Do i need to go see a dermatologist after my chemical peel from yesterday? Is this a burn? (photos)

Question

I have gotten two treatments before this one and none looked like this. It looks like a big red/purple bruise. Do i have a chemical peel burn?

John R. Burroughs, MD · Answer

Chemical peels can be great and provide wonderful benefits to our skin, but they vary a lot in terms of strength and application.  Your reaction at just one day concerns me especially as you are a higher Fitzpatrick scale patient (darker skin), so can be more prone to postiinflammatory hyperpigmentation.  There are some very important post peel instructions to follow, which can vary from peel to peel.  Especially important is to avoid sun exposure and use a sunblock protector and keep the skin moist.   I would contact the treating office and your dermatologist today.  In my office, I'm the only one that does peels that are "physician strength" to try and maximize results and minimize potential complications.  Since we have no idea what peel type you had its really best to talk to the treating office.  My trained staff do SkinCeuticals chemical peels, which are helpful for reducing photo aging damage such as fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone, improve dullness by exfoliating outer surface cells, soften and smooth the skin texture, help with acne breakouts and discoloration changes, and to compliment other aesthetic procedures and home skin care.  We chose SkinCeuticals because of their huge R&D budget to ensure products that work, but are also safe and well tolerated.  Additionally, they have chemical peels safe for all skin types, which is key.Regarding your concerns, there are helpful steroids and serums that can be applied topically to help your healing be its best, so contact your treating person and your dermatologist to be as careful as possible. Best regards.

Fereydoon S. Mahjouri, MD · Answer

Hi j.m1234!Thank you for your question! I would contact the clinic that provided this chemical peel as well as get in to see a dermatologist. It looks to me like your skin has not reacted as expected with this peel. Being proactive about caring for it will minimize any possible damage. Please make sure to stay out of the sun and seek advice on what skincare products you should be using to make sure you're not exacerbating the issue. Best of luck to you!

Alexis Parker, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

It would be a good idea to see your doctor to be sure that he or she wanted this to happen.  It may be perfectly normal as the skin in treated areas is damaged and turns brown.  If you had more pigment in this area, the peel will make it even browner than surrounding tissue.  Just check to be sure that this is the desired result.

Kristine Brecht, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Depending on the type of peel, determines how you will heal.
Your best plan of action is to go back to 
The provider who did your peel with and express your concerns.
Thank you,
Dr Brecht 
Seattle, Wa

Fanny Louton, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

You did not mention whether the chemical peel was performed at home or at a medical facility.  Regardless, you need to follow up with your doctor/dermatologist.  Someone of your skin tone needs to be very careful with any type of chemical peels as they may not only burn your skin but leave areas of hyper and hypo pigmentation that may or may not be correctable.  It is imperative that you protect yourself from the sun and that you contact your doctor asap.  He/she will help guide you with a healing regimen and thereby minimize any potential problem.  Do not try "home remedies", please call your doctor today.

Do i need to go see a dermatologist after my chemical peel from yesterday? Is this a burn? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Chemical Peel

Answer: Chemical Peel

Answer: Follow up with your doctor

Answer: Follow up with your doctor

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Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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Do i need to go see a dermatologist after my chemical peel from yesterday? Is this a burn? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Chemical Peel

Answer: Chemical Peel

Answer: Follow up with your doctor

Answer: Follow up with your doctor

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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.