Common Side Effects of Chemical peeling

Chemical peeling, also known as acid peeling, is a common skin beauty treatment that uses fruit acids (α-hydroxy acids) to dissolve aged keratin on the skin’s surface, promoting metabolism and improving skin texture and tone. While it brightens complexion, reduces fine lines, and improves acne scars, it carries risks and side effects. This article explores potential adverse reactions, risks, and post-treatment care to help patients understand risks and make informed decisions.

How to Reduce the Risks of Chemical peeling

First, chemical peeling stimulates skin self-repair through chemical exfoliation. It dissolves the stratum corneum, shedding aged or damaged cells and promoting new cell growth. However, this irritates the skin, causing side effects tied to peeling depth, acid concentration, and individual skin condition.

1. Redness, scabbing, swelling: After treatment, skin often shows redness, scabbing, and mild swelling during healing as the surface structure is disrupted. Mild reactions fade in days, but moderate to deep peels may cause redness for weeks or months. Avoid strong sunlight and friction, and use sunscreen and moisturizers to aid recovery.
2. Scar formation: Rarely, excessive acid concentration or improper technique can cause severe damage, leading to atrophic or hypertrophic scars with permanent aesthetic impact. Risk depends on skin type, genetics, and post-care.
3. Pigmentation changes: Peeling may cause hyperpigmentation (excess pigment) or hypopigmentation (pigment loss). Hyperpigmentation darkens areas unevenly, while hypopigmentation creates light patches. These may be permanent, especially in sensitive or previously inflamed skin.
4. Skin infection: Post-peel, the skin’s barrier weakens, allowing bacteria, fungi, or viruses to invade, potentially causing infections with redness, pain, or pus. Strict post-care hygiene is critical.
5. Heart, kidney, or liver damage: Deep peels may use phenol (‘苯酚’, phenol), a strong chemical that can enter the bloodstream, potentially harming the heart, liver, or kidneys. Deep peels require caution and expert supervision.

Beyond these risks, safety depends on multiple factors. Pre-treatment, patients need a dermatologist’s evaluation to assess risk, especially for sensitive skin or those with allergies or inflammation history. Informing patients about the process, side effects, and recovery reduces anxiety.

Post-treatment care is vital. Improper care can worsen side effects or cause complications. Skin is fragile initially, so avoid wind and sun, and use moisturizers or repair creams designed for sensitive or treated skin. Sunscreen is essential to prevent UV damage, pigmentation, or long-term issues.

Though side effects are concerning, proper indications, professional execution, and thorough care yield satisfactory results for most. Choosing the right acid concentration, peel depth, and personalized plan is key. Beginners should start with mild peels to test tolerance, adjusting parameters to balance regeneration and risk.

Before treatment, patients should discuss all risks with their doctor and follow post-care advice. Persistent redness, severe pain, or abnormalities require prompt medical attention. For deep peel patients, monitor organ function to ensure no systemic toxicity from drugs.

In summary, chemical peeling enhances skin renewal and quality with clear anti-aging and beauty benefits, but risks like redness, swelling, permanent pigmentation, scars, or rare systemic toxicity demand attention. Understanding skin condition and choosing an experienced doctor ensure safety and results. Pre-treatment consultation, post-care, and follow-ups prevent side effects and aid recovery.

Thus, while chemical peeling offers significant beauty advantages, its risks are notable. Patient-doctor communication and strict treatment control minimize adverse reactions for safe, effective outcomes. Before any chemical peel, thoroughly understand risks and care needs for a reliable beauty journey. Explained by Dr. Yeung Ho Hong on symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

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