Assessing the Safety of Superficial Chemical Peels in Darker Skin: A Retrospective Study

Publication date: Available online 5 March 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Shalini Vemula, Mayra B.C. Maymone, Eric A. Secemsky, Raphael Widjajahakim, Nicole M. Patzelt, Dana Saade, Neelam A. Vashi
BackgroundChemical peels have shown efficacy in the treatment of acne, photoaging, and pigmentary dyschromias; however, studies evaluating side effects, particularly in patients with skin of color, are limited.ObjectiveWe sought to determine the frequency of side effects and complications associated with superficial chemical peels in patients with skin types III-VI.MethodsA 5-year single center retrospective analysis was performed.ResultsOf 473 chemical peel treatments included in this study, 18 (3.8%) were associated with short-term (≤2 weeks) or long-term (>2 weeks) complications. The most frequent complications were crusting (2.3%), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) (1.9%) and erythema (1.9%). All side effects resolved within 8 months of treatment and were located on the face. When stratified by season, side effects were noted to be less common during the winter. In the adjusted model, Fitzpatrick skin type VI was associated with a higher odds of side effects (OR, 5.14; 95% [CI], 1.21-21.8; P=0.0118).LimitationsSingle center retrospective design.ConclusionIn this study, superficial chemical peels performed in patients with skin types III-VI had a relatively low complication rate, and skin type VI had higher odds of experiencing an adverse event. Side effects were noted to be less frequent during the winter months.

Teaser

There is limited data about the side effects and complications of chemical peels in darker skin types. Side effects are infrequent and include post-inflammatory erythema, crust, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with no permanent sequelae. When performed in an appropriate manner, superficial chemical peels have a relatively low complication rate in darker skin types.