Chemical Peel Made My Acne Worse

Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that can be applied to the face, hands, and neck. They’re used to improve the appearance or feel of the skin. During this procedure, chemical solutions will be applied to the area being treated, which causes the skin to exfoliate and eventually peel off. Once this happens, the new skin underneath is often smoother, appears less wrinkled, and may have less damage.

Some people experience what is called a post-peel purge. The purge happens because your body pushes out toxins – it brings all the dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil from beneath your skin to the surface, before getting rid of them. This leads to breakouts in tiny, red bumps that may be painful when touched.

There are a number of reasons people may get chemical peels. They may be trying to treat a variety of things, including:

wrinkles and fine lines
sun damage
acne scars
hyperpigmentation
scars
melasma
uneven skin tone or redness

Types of chemical peel

There are three types of chemical peel, based on how deeply they exfoliate the skin:

superficial peels
medium-depth peels
deep peels

The right choice depends on the type and shade of a person’s skin and what issue they are hoping to address.

Superficial peels

Dermatologists recommend superficial peels if skin issues only affect the top layer of the skin, the epidermis.

Because superficial peels do not penetrate the deeper layers, they carry a lower risk of side effects and the skin tends to recover more quickly.

Superficial peels take 1–7 days to heal. It is important to wear sunscreen during this time.

Because superficial peels are the gentlest type, a person may need up to five sessions to see the results they want. People may be able to have superficial peels every 2–5 weeks.

Medium-depth peels

Dermatologists may recommendTrusted Source medium-depth peels for:

fine wrinkles
sun-damaged skin
minor hyperpigmentation
minor acne scars

Medium-depth peels take 7–14 days to heal. They cause swelling that worsens for 48 hours after the treatment and may cause blisters.

The dermatologist provides a solution that a person should use to help their skin heal. It is also important to avoid sun exposure during the recovery time.

The dermatologist may also prescribe an antiviral medication, which a person takes for 10–14 days. People can wear makeup after 5–7 days but must avoid total sun exposure until the skin heals fully.

Deep peels

Dermatologists do not usually use deep chemical peels. For issues affecting the deeper layers, laser therapy often provides better resultsTrusted Source.

However, a dermatologist may recommend a deep peel if a person has:

moderate to severe sun damage
moderate to severe wrinkles
moderate to severe hyperpigmentation

Due to their strength, deep peels take 14–21 days to heal. A person needs to:

Recuperate at home.
Take antiviral medication for 10–14 days.
Wash the skin with a special solution between four and six times a day.
Apply an ointment for 14 days, then use a thick moisturizer.
Avoid makeup for at least 14 days.
Avoid sun exposure for 3–6 months.

Types of acid

Chemical peels can contain different types of acid, includingTrusted Source:

Alpha-hydroxy acids: Some examples include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid. At-home exfoliating treatments often contain these acids.
Beta-hydroxy acids: Salicylic acid is one example, and it is especially beneficial for acne-prone skin and enlarged pores.
Trichloroacetic acid: Dermatologists typically use this in medium or deep chemical peels.
Phenol: This powerful chemical agent is useful in deep peels.

Some chemicals in peels cause the skin to develop a white coating, which the dermatologist may refer to as “frosting.”

Frosting signals the end-stage of a peel. Its presence and extent helps the doctor tell whether the peel has been sufficiently effective.

There are three levelsTrusted Source of frosting:

patches of white coating over red skin
a general white coating with redness underneath
a complete coverage of white coating with almost no redness

If you’re worried that your skin looks worse after chemical peel, keep in mind it’s a normal part of the healing process. As long as you’re not in any pain and the skin reaction isn’t persistent there’s nothing to worry about.

This is a tricky question, because chemical peels don’t intensify existing scarring, but they can cause scarring if something goes wrong. So the answer is no, a chemical peel won’t make your acne scars worse. But, if a chemical peel is improperly administered, things can go wrong and cause new scarring. There are a lot of things you can do to avoid the risk of this unsightly side effect, however. The best thing you can do for your skin in the case of any cosmetic treatment is to only visit a dermatologist. Health spas and at-home kits may promise great results and lower prices, but that all comes with a big cost. Spas and kits are products. Their goal is to make money from you.

What happens to your skin is not their primary concern. A dermatologist, on the other hand, is trained in proper techniques and is also focused primarily on your health. If you have a contraindication for a chemical peel, a spa may not even ask questions to detect it. For instance, a chemical peel can treat acne scars, but if you take the acne drug isotretinoin, it greatly increases the odds of scarring with a chemical peel. Even if you haven’t taken the drug in six months, the possibility is there. A dermatologist will have your medical history. They’ll know the proper questions to ask if you’re a new patient.

A chemical peel can result in scarring if things go wrong. It’s a possible side effect that is exceptionally rare, especially when performed by a licensed dermatologist. Don’t hesitate to share your concerns with your doctor. They can start you on the most gentle peels to see how your skin will react. They can make recommendations for properly caring for skin leading up to and following a chemical peel. Know this: a chemical peel works on acne scars for most people. It can help your skin heal better than it would on its own, thereby reducing the appearance of scars significantly.

Chemical peels can enhance your self-esteem while also improving the appearance of your skin. Scars, acne, and uneven skin tone may all be reduced, allowing you to feel more confident in your appearance. It’s reasonable to wonder, however, if this treatment could harm your skin because of the word “chemical.” Perhaps you’re concerned that it will make your acne scars worse. Well, read on to learn more about chemical peels, such as what they are and the effect they may have on your acne scars before scheduling an appointment.

There are three types of peels: superficial, medium, and deep. The type used during your treatment depends mostly on the severity of your skin condition as well as your overall skin sensitivity. With this being the case, it’s rather unlikely that your licensed dermatologist will recommend a chemical peel that will be harmful to you, or more specifically, make your acne scars worse.

