Can a Glycolic Chemical Peel Cause Wrinkles to Form Under Eyes?

Question

I recently tried two glycolic chemical peels, one 30% and 50% but i think i had them two close together and received what i believe to be a chemical peel burn. I now have brown pigmentation and lines on my cheeks and under my eyes that look like wrinkles. It has been two months since my last chemical peel and the skin does not appear to be healing yet. I had been using tretinoin before the peels but im afraid to use it now because i do not want to cause any more irritation.

Lawrence Kass, MD · Answer

Tretinoin and kojic acid or hydroquinone may be beneficial in improving the undesired effects of the glycolic peels.

Jeffrey W. Hall, MD · Answer

It is possible for your skin to look worse before it looks better. When using tretinoin I recommend to stop using it for at least 3 days prior to having a peel, because you can get a chemical burn if used too close to having a peel. I would start back using the tretinoin a couple times a week. Then evaluate if you start seeing some improvement.

Can a Glycolic Chemical Peel Cause Wrinkles to Form Under Eyes?

Answers (2)