Skin Looks Worse After Chemical Peel (What Happened?)
Getting a chemical peel can be nerve-wracking.
The primary purpose of a chemical peel is to apply a chemical solution that removes the top layers of the skin, allowing fresh, smoother, and brighter skin to grow back.
You go into it hoping for a reduction in fine lines, clearer skin, and a glossier complexion.
But the procedure is not for the faint of heart.
It’s scary to think that an acid-based solution is eating away at the top layers of your skin.
You may experience some stinging and tingling sensations during the procedure.
Things can get even more worrisome if your skin looks red and irritated after the procedure. The whole idea was for your skin to look better, not worse, right?
So what happens if your skin looks worse after the chemical peel?
It’s possible that your skin is adjusting and may worsen before it improves. Or it could be something serious, like a real complication.
In this post, we will discuss the differences between a normal reaction to a chemical peel and a serious complication, so you know what to expect.
Chances are, your skin is simply going through a normal healing process that’s causing it to become irritated and break out.
However, be aware of the warning signs that may indicate a serious issue, so you can receive proper care before it’s too late.
Keep reading to learn how to spot the differences.
What Happens After a Chemical Peel
There are various depths of chemical peels that your dermatologist can perform, depending on the skin concerns you want to target.
Here are the types of chemical peels and what kind of skin reaction you can expect from each one:
Light Chemical Peel
A light chemical peel targets the very top layer of your epidermis and treats fine lines, acne, and skin discolouration.
With a light peel, you may need to undergo the procedure several times before seeing significant results.
The good thing about a light chemical peel is that it has the fewest side effects.
Your doctor will be using a chemical solution containing glycolic or salicylic acids, which you’ve probably used before in other skincare products.
Your skin may feel slightly red and irritated afterwards, and you may experience some dryness. But you shouldn’t feel any pain or swelling from this.
You can expect your skin to return to normal within 1 to 7 days.
If you’re experiencing anything more serious after a light chemical peel, or your skin takes longer than a week to heal, you might be having some complications.
Medium Chemical Peel
A medium chemical peel goes a little deeper than a light chemical peel.
It removes the top layer of skin (epidermis) as well as some layers of the middle layer (dermis).
Medium chemical peels are used to target wrinkles and acne scars.
You can expect quicker results compared to a light chemical peel, although it may still take several rounds of treatment to achieve the desired results.
The acid used for a medium chemical peel usually contains more potent ingredients, such as trichloroacetic acid.
The healing process of a medium chemical peel is a little rougher, too.
Your skin will be swollen, red, and slightly stinging.
Your dermatologist will likely apply an ointment to protect the area from infection.
The swelling can last up to two weeks. During that time, you can use ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, to help manage the swelling.
Because the chemical peel removes deep skin layers, there is a higher risk of infection; therefore, you must be vigilant about keeping the area clean and watch for any signs of disease.
Deep Chemical Peel
A deep chemical peel targets deep wrinkles, scars, or other significant skin issues.
Deep chemical peels are not commonly used because they are the most difficult to recover from.
During a deep chemical peel, you’ll likely be hooked up to an IV to ensure your fluids are stable.
Your doctor will be using carbolic acid (phenol), which can be dangerous if left on the skin for more than 15 minutes at a time.
Your doctor will likely apply the phenol in 15-minute increments, allowing your skin to rest in between to prevent damage.
After a deep chemical peel, you can expect to experience significant pain and swelling.
It’s normal for your skin to feel like it’s burning.
Your doctor will instruct you on how to care for your skin, and you’ll have to be diligent about it for at least 2 weeks.
Once new skin begins to grow after the 2-week window, much of the pain and swelling will subside; however, you may still experience some redness for a few months.
The most significant concerns associated with a deep chemical peel are severe scabbing and the risk of infection.
If you experience these effects, you should consult a doctor.
Does Your Skin Look Worse After a Chemical Peel?
As you can see, all types of chemical peels can leave your skin feeling red, irritated, and sometimes swollen for a few weeks after the procedure.
Eventually, they lead to your skin peeling off as it would after a sunburn.
Understandably, you may be concerned about your skin appearing worse immediately after the procedure.
But rest assured, it’s totally normal. Your skin must undergo a healing process before it begins to look better.
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to get a chemical peel and immediately walk away with perfect skin!
Symptoms such as redness, swelling, stinging, and peeling that last 1–2 weeks are normal, and your best course of action is to allow them to subside on their own.
These side effects are common, but they should subside within a short period of time.
However, if your skin is experiencing any scabbing, pus, or you’re feeling feverish, that might be a sign of a severe infection, and that’s not a normal reaction to the chemical peel.
Additionally, deep chemical peels can rarely cause issues with the heart and kidneys, so if you had a deep peel, it’s essential to pay attention to your body’s reaction.
It’s essential to recognise the signs and distinguish between routine healing and potential complications.
Breakouts After Chemical Peel
Many people also experience breakouts after undergoing a chemical peel. Is this normal, or should you be concerned?
It’s normal for your skin to go through a “purge” after your treatment. A purge is basically a single outburst of new breakouts and pimples a week or two after you get your chemical peel.
Not everyone will experience a purge, but it’s common.
Here’s why it happens: the chemical peel causes an increase in dead skin cells.
This is intentional because skin cells need to die to peel off and reveal healthier, smoother skin underneath.
When dead skin cells are abundant on the skin’s surface, they can mix with your natural oils and clog your pores. Clogged pores = breakouts.
