A Question That Is Often Asked - Is Chemical Peel Safe?

Is chemical peel safe for the skin? Peels are not the safest solutions. The hazards depend on the ingredients the peels contain.

Peels of all kinds can now be purchased online without a prescription. Yet, the risks of using those products are high. In years past, the treatments were only available from a dermatologist.

Salicylic acid peels in various strengths can be purchased and used by consumers. The peels cause whitening of the skin, increased sensitivity to sunlight, dryness and flakiness.

TCA peels at a 30% concentration are also available. A 35% concentration or higher is accompanied by a high risk of scarring. Even the lower concentration can cause scars if they are not used correctly.

For example, if the peels are left on the face for too long, the acids can burn too deeply. Deep peels can cause scarring by damaging the skin's dermis layer. Collagen forms incorrectly, which leaving scar tissue.

Other risks of TCAs include increased sensitivity to sunlight and long healing time. TCAs are among the peels that were only available from dermatologists until recently. Now everything except the strongest phenol peels is available without seeing a professional.

Here's another question. Is chemical peel safe for long term use? The medium strength treatments are often repeated. The mildest treatments are designed for daily use. No one really knows anything about the safety of using these ingredients for a long term basis.

Manufacturers of cosmetic products are not required to conduct short or long term safety testing. There is very little on the market that can be considered to have a guaranteed safety rating. There are too many questions.

While alpha and beta hydroxy acids are naturally occurring compounds found in fruits and other foods, TCA is a derivative of chlorine. It is used to kill weeds. Anything that can kill weeds is toxic. It kills cells. That is a known fact. So, if you are wondering is chemical peel safe, TCA is definitely not.

Other peels are not as hazardous, but they are not without risk. Redness, itching, irritation, dryness and many other problems can occur as a result of correct use, misuse or overuse. If you believe the risks outweigh the benefits, then you might consider peeling. If not, choose a safer alternative.

Is chemical peel safe for the skin? Some might say "yes". But, the real answer is that there is almost always a safer solution.