What should you know about lightening chemical peel?

A peel uses a chemical solution to loosen selected surface cells. The clinician chooses the ingredient, concentration, contact time, and treatment area. [Glycolic Acid](/materials/glycolic-acid/) is one ingredient used in some peels. A peel may be considered for pigment left after inflammation, [Melasma](/conditions/melasma/), [Sun Spots](/conditions/sun-spots/), or signs of [Sun-Damaged Skin](/conditions/photoaging/); it is not suitable for every rash or lesion.

Tell the clinician about recent tanning, cold sores, active irritation, allergies, pregnancy, and every product or medicine used on the area. Follow instructions about pausing retinoids, exfoliants, or other irritants. After treatment, expect a period of sensitivity, dryness, or peeling depending on the peel. Use the recommended cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen; do not pull flaking skin. A peel may worsen [Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation](/conditions/post-inflammatory-hyperpigmentation/) if inflammation is not controlled.

Contact the treating clinic promptly for increasing pain, marked swelling, spreading redness, pus, fever, extensive blistering, or a reaction involving the eyes. Seek assessment before peeling a spot that is changing, bleeding, or not clearly diagnosed. Active [Acne](/conditions/acne/), [Comedonal Acne](/conditions/comedonal-acne/), or [Keratosis Pilaris](/conditions/keratosis-pilaris/) may need a different plan.

Which concern is the peel treating, and which ingredient is planned? What should I stop beforehand? How will my skin tone affect the risk of uneven colour, and what aftercare should I use?