Health Risks And Side Effects Of Chemical Peels

Many individuals use chemical peels to reverse the effects of aging. This technique has been shown to improve the appearance of the skin, and it is mostly utilized on the face, neck, and hands. During a treatment, a solution is applied to the targeted area of the skin, exfoliating it and eventually peeling off. The treatment time varies depending on the type of peel, from three to five minutes up to four hours. Once the treatment is complete, most clients report regenerated, smoother, and less wrinkled skin. After a chemical peel, the skin is hypersensitive and proper after-care is crucial. While generally safe, chemical peels do come with certain health risks and potential side effects all individuals must be aware of before proceeding with the treatment.

Skin Discoloration

Skin discoloration is a significant potential side effect of undergoing a chemical peel. Though individuals with darker skin are more susceptible to this, darkening and lightening of the skin can happen to anyone. There are two ways the skin can become discolored: hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Hyperpigmentation occurs when parts of the skin become darker than normal, while hypopigmentation causes parts of the skin to lighten. The type of skin discoloration depends on which type of chemical peel treatment a client chooses to undergo. After superficial peels, the skin is more likely to be affected by hyperpigmentation, whereas deep peels tend to be associated with hypopigmentation. Changes in skin color can be permanent.

Learn more about the health risks and side effects attached to chemical peels now.

Reappearance Of Cold Sores

Cold sore outbreaks are a common side effect of chemical peels, regardless of which kind clients opt for. However, they will only occur in individuals who are already infected by the herpes virus, which is the virus responsible for cold sores, whether it be active or dormant. Not everyone who carries the virus experiences cold sores, though, making it difficult sometimes to recognize being infected. There are certain antiviral medications that may help with the reappearance of cold sores after undergoing a chemical peel, but patients should discuss these with their doctor to avoid any negative interactions between the medicine and the chemicals in the solution.

Continue to reveal more side effects of chemical peels now.