Chemical Peel: Q&A

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Is 50 Percent Chemical Peel Safe?

Hello, I have an appointment next week to have a Chemical Peel. I've already seen a licensed RN and she said, she's gonna perform a 50% Chemical peel.

She told me I won't peel, she said its not the strong kind, but I'm uncertain, I can't be out of work for a week, should I tell her I need something less than 50% and my acne scars are not that bad, but I've noticed that I scar easily and don't heal as fast as I used to. What should I do?

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face skin acne scars scar nurse peeling safety

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by jackie23 in New York City, NY

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Are chemical peels safe?

Depends upon what agent is being used. 50% Glycolic acid is very safe; however, I have seen adverse alllergic reactions to Glycolic acid. 50% TCA (trichloroacetic acid) is not generally safe. Laser resurfacing (including fractional resurfacing) is a better treatment for acne scars.

50% Chemical Peel is safe

A 50 percent glycolic acid peel is safe especially when administered by an experienced and knowledgeable person. 50 percent glycolic acid will not improve most acne scars but it should not produce any facial skin scarring. On the other hand, I would absolutely recommend avoiding the use of a 50% TCA chemical peel as there is a very high risk of producing facial skin scarring with substance.

Chemical Peel safety depends on the agent being used

Jackie Just be sure what your "licensed RN" is planning to do. If it is glycolic acid, it will be safe. If it is any other product, then watch out. 50% tricholoracetic acid can cause scaring. DIluted phenol solutions should only be used by expert physician peelers. You might also check with your state nursing board. In California, it is not legal for registered nurse to have their own aesthetic practices. Many stated have very similar regulations regarding these issues. The... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

9 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

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50% Chemical Peel dangerous initially, increasing concentrations may benefit skin

Chemical Peels are old, yet useful technology. Dr's Gordon and Baker (Miami) improved the "Phenol" peel used in south Miami to a safe and effective skin improvement in 1962. It is useful; however requires IV ringer's lactate to clear the toxicity of phenol/oil/water solution in recovery of phenol from the body. Redness continues for weeks. The benefits are reduction in skin pigment and longer term (3-6 mo) wrinkle reduction. Alternatively, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is a safer... more

Safety of a 50% chemical peel??

It all depends on the type of acid. Glycolic at 50% is safe and has no down time, tri chloracetic acid is very risky, has 6 days of down time and can scar. Neither do much for acne scars regardless.

50% Chemical Peel

Presumably your RN is planning on giving you a 50% glycolic acid peel, a light chemical peel that is very safe when administered appropriately, with little to no down-time. If she intends to give you a 50% TCA peel (unlikely), however, turn right around and run away from her! Good luck, be safe and happy holidays!

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

Chemical Peel: Q&A