Are Chemical Peels Safe?

Whether you want to get rid of fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration, or just want to improve your skin’s texture, a chemical peel might be the best way to enhance your skin. 

Chemical peels are customizable and offer promising results by causing your skin’s top layers to flake or peel away. 

You might have heard that chemical peels use harsh substances and can be dangerous. While we wouldn’t recommend using just any product on your skin, Pompeyo C. Chavez, MD, and our team at Soulage Wellness & Aesthetic Center in Bastrop, Texas, offer thorough skin consultations before recommending a chemical peel. 

We offer several chemical peel strengths, depending on your specific concerns and the state of your skin. 

If you're thinking about having a chemical peel or other skin resurfacing treatment, here’s what we want you to know.

What to expect during a chemical peel

Chemical peels decrease the prominence of scars, sun and age spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin. The treatment involves the topical application of acid-based substances that trigger deep exfoliation. 

We begin your treatment by preparing and cleaning your skin. Then, we apply the chemical compound to your skin in layers. You may feel tingling or mild discomfort during the treatment, but these sensations are temporary and fade away once the chemical neutralizes. 

In the 7-14 days following your peel, the outermost layers of skin begin to flake away. This process removes your old, dry skin and exposes new, fresh skin. 

Initially, your skin will look red, much like the appearance of a slight sunburn. As your skin heals, you'll notice reduced wrinkles, scars, discoloration, and age spots, giving your skin a revitalized, youthful look. 

What is in a chemical peel

Chemical peels use many of the same ingredients found in revitalizing creams, lotions, or serums that you already put on your face. Professional- grade chemical peels have a much higher concentration of these substances, which is why you should only have a chemical peel treatment with an experienced aesthetician. 

Some common chemical peel ingredients include: 

• Glycolic acid
• Hydroquinone
• Lactic acid
• Mandelic acid
• Resorcinol 
• Retinoic acid
• Salicylic acid
• Trichloroacetic acid

Our team explains your treatment thoroughly and answers any questions about the process and the ingredients in your chemical peel options. 

Are chemical peels safe?

Yes, chemical peels are safe — when provided by a professional. They aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution for every skin imperfection, which is why you shouldn’t try this at home. 

We use high-quality, professional-grade products to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your treatment. If you order a peel online, you have no way to guarantee the quality or strength of what you put on your skin.

We provide thorough skin consultations, including a review of your health history to help predict and prevent any potential complications. Adverse reactions are rare and we do everything we can to avoid them. 

If it turns out that a chemical peel isn’t right for you, we offer various other skin revitalization treatments to enhance your skin’s health and appearance.

Give us a call or schedule a consultation online today if you’re interested in a chemical peel. Our team can provide further information about the best treatment to safely enhance your skin.