So you did a recent peel application and you got burnt? They are series of reasons why this could happen which could be as a result of:
Application of high concentration of peel
Deep peel penetration
Skin is thinner and fragile before peel application
Use of harsh skin products before peel application.
Wrong peel application
Skin wasn't prepped properly before peel application.
Peeling solution was left on the skin for too long.
Chemical peels uses an acid as peeling agent to remove dead skin cells by breaking down the bonds that hold the dead skin cells together.
The peel application according to intensity could be mild, medium or deep. Deep peels are high intensity peels that may require high concentration or more layers of peel applications but this can also result in higher risk of complications.
If the acid peel is applied on the skin, it will continue to burn off the dead skin for as long as it is left on the skin except a neutralizing agent is used to stop the process.
Some peels like Tca are self neutralizing, this means they will stop working on their own after the job is done and this is why it is important to do a patch test to know how much concentration and how many layers of peels your skin can take.
Our skin changes as we age, you may have successfully done a Tca peel years ago and decide to try again years later and you get burn, this is an example of your skin changing as a result of daily environmental factors , biological factor, your current skin care routine, etc.
Do a patch test to know what your skin can handle at that point in time.
If you are doing a peel on stretch mark to regenerate collagen fibers around that area, it is very important to understand that this area has undergo tear and won't be like a normal skin tissue.
Test with a lower strength peel and work your way up or reduce the number of layer application if using higher concentration which are more effective but prone to causing chemical burn.
How chemical peel occurs.
When peel is applied,the acid causes an inflammation in the skin tissue which stimulates collagen production and encourages cellular regeneration .
When the acid burns to high or for a long time, it increases the inflammation on the skin and cause the skin to becoming extremely sensitive to the sun.
The treated area penetrates too deep and turns pale pink before turning dark as a result of sensitivity which increases the melanin production around that area.
This leads to post inflammatory hyperpigmentation .
Treating this hyperpigmentation could be difficult but not impossible depending on the depth of the pigmentation.
How to fix burns from chemical peel.
If you think your skin may have been burnt by a chemical peel, the first thing to do is to halt the inflammation so it doesn't progress further.
Apply Aloe Vera gel immediately after the peel application to sooth the skin and if you still feel inflammation or burning sensation, apply any hydrocortisone cream or cortisone steroid cream. If hydrocortisone cream isn't working for you, get demovate cream from the pharmacy as that seems stronger.
Apply the steroid cream 2-3times daily until the inflammation calms down.
By the next day or so, the area may appear dark especially when using TCA peel.. After the area darkens, it will start to peel few days later.
The peeled area may appear pinkish , you need to apply hydrocortisone or any steroid cream of your choice on this area as this area is still inflammed and highly sensitive..
This means it could turn dark in few days if left untreated.
Also don't forget to apply your moisturizer and sunscreen afterwards, most preferably a soothing and hydrating moisturizer.
Avoid sun during this period or protect your skin from exposure to the sun as your skin is in a sensitive state and could darken over night.
After skin has peeled, you want to control pigment production so the inflammation doesn't stimulate more hyper melanin pigment production which could cause a dark patch that could lead to hyperpigmentation.
To do this, apply a Depigmenting cream that effectively prevents melanin production during the healing period.
If your skin has already darkened and lead to hyperpigmentation, give your skin few days and start Depigmenting the hyperpigmented area. Apply a thin layer of Tretinion gel then followed by any Depigmenting product of your choice.
This should help you fade off the post inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by the peel burn.
Note: If your burn is very severe, you will need to visit a doctor to treat for burns to avoid infection.