The Risks Of Glycolic Peels

A chemical peel involves applying a chemical solution--most often glycolic acid, which can be used on all skin types--to the surface of the skin. This helps reduce fine lines, eliminates minor scars, and evens out discoloration like sun spots and freckles.
Chemicals peels can also improve the texture and color of skin. Glycolic acid causes the top layer of skin to peel away, leaving new, healthier skin in its place, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

Pain

Most people will feel a mild stinging when glycolic acid is applied. For some, however, especially patients with sensitive skin or allergies, stinging may be moderate to even painful.
The AAD reports that the sensation you will have following a chemical peel will be similar to a mild to severe sunburn for three to five days. Again, a small percentage of people have pain that lasts a few weeks.

Appearance

A gentle peel will cause your face to be red followed by scaling for about three to five days. A medium chemical peel will cause swelling and blisters. After a few days, the blister may break, crust over, and fade to brown prior to peeling off. This could last from seven days to two weeks or longer.
Chemical peels that cause severe blistering and burns may require wrapping in surgical tape to avoid infection. If you do not care for your wounds properly, such as keeping your burns clean, breaking your blisters or picking the scabs, you could cause permanent scarring or an infection that could lead to scarring.

Skin Tone

One common risk is that people with certain skin conditions can react adversely to chemical peels and develop permanent pigmentation changes, especially those with a family history of facial hyper-pigmentation.
Certain medications can affect the results of your glycolic peel. Birth control pills, for instance, can cause discoloration of the skin.
Patients that have a history of fever blisters, keloid scarring or cold sores, suggests the AAD, should inform their doctor prior to their glycolic peel.

Considerations

People with herpes simplex or a history of recurring cold sores are not good candidates for this cosmetic procedure, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. There is a high risk for postoperative infections in patients with these conditions, according to a 1996 study published in the journal "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery."

Other Risks

University of Wisconsin Hospitals warns that if severe redness, tenderness, swelling, pus, cold sores or blisters appear, contact your doctor right away. These are not typical side effects of a glycolic chemical peel.