A chemical peel is applied in varying strengths to treat skin conditions and reveal newer, smoother skin. While chemical peels can offer many benefits to you, its application also comes with some risks. This includes skin discoloration, which can cause the skin to appear darker or lighter than your normal skin tone in some areas.
Function
Chemical peels come in different strengths, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The stronger the peel, the more layers of skin that can be burned or exfoliated away. A person who experiences mild wrinkling may only require a mild chemical peel to lightly penetrate the skin. However, a person who has deep wrinkles or sun damage may wish to undergo a deep peel to remove several damaged skin layers. As a general rule, the deeper the peel, the greater the risk of side effects such as skin discoloration, irritation or infection.
Factors
Your tendency to develop areas of skin discoloration depends upon a number of factors, according to Your Plastic Surgery Guide. These include your skin type, skin color and the strength of the peel. For example, those with darker-colored skin are more likely to experience skin discoloration, according to Derma Network. For this reason, some peels may be more preferred than others for those with darker skin.
Effects
While light-to-medium chemical peels are less likely to result in skin discoloration, deeper peels will often result in lightened skin, according to Dr. Audrey Kunin, a dermatologist writing on DERMADoctor. An example of a deep peel ingredient is phenol. Because these peels penetrate to the deeper layers of skin, they reveal skin that has not been affected by ultraviolet radiation. This skin tends to be lighter in color. To avoid noticeable skin discoloration, ask your dermatologist to lightly feather the peel into the scalp line and extend it down to your neck and possibly chest in order to minimize skin discoloration noticeability.
Prevention
Some dermatologists recommend the use of a topical exfoliating cream prior to applying a chemical peel, according to Dr. Kunin. Examples include those that contain tretinoin or glycolic acid. You may apply this for two to four weeks prior to a chemical peel in order to achieve a smoother surface for the peel's application. As a result, the peel may absorb more evenly, reducing the risk for skin discoloration following the peel.
Considerations
Because chemical peels do carry a risk of discoloration, discuss the potential effects with your dermatologist. You should take precautionary steps, such as applying sunscreen before going outside following your chemical peel in order to reduce your risk of developing discolored areas. Deeper chemical peels may require specialized medications, such as antibiotics, creams or dressings in order to enhance healing.
