Did I Make a Chemical Peel Mistake? (photo)

Question

I have been administering light peels to myself from a reputable company for awhile now. I gave myself a 12.5% TCA peel- 3 layers. No frosting and no peeling after (just flaking). 7 days after, I did a mandelic/salicylic peel (15% of each acid). My skin actually frosted in a few spots, and seemed pretty angry. A few spots (including where it frosted) turned a pink/purple color- very faint discoloration. The rest looks like it typically looks before it would peel. Was this a mistake?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

However,  I strongly recommend seeing a board certified dermatologist for help.  Remember that just because a product can be purchased on line,  that is no guarantee that the products are safe or legal.  Be smart.  Don't do these treatments to yourself.  Now you are in trouble.  Most reasonable people will understand this as a foreseeable consequence.

Lawrence Kass, MD · Answer

Of course, if you ask most of us on this forum, we would say that your mistake was in self administration of your peels.  Also, you probably did them too close together.  That said, you probably did not do any harm.  Why not seek help with your chemical peels from a professional?

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Peels should always be administered by a licensed professional to reduce the risks of complications. It sound like you were looking for some of the correct indicators but did the peels to close together and caused damaged to your skin, possibly a slight chemical burn. The very earliest a second peel should be done is after 4 weeks, but it is ideal to wait 6 to 8 depending on the type of peel. Not all chemical peels will cause you to peel, however that doesn't mean they are not working or that your skin has not been exfoliated. Make sure that you are religious about wearing your sunscreen! This will help prevent your discolored areas from becoming permanent hyper-pigmentation. Also try a lightening agent such as hydroquinone to help even out the discoloration. I would recommend going to see your aesthetician for your peels in the future.

Richard W. Maack, MD · Answer

I agree with Dr. Kass.  It would be in your best interest to have chemical peels administered by a licensed esthetician.  Most likely your skin with heal normally, provided you allow time for your skin to rest...and wear sunscreen!  Remember, more isn't always better when it comes to skin care. 

	Another option would be to consider Dermapen for your large pores and pigmentation concerns.  We have found this to be very effective without downtime.

	Take care.

Did I Make a Chemical Peel Mistake? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Self Administered Chemical Peels

Answer: Self Administered Chemical Peels

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.

Did I Make a Chemical Peel Mistake? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Self Administered Chemical Peels

Answer: Self Administered Chemical Peels

Browse related questions

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.