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At Home Chemical Peel Risks?

I am wanting to have a chemical peel for minor facial blemishes and discoloration beneth the eye. Are you able to purchase Chemical Peel products for personal use? If so, what are the risks of doing this?

Asked 35 months ago by See Ell in Monterey, CA
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+1

Chemical peels works great for maintaining your results

Chemical Peels that are available for purchase for personal use are not strong enough to achieve the results you may be longing for.  It is recommended that you see a doctor for more affective treatments.  Once you have achieved the results you are longer for, a personal home peel would be more appropriate. 
David A. F. Ellis, MD
Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Risks of at home chemical peels

Chemical peels are a category of treatments that use acid to exfoliate and refresh the skin. The pKa of a acid and the strength of the acid will determine the effectiveness of the chemical peel. Most patients undergoing chemical peels run the risk of pain, discomfort, temporary pigmentation changes, permanent discoloration, scar tisue, and hypertrophic scarring. Fortunately, the FDA restricts the sale of potent chemical acids to physicians only. This prevents the overuse of the products by... more
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

No, nothing of any value over the counter is going to be very helpful or safe

Most OTC (over the counter) products are used to maintain your complexion once you get it where you like it. When you have skin blemishs and discolorations, they need professional help. Most docs don't like dealing with skin discolorations and scars since it often takes several and varied treatments such as TCA peels ($250-350 each) and laser treatments ($500 ea) and prescription bleaching creams($75-100). You can use glycolic acid creams which are readily available in beauty supply... more
David Hansen, MD
Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
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