What should you know about original chemical peel?

Peels differ by ingredient, strength, contact time and depth. A superficial peel may be considered for uneven texture, mild blemishes or dullness; deeper treatments require more careful planning. A clinician may discuss concerns such as acne, comedonal acne, keratosis pilaris, melasma, sun-damaged skin, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or sun spots.

Warmth, tingling, redness, dryness and visible peeling can occur. A peel is not a way to erase every mark, and darker or recently inflamed skin may be more prone to temporary colour change. The product should be selected for your skin type and the area being treated.

Tell the clinician about recent tanning, active infection, cold sores, eczema, retinoids, exfoliating products and any previous reaction to a peel. Ask whether a patch test or a pause in irritating products is needed. Do not apply an unlabelled acid or combine peeling products at home.

After treatment, cleanse gently, moisturise as advised and use broad-spectrum sun protection. Do not pull peeling skin, scrub the area or restart strong actives until the skin barrier has recovered. The timing of improvement and need for additional sessions depend on the peel and your skin response.

Contact the clinic if burning, swelling, blistering, severe pain or redness is worsening, or if the treated area develops pus, fever or spreading warmth. Urgent assessment is needed for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, eye exposure or a sudden marked change in skin colour.

Which peel and depth are you recommending, and what concern is it intended to address? How should I prepare, how long may recovery take, and what is the plan if pigmentation or a cold sore appears?