Is 50 Percent Chemical Peel Safe?

Question

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?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

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 Nursing board may have this information on their website.

Kurtis Martin, MD · Answer

I think you are referring to a 50% glycolic peel which is very safe. A 50% TCA peel should only be performed by an experienced doctor and in someone who has very damaged skin.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for question! It all depends upon what agent is being used.  50% Glycolic acid is very safe when administered by an experienced practitioner. However laser resurfacing (including fractional resurfacing) is a better treatment for acne scars. Best of luck!

Robert Strimling, MD · Answer

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.

Sigmund L. Sattenspiel, MD · Answer

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.

Is 50 Percent Chemical Peel Safe?

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Is 50 Percent Chemical Peel Safe?

Answers (8)

Answer: Are chemical peels safe?

Answer: Are chemical peels safe?

Answer: 50% Chemical Peel is safe

Answer: 50% Chemical Peel is safe

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.