That’s why non-comedogenic facial products (formulated not to clog pores) are always the best option for acne-prone skin.
Thankfully, after this initial purge, your breakouts will heal, and there will no longer be so many dead skin cells blocking your pores, so your skin will clear up.
If you’re experiencing breakouts after a chemical peel, it can be discouraging.
Especially if you got the chemical peel to reduce acne in the first place!
Just remember to be patient and understand that things will get worse before they get better.
This is just a phase, and it will pass.
Are You Having Complications After a Chemical Peel?
We discussed extensively what’s normal to experience after a chemical peel.
But what are the red flags you should be looking out for that can signify that you’re having a serious complication?
Here are some of the serious complications that can happen as a result of a chemical peel:
Infection
Because a chemical peel is designed to remove the top layers of the skin, there is a small risk of infection.
Your skin becomes more vulnerable just as it would with a cut or a scrape.
Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can cause infections.
If you have underlying viral infections, such as the herpes simplex virus, the chemical peel can trigger a flare-up.
Here are some signs to look out for that may mean you’re experiencing an infection from your chemical peel:
- Pain, redness, and swelling that last beyond 2 weeks and seem to get worse
- Fever
- Pus or oozing from the skin
- Blisters
Touching your face frequently or trying to peel off the skin can increase the likelihood of an infection, so avoid touching your face and always wash your hands before doing so.
Try to keep the area clean while it’s healing and avoid putting unnecessary products on it.
If you have a medium or deep chemical peel, your doctor will likely provide you with some ointment and/or bandages to use.
Be sure to follow the instructions carefully, as this will help prevent infection.
If an infection occurs, contact your doctor ASAP.
It can be treated with medication. And the sooner you catch it, the less likely you are to develop scarring or serious illness.
Pigmentation Change
Permanent or long-lasting changes in skin colour can occur as a result of a chemical peel, which can be discouraging to undergo.
Your chemical peel can cause hyperpigmentation (darkened skin) and hypopigmentation (patches of lighter skin).
This condition is more common in the chin and cheek areas, as well as in individuals with darker skin.
Thankfully, it can be treated and, in most cases, will not become permanent.
If you notice a darkening or lightening of the skin, especially after two weeks post-treatment, contact your doctor for treatment.
Scarring
Scarring is a rare side effect of a chemical peel, but it can occur in some cases.
Most of the time, the scarring will be in the lower part of the face.
As soon as you notice anything resembling scarring, contact your doctor.
They can prescribe steroids and antibiotics that can help reduce the appearance of scars and prevent them from becoming too deep and permanent.
Scarring mostly happens in cases where the peel chemicals were too harsh, and when you disrupt the healing process by peeling off the loose skin.
Another reason to keep your hands off your face during the healing period!
Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions to chemical peels are infrequent, but they can happen.
You’ll usually know if you’re allergic to the peel chemicals immediately after or during the procedure.
Look out for the following signs:
- Severe burning
- Severe swelling
- Blistering
- Eyes swelling shut
- Itching
Please consult your doctor ASAP.
An untreated allergic reaction can leave permanent scarring on your face.
Let your doctor assess the situation and prescribe the appropriate treatment to protect your skin from further damage.
Allergic reactions can be treated with special topical medications or oral medications. Do not try to treat your allergic reaction on your own.
Blisters
Blistering can occur in sensitive areas of the face and is more common with deep chemical peels.
Blisters appear as bubbles on the skin filled with a clear fluid.
They can be small or large.
Sensitive areas, such as the nasolabial folds and the skin around the mouth and eyes, are the most likely to be affected by blisters.
Blisters can also be signs of other issues like infections and allergic reactions, so it’s essential to pay attention to all of the symptoms that you’re experiencing to figure out what’s going on.
If fevers or other symptoms accompany your blisters, you’re likely experiencing something more serious, like an infection.
Blisters could happen on their own, without an infection.
If that’s the case, they might crust over and go away on their own.
However, if your blisters persist for longer than two weeks, consult your doctor.
Heart And Kidney Issues
You would rarely experience serious complications with your organs, but it could happen from overexposure to phenol, which is used for deep chemical peels.
Symptoms of acute toxicity include irregular breathing, muscle weakness and tremors, loss of coordination, convulsions, coma, and respiratory arrest at lethal doses.
If you experience any of these, call 911 immediately.
Final Thoughts
Getting a chemical peel can be scary, especially if you’re not prepared for the healing process.
The week following your procedure, you may wonder if you made the right decision.
Don’t panic. It’s normal for your skin to get worse before it gets better!
However, you should always be on the lookout for concerning symptoms, which is why it’s essential to understand what is normal and what isn’t.
Redness, irritation, and peeling are typical symptoms. As are breakouts, commonly referred to as “purging.”
But anything more serious than that might require medical attention.
The good news is that serious complications are pretty rare.
This is why it’s essential to consult a trained and licensed professional for your chemical peel.
They can ensure that the procedure is performed safely, in a clean environment, and in a manner that minimises risks.
Another point to remember is that complications are more common with medium to deep chemical peels.
If you’re concerned about how your skin will react to a chemical peel, consider opting for a series of light chemical peels to see if you can achieve the desired results with less risk.
Hopefully, this information helps you get some peace of mind after getting your chemical peel.
You’ll know what’s normal and what isn’t, and you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of the treatment without serious side effects.
If you’re looking for additional information on proper chemical peel aftercare, consider watching this video from Mixed Makeup on YouTube.
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