Does the skin look worse after a chemical peel?

In this brief guide, we will answer the query, “Does the skin look worse after a chemical peel?” We will also discuss the effects of light, medium, and deep chemical peeling on your skin. Moreover, we will also talk about the risks involved with chemical peeling.

Does the skin look worse after a chemical peel?

Your skin may look worse for a while after a chemical peel, this period only lasts a while and you will start noticing the effects of the chemical peel soon after that. However, some people may have allergies or other side effects soon after a chemical peel, which may make their skin look worse.

What happens to your skin after a chemical peel?

Your skin goes through different depths of procedure depending on the type of chemical peeling after which you will notice some redness, irritation, or swelling in your skin. Let’s discuss the reactions on your skin after different chemical peeling:

Light chemical peel

The skin treated for light chemical peel will be red, dry, and somewhat irritated immediately after the peel. However, these effects may fade with each subsequent treatment. Usually, your skin will heal in one to seven days after a light chemical peel, while you may notice that your new skin will be slightly lighter or darker than usual at first.

Overall, a light chemical peel enhances skin texture and tone while also reducing the visibility of small wrinkles. The effects are minor at first, but they become more noticeable if you continue with your treatment.

Medium chemical peel

The skin treated for medium chemical peel will be red and puffy after the peel. You’ll experience a stinging sensation for a while. You can also apply ice packs to your face for relief. However, after some time, you will notice that your skin is smoother than ever.

You may use pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium to help alleviate any soreness or irritation. You must monitor the condition of your skin for a while after a medium chemical peel, so it is better to schedule an appointment with your doctor even after the procedure is done.

As the swelling subsides, the treated skin will form a callous and may darken or have brown spots. Your skin may finally heal in seven to fourteen days, however, the redness can remain for months.

Deep chemical peel

The skin treated for deep chemical peel will have extreme redness and swelling immediately after the peel. You may also experience burning, stinging, and extreme swelling which may make it difficult for you to even open your eyes at times.

You will need a surgical dressing on the treated skin immediately after the peel. Your doctor may also prescribe pain relievers as the pain level in deep chemical peels is much more than in light or medium peels. For around two weeks, you must rinse the treated skin and use ointment several times per day.

You will most probably generate new skin in about two weeks, however, redness may remain for months. You may notice that your new skin will be slightly lighter or darker than usual at first.

In some cases, the skin treated for deep chemical peel may even lose its ability to tan.

On a positive note, after the healing phase, you will notice a dramatic difference in your overall skin tone and texture. However, the outcomes may not be very long-lasting. As you age and get exposed to the sunlight, you will get new wrinkles and your skin color may change over time. For more details, please click the link here.

What are the risks involved with a chemical peel?

You might want to do a chemical peel for getting younger, smoother, shinier, and healthier skin, but you must be aware of these side effects that come with chemical peeling:

  • Redness, scabbing, and swelling after all types of chemical peels.
  • Sometimes, you might get scarring in the lower part of your face after chemical peeling.
  • Hyperpigmentation (light) and hypopigmentation (deep) are the most common side effects of chemical peeling.
  • A chemical peel can also result in a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection.

Conclusion 

In this brief guide, we have answered the query, “Does the skin look worse after a chemical peel?” We have also discussed the effects of light, medium, and deep chemical peeling on your skin. Moreover, we have also talked about the risks involved with chemical peeling.

Citations 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemical-peel/about/pac-20393473#:~:text=A%20chemical%20peel%20can%20cause%20treated%20skin%20to%20become%20darker,common%20after%20a%20deep%20peel.