I Recently Had a Med Chemical Peel. My Skin Hasn't Recovered and I'm Noticing Breakouts. Before This, I Never Broke out ): Help?

Question

My doc suggested a medium chemical peel for my scars that my pimples left behind. I've never had acne. After getting the peel, I am in the recovery stage and my skin had a break out. I've never has such a bad break out. My doc suggested that I have another peel done. But I suspect the chemical peels causing it. My doc. has asked me to trust her but I am really confused and depressed since I've never in my 19 yrs had such a horrible break out. What do I do?! Please help!

Bhupesh Vasisht, MD · Answer

After receiving a chemical peel, noticing an increase in breakouts is a normal and somewhat anticipated result that many patients experience. Chemical peels are part of a deep skin exfoliation process and require time to see results. Your skin may have appeared clear and been acne free prior to your appointment, but the new layers of skin that were exposed by the peel may have contained acne-causing bacteria that was not previously exposed.
The fresh layer of skin is also more perceptible to damage after treatment and needs to be protected and treated with care to ensure it stays healthy and clear. It is important to remember that chemical peels are part of a skin rejuvenating process and require time and patience to truly see results. If you have further questions or would like to schedule another treatment, schedule a consultation with a board-certified skin care expert. Hope this helps.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Whitehead or pimples occur with number of patients after VI Peel. Some providers place patient prone to breakouts on antibiotics to prevent breakouts. Small whiteheads are nothing you need to worry about, they will be gone before you know it. Make sure you stick to the recovery regimen given by your provider. Avoid popping your pimples and forcefully peeling your skin. Good luck!

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Breakouts after a chemical peel are normal. Sometimes even if your skin appears healthy on the surface you can have underlying bacteria and pigmentation that has not come up yet. Because peels accelerate you cell turnover, it is normal to have a purging phase when you first start treating the skin. During this beginning stage you can notice things such as breakouts and areas of pigmentation getting darker. You will get thru this phase, continue doing a peel regimen every 6 to 8 weeks depending on your skin type until your skin seems to be clearing up. After this you can extend the time between your peels if you would like, meanwhile using a good skin care regimen.

	While you are getting peels done it is important to keep your skin clean and hydrated, you new skin is exposed and is more susceptible to bacteria and sun damage. Wear sunscreen and kept your sun exposure to a minimum! SPF is one of the most important factors in protecting your skin from damage.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Without a photograph it sounds like you have developed milia which are small cysts under the skin.  These may need to be extracted by an aesthetician.  See a physician who is experienced with chemical peels if you are unsure about your current course of treatment.

Windell C. Davis-Boutte, MD (license suspended) · Answer

As a dermatologist, I feel chemical peels can be a highly useful adjunct to removing unwanted acne scars.  However, chemical peels fall under "exfoliating agents".  Such agents can "unmask" and accelerate appearance of hidden acne lesions that have not yet evolved to the surface. I call this the "purging phase".  Fortunately, chemical peels enhance more rapid unclogging of pores, and with appropriate medical guidance and continued acne maintenance at home, the complexion eventually usually improves nicely.

I Recently Had a Med Chemical Peel. My Skin Hasn't Recovered and I'm Noticing Breakouts. Before This, I Never Broke out ): Help?

Answers (5)

Answer: Milia after a chemical peel

Answer: Milia after a chemical peel

Answer: Chemical peels can uncover deep-set, evolving acne lesions.

Answer: Chemical peels can uncover deep-set, evolving acne lesions.

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Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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I Recently Had a Med Chemical Peel. My Skin Hasn't Recovered and I'm Noticing Breakouts. Before This, I Never Broke out ): Help?

Answers (5)

Answer: Milia after a chemical peel

Answer: Milia after a chemical peel

Answer: Chemical peels can uncover deep-set, evolving acne lesions.

Answer: Chemical peels can uncover deep-set, evolving acne lesions.

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.