Table 3.

Adverse effects observed after chemical peels with acids on acne skin [14,17,90,91].

Adverse Effects	Management	Comments
Skin irritation and redness	-These symptoms typically subside within a few days to a week; -Application of soothing, hydrating moisturizer to the treated area to alleviate redness and reduce irritation; -Avoid using harsh skincare products or exfoliants until the skin has fully healed.	-Following a chemical peel, it is expected to experience temporary skin irritation, redness, and increased sensitivity; -Individuals with sensitive skin or those who undergo deeper peels may experience more pronounced redness and prolonged irritation.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation	-Proper sun protection and skin-lightening agents may help minimize the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.	-Chemical peels can sometimes trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in individuals with darker skin tones.
Peeling and flaking	-Avoid picking or forcefully removing the peeling skin to prevent potential complications; -Application of a gentle, non-abrasive moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and minimize dryness; -Avoid harsh cleansers or exfoliants that may further irritate the peeling skin.	-After chemical peels, the treated skin may peel or flak as the outermost layers slough off, resulting in temporary dryness and skin shedding.
Increased sensitivity to sunlight	-It is crucial to protect the treated area from excessive sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to minimize the risk of sunburn and hyperpigmentation; -Sun protection should be continued for several weeks following the peel; -Wearing protective clothing to shield the treated area from the sun further;	-Chemical peels can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Allergic reactions	-It is essential to undergo a patch test before the complete treatment to identify potential allergies.	-Individuals may be allergic or sensitive to certain acids used in chemical peels—can manifest as redness, itching, swelling, or even more severe symptoms.
Infection	-Follow the instructions provided by the dermatologist or skincare professional and keep the treated area clean and protected	-Proper hygiene is not maintained during the treatment, or if the skin is not adequately protected post-peel, there is a risk of infection
Post-treatment complications	-Follow any specific instructions or treatment recommendations provided by the dermatologist to address these complications	-In rare cases, chemical peels can lead to scarring, changes in skin colour, or infection—complications are more commonly associated with deep peels or when the peels are administered incorrectly or by untrained individuals.