What should I be aware of before getting a facial peel?

There are numerous potential side effects to peels and the severity is generally related to the depth. Depending on the type of peel this can be a function of the concentration or the relative proportions of the ingredients.
Side effects include hyper or hypopigmentation, prolonged redness, herpes activation with infection, secondary bacterial infection, ulcers, hypertophic scars, pain, firmness, delayed healing, itching, and prolonged inflammation.
No one really knows how often peels can be repeated and the risks of repeated peels are difficult to quantitate..

The side effects of peels include:rednessdrynessflakinessirritationhypersensitivityitchinesssome swelling, especially with deeper peelsinfectionYour practitioner will go over them during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.

I perform several deep chemical peels per week and firmly believe that they represent an important modality for facial rejuvenation. The risks of chemical peeling include hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, blistering, pain, scarring, and foliliculitis. These risks are minimized with an experienced practitioner.

Thank you for your message! I would definitely recommend an in person consultation with a provider in your area prior to getting any type of chemical peel done. Sometimes, especially with darker skin tones, caution has to be taken to avoid hyperpigmentation. Sometimes a skin preparation is required. We typically recommend doing the peels when you are at your lightest skin color and are not going to be in the sun soon after the peel. Peeling usually starts within a few days of having it and can last about 1 week or so, depending on the strength of the peel. The ideal regimen after a peel includes gentle cleansers morning and night, sunscreen during the day, and lots of moisture to the skin, using something gentle such as Cerave/Cetaphil/Eucerin! 

Chemical peels do have complications and side effect potential. These tend to go up if the chemical peel is more potent, ie. deeper peels are more likely have complications than superficial ones. Side effects also depending on your skin type and tone; darker skin tones are more likely to have pigmentation post-procedure. Also, more sensitive skin may react more to acids in the peel. There is always the possibility of herpes outbreak especially if getting treated around the mouth and if you have a history of cold sores. I would recommend that you go to a facility that spends the time to assess your goals and your skin type and chooses an appropriate peel accordingly. Remember, the stronger the peel, the deeper it will penetrate, and the more likely you are to see potential side effects. However, things can be done minimize the chance of pigment issues such as use of a bleaching agent ( ie. hydroquinone) for several weeks before the procedure. Hope this helps!