should not pick at it as exposing the new layer of skin too quickly could result in permanent discoloration.

Other irritations, such as scabbing and crusting, may also occur, especially after a phenol peel. Again, this is routine and you should avoid picking at them. Your dermatologist can recommend medication to use and will likely also recommend the use of a sunscreen while your skin is particularly sensitive.

Among the side effects of chemical peels, the most disturbing one is skin discoloration. It is relatively rare, but in some instances, the new layer of skin may end up being a different color than the surrounding skin. If lightening of the skin, called hypopigmentation or darkening of the skin, hyperpigmentation, should occur, contact your dermatologist immediately.

Chemical peels are a common procedure these days but they are not without their risks and should not be undertaken lightly. Make sure you are aware of everything that a peel entails and the possible side effects you might encounter. If you do have problems with your peel, don't panic, they can be handled relatively easily. Just remember are alternatives that can treat and reduce the signs of aging like wrinkles and blotchiness. To learn more about alternatives to chemical peels follow the link below.

If you want to learn more about alternative to chemical peals then you should visit http://www.healthy-skin-site.com now to learn about the skin care line Bill personally recommends.

Bill Petersen is a dedicated researcher of skin care health and products. He is a father of two children.

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