Contraindications for Chemical Peels

Screening for safety before exfoliating with acids or enzymes

Chemical peels—whether light, medium, or deep—are powerful treatments that exfoliate the skin, treat pigmentation, acne, and signs of aging. However, not all clients are candidates for these procedures. A thorough client intake and skin analysis are essential to avoid adverse reactions such as burns, scarring, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

🛑 Absolute Contraindications

Chemical peels must not be performed under these conditions:

1. Active Skin Infections or Open Lesions

   • Includes cold sores (herpes simplex), bacterial infections, open acne, eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis in the treatment area.

2. Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

   • Some chemical agents (like salicylic acid or high-strength retinoids) are contraindicated during pregnancy.

3. Recent Use of Isotretinoin (Accutane)

   • Wait at least 6–12 months post-treatment due to increased risk of skin thinning, scarring, and poor healing.

4. Recent Cosmetic Procedures

   • Avoid peels within:

     • 7–14 days of waxing, laser treatments, or microneedling

     • 4–6 weeks of surgery, Botox, or dermal fillers unless cleared by a physician

5. Allergy or Sensitivity to Peel Ingredients

   • This includes alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), resorcinol, TCA, or phenol.

6. Compromised Skin Barrier

   • Red, inflamed, or overly sensitized skin should never be chemically exfoliated.

⚠️ Relative (Cautionary) Contraindications

These conditions may require modification or deferral of the peel:

1. Fitzpatrick Skin Types IV–VI

   • Higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)—must use gentle peels and prep the skin properly.

2. Recent Sunburn or Tanning

   • Increases the risk of burns and pigment damage.

3. Active Acne with Pustules

   • Light enzyme peels may be okay, but avoid harsh acids on inflamed pustular acne.

4. Use of Retinoids or Exfoliants

   • Retinol, tretinoin, AHAs/BHAs, or scrubs should be stopped 3–7 days prior to the peel.

5. Autoimmune Conditions or Immunosuppressive Drugs

   • Slower healing and increased reaction risk.

6. Client Using Photosensitizing Medications

   • Includes doxycycline, minocycline, or certain chemotherapy drugs—risk of photosensitivity.

7. Keloid or Hypertrophic Scarring Tendency

   • May increase the chance of improper healing.

8. Unrealistic Expectations or Poor Compliance

   • Post-peel care is critical—clients who can’t follow instructions should not receive peels.

✅ Best Practices for Safe Peel Application

• Always perform a skin consultation and patch test when in doubt.

• Educate clients on pre- and post-peel protocols.

• Choose the peel strength and type based on client skin type, concerns, and lifestyl