Chemical Burns After Chemical Peels

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Chemical peels act to chemically exfoliate layers of dead cells from the skin to promote the growth of new cells, with the hope that these new cells will create an even texture and aesthetic quality to the skin.  Within chemical peels an acidic component is added to dissolve away the bonds within the dead skin cells so that they flake off. They are at exfoliating and this is why they are included within the chemical peel solution.

The acidic quality to the peel means that they will continue to ‘burn’ off the layers of dead skin cells indefinitely unless a neutralizing agent is applied within the appropriate time. This can mean that if the peel is left upon the skin for too long, instead of creating a controlled wound, which will heal in time to reveal fresher skin, a deeper wound is created.  This deeper wound may cause greater skin problems, potentially causing scarring to the skin. This wound is a chemical burn.

Improper application of the chemical peel

If the chemical peel is left for a prolonged duration of time upon your skin, then this could result in a chemical burn. Chemical burns result in sometimes-unbearable pain and blisters. However, if your practitioner is fully qualified to administer the chemical peel then this is wholly avoidable. Again, this type of side effect is more likely to occur with those peels that provide a deeper peel.

Why deeper peels have a greater risk of causing chemical burns

Deep chemical peels contain chemicals which are stronger than those used in superficial peels. This means that if a deep peel is left upon the skin too long the results are likely to be even more severe than you would experience with a superficial peel.

Chemical burns are rare

Yet their existence prompts a warning: ensure that the practitioner is appropriately trained and you are fully re-assured by their expertise.

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