Chemical Peels - Too Risky for Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive skin types may receive chemical peel treatments safely. However, it is important to choose a peel that is appropriate for each individual’s skin type. Performing a more aggressive peel on a sensitive skin patient could be disastrous, especially if the patient has not built up a tolerance for chemical exfoliation.

For a patient who has very sensitive skin, I would start with a very light peel with acids that have larger molecules and are known to be less irritating. Mandelic and lactic acids are a few examples of such acids. Furthermore, for a patient who is tends to be reactive to skin care products and has a history of allergic reactions, I would highly suggest or require a patch test 24 hours prior to the actual procedure. If there was no abnormal reaction, we would at least know that there is no allergy present that could cause adverse effects.

Again, the most important consideration in peeling sensitive skin is appropriate peel selection and starting off slow. With the right protocol, sensitive skin can actually benefit from chemical peels and become more resilient over time. With a long term treatment plan, stronger peels may also be used, as the sensitivity is under control.

Having sensitive skin does not preclude you from getting chemical peels.  There chemical peel lines that are especially formulated for patients with very sensitive skin.  I would recommend that you under the care of a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon and that you do not go to your local salon to have these procedures performed.  If you do have an issue you want the best of care.

Hello,
Sensitive skin is OK for lighter chemical peels. These can decrease freckling and improve texture to a minor degree. As long as you take it easy, you should do well.

People with sensitive skin, however, often only tolerate very light chemical peels.  I do not recommend deeper chemical peels for sensitive skin because they are not as well tolerated, and redness tends to persist for a prolonged period of time.