Instead of heading to the medispa or cosmetic surgeon’s office to get rid of wrinkles with a chemical peel, many people are turning to at-home treatments instead. Home chemical peels have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people look for budget-friendly options to improve their appearance.

However, there are several key differences between a professional chemical peel and an at-home treatment, and a chemical peel kit presents several risks. Some people can experience adverse side effects from a home chemical peel, especially if they select the wrong solution or acid base for their skin. The National Skin Center states that “Complications from chemical peels may be irreversible”, and “prompt recognition and treatment of complication is necessary to prevent scars" (Source: NSC.gov).  

If you’ve considered doing a chemical peel at home, consider these key risks and dangers before settling in for your treatment:  

1. Potential for skin discoloration. Most peels are made with a combination of potent fruit and glycolic acids which work by burning off the skin’s layers.  Excessive burning on sensitive areas of the face can leave the skin red at first, but the damaged cells can begin to darken and leave you with patches of discoloration about a week after treatment.

2. Excessive redness and swelling. Even though home chemical peel kits are made with a lower strength solution than a doctor-administered treatment, they still contain several potent ingredients that can create trauma and damage to the skin. Chemical peels made with phenol, salicylic acid and glycolic acid may be too strong for sensitive skin types, and may leave skin swollen and red for days after the treatment.

3. Uneven skin texture from poor application. Chemical peels can be a powerful facial treatment, and they need to be applied to the skin evenly to begin the exfoliation process.  Too much or too little of the chemical peel solution on different areas of the face can make some areas turnover at different rates. This can lead to an uneven skintone and poor results.

4. Persistent pain and discomfort a few days after treatment. If you have applied the wrong strength solution, you may experience pain and excessive discomfort in different areas of the face.  In this case, you will need to see a doctor immediately to determine if your skin is reacting negatively to the chemical peel acids.

5. Risk of allergic reaction. A painful rash, itchy skin and redness are all signs of an allergic reaction, and those with sensitive skin are at an especially high risk.  You may need medication or doctor intervention to control the reaction, especially if you notice a drastic change immediately after the peel sets in.  

A professional application of the chemical peel is the best way to gauge how your skin responds to treatment, and if the chemical peel is the right match for your needs. Chemical peels offer several benefits for the skin, and can help you achieve a healthy and rejuvenated appearance after just one treatment. A consultation with a cosmetic dermatologist or medispa professional can help you learn more about chemical peel treatments, and find out if they are a good match for your skin type and needs.

Learn more about professional chemical peels in our information guide, or find a skin professional in your area to set up your consultation.