Chemical peels remove the outer layer of skin thanks to a chemical reaction between your skin cells and the acids in the peel. This allows a smoother, untouched under layer of skin that hasn’t been harmed by acne to appear.

In other words, chemical peels actually remove acne scars, not add to them!

There are various advantages to getting a professional chemical peel for acne scars. Of course you will see a reduced appearance of your scars, but you may also find that your skin is brighter, you may have fewer wrinkles, previous dark spots are now gone, and you have a more even skin tone.

As we mentioned, professional chemical peels are effective on varying skin issues. Since the chemical solution is customized for your skin during a professional treatment, the danger of problems is reduced significantly.

Chemical peel post care routine

Pre Chemical Peel:

Discontinue use of tanning beds at least two weeks prior to a chemical peel. In fact, we advise that you stop using tanning beds altogether because they increase your risk of skin cancer and accelerate visible signs of aging.
Avoid extensive sun exposure, especially in the 10 days prior to your scheduled chemical peel.
No facial waxing for 7 days prior to treatment.
For those of you who are on an acne treatment regimen, you need to stop the use of stop the use of Renova, Differin, Tazorac, Avage, EpiDuo or Ziana five days prior to treatment.
If you are using Retinol products, stop the use of Retin-A (retinol) products or applications for 7-10 days prior to a chemical peel. High percentage alpha hydroxy (AHA) and beta hydroxy (BHA) products should be stopped five days before treatment.
Always apply a broad spectrum sunscreen daily (at least SPF 30 or higher) and avoid the gym 24 hours prior to a chemical peel.
Do not use aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (ex. Advil) for at least 7-10 days prior to a chemical peel.

Post Chemical Peel

Once you have undergone your chemical peel, expect to see some changes with your skin prior to getting your final results. Just as there are some instructions you should follow before your chemical peel there are instructions you should follow after your chemical peel to ensure the best possible results

On post peel day 3, you may experience mild to moderate shedding depending on the depth of chemical peel, the number of layers applied and depth of the chemical peel. There can be dryness and tightness of the skin. Flaking and peeling three days post peel is not uncommon, unless you had a superficial peel. Superficial peels have little to no downtime, so you may not experience shedding.
You may develop small whiteheads, but please note that this IS NOT A BREAKOUT.
If you have a lighter skin complexion, you may notice mild redness after a chemical peel.
Do not peel or pick at the peeling skin. You must allow the skin to flake off naturally. Picking at the peeling skin can cause hyperpigmentation.
To minimize the side effects of the peel, please use the post procedure kit provided by the doctor or skincare professional for 3-5 days or until flaking has stopped.
Do not apply ice or water to the areas that have been treated. Also, avoid applying makeup on the day of your treatment because the skin needs time to stabilize and rest.
For the first 48 hours after your chemical peel, do not participate in activities that increase body heat and sweat, such as drinking alcohol, exercise/working out, hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, hot shower spray, swimming or directing a hair dryer to the treatment area. Internal heating can cause hyperpigmentation.
Golden Rule: Make sure that you are also avoiding direct sun exposure and excessive heat. Continue to use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher just as you were prior to your peel.
Make sure to keep your skin well hydrated with a protective moisturizer. Apply it twice daily or more often if needed to reduce the appearance of flaking.
For five days after your chemical peel, do not have electrolysis, facial waxing or use depilatories.
Avoid using retinols and glycolic acids for 10 days post peel.
Do not use scrubs, loofahs, exfoliating sponges or other means of mechanical exfoliation on your face for 7-10 days.
Do not go to a tanning bed for at least two weeks post procedure.
If you are on an acne regimen, delay the use of tretinoin, Retin-A, Differin, Renova, Tazorac, Avage, EpiDuo, or Ziana 5 days post procedure. However, it is fine to resume using a vitamin C serum five days after your treatment.
It is extremely important that you DO NOT have another chemical peel until your clinician advises you to.
If you notice increased redness, increased hyperpigmentation or crusting of the skin, contact your doctor or skincare professional.
Now that you have some information on pre and post chemical peel care, you are now ready for peel season.

How To Treat Breakouts After Chemical Peel

Whether you’re using an at-home peel or getting a professional peel, you can minimize your skin’s downtime afterward by practicing these expert tips:

Wash your face with cool water. Warm or hot water might not feel as good as cool or cold water, which can help soothe post-peel sensations.

Moisturize and hydrate. Since peels can temporarily compromise your skin’s protective barrier, it’s important to reinforce that barrier with a medium-to-thick moisturizer. Also, drink more water to help avoid dehydration, which could make your skin feel tight.

Apply sunscreen with SPF30 or more. Your skin is more delicate after a peel, so avoid direct sun exposure, which can lead to even more visible signs of skin aging. If you must be exposed, use a Broad Spectrum physical sunscreen.

Avoid strenuous workouts, dry saunas and steam rooms. Increased blood circulation to the face can intensify warming, tingling, itching, redness or other uncomfortable side effects on freshly peeled skin. Skip such activities on the day you use a peel.

Don’t over-exfoliate. Peels are maximum-strength exfoliants, so you don’t need to use a separate exfoliant (like a scrub, brush or exfoliating cleanser) within 3-4 days of your peel. Over-exfoliating can lead to more redness or sensitivity, so wait until your skin feels up to it.

Once your skin feels “back to normal” after a peel, it’s generally considered OK to resume your normal skin care regimen. For more personalized advice, ask your professional skin therapist how to incorporate peels into your lifestyle.

Liquid Peelfoliant is a professional-grade at-home peel that helps unclog pores to help reveal brighter, healthier skin.

Is Hyperpigmentation After Chemical Peel Permanent