Chemical peels have been proven to effectively treat acne, premature aging, and dark or light spots on the skin. However, the side effects of chemical peels such as swelling, redness, acne and alteration of skin pigmentation may discourage people from taking advantage of the benefits of peeling for the skin, especially for black skin. There are different categories of peels- Light, Medium and deep Skin peels.
Light Chemical Peel
A light chemical peel is a mild peel that removes the outermost layer of the skin. It is usually best for people with mild wrinkles, sun-damaged acne and uneven skin tone to give the skin a healthy glow. This type of peel does not have a long application time. Salicylic acid, glycolic acid and Jessner peel are safe acid peels for superficial chemical peels.
Medium chemical peel
A medium chemical peel targets the outermost layer and upper portion of medium skin, giving your skin a smooth, fresh appearance. For people with skin discoloration, age spots, acne scars or fine to moderate wrinkles, the medium peel might be the right treatment. Recovery may take a week or longer. Trichloroacetic acid peels or TCA peels are medium acid peels.
Deep chemical peel
A deep chemical peel penetrates deeper into the lower, middle layer of your skin for much deeper results. The recovery time is usually longer. For people with severely sun-damaged skin, deep acne scars and hyperpigmentation, a deep chemical peel is a good choice. A deep chemical peel is usually a one-time procedure when used on your face and has a significant recovery time. Phenol peel is a deep acid peel
How safe is a chemical peel for black skin?
I’m a freak about self-care. I love taking care of the health of my skin because I see it as something that represents me. As a girl with black skin, I was initially shocked by all the information that chemical peels don’t work on black skin and the consequences. Some videos I saw on YouTube talked about a certain acid peel that works on black skin. I decided to give it a try.
Black skin is considered a risk factor for complications during a chemical peel. This may be because our skin is at a higher risk for inflammation and hyperpigmentation, which can occur after a chemical peel. However, some studies have shown that chemical peels are safe for black skin.
I have some acne scars here and there, and to get rid of it, I needed a chemical peel. I already had vampire lifting treatments, but due to the cost here in Germany, I decided to have a chemical peel because it is a cheaper alternative and the effect also lasts long.
My first chemical peel treatment was in November 2022 last year. My esthetician used an acid that she felt was a good match for my skin tone. I insisted on the kind I had seen on YouTube. She told me I’d better use the one she recommended because she’d tried it on others with similar skin tones and there were never any complaints. I was reassured because she has experience in dealing with dark skin.
My Result
The first peel was great and the skin tone was immediately visible. I felt a slight burning sensation for about two minutes during the process, then it cooled down. I didn’t peel as much in the following days, but the results were great. Firmer, brighter and of course an improvement in my acne scars.
My second time was a month after my first peel and I was pleased with the before and after pictures. My skin was visibly clearer and tightened. I received a medium peel. This time it was a mixture of TCA and Jessner peel. The TCA was for the lower part of my face where I had more acne scars, and the Jessner peel was for the upper part where I don’t have as many acne scars. I felt more burning with this treatment than the first time because I stayed longer than 5 minutes. At the end, my acne was squeezed out and my skin was cleansed.
How often should I have a chemical peel done?
My esthetician advised me to repeat this treatment every month. But due to cost and because I opted for a medium peel, I decided to do it every two months and see how it goes. This is my second peel. I am very pleased and have no complaints so far.
Picture before and after.
How much does a chemical peel cost?
The cost of a chemical peel depends on where you live and which dermatologist you choose. In Germany, a chemical peel generally cost between 140€ and 200€. If you live in Berlin, the cost may be lower than in Munich.
What is the best chemical peel for dark skin?
There has always been a perception that chemical peels are not safe for dark skin. However, studies have proven that chemical peels for dark skin are actually safe. For a safe treatment, consult a professional who has worked with darker skin tones before. Start with a lighter peel and move to a medium peel depending on the results. I would not recommend deep peels or those that contain hydroquinone because of the risks and effects on our skin tone. Consult your dermatologist or a licensed esthetician for advice on what is appropriate for your skin.
Enjoy a more radiant, youthful appearance!
Kisses!!!
Sources
Boston Medical Center. 2018. Chemical peels are safe for people with darker skin, result in few side effects and complications. 16. March. Zugriff am 2023. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/03/180316153843.htm.
