The FDA is cautioning consumers against purchasing certain chemical peel skin products for use without proper professional supervision due to the risk of serious skin injuries.
In today’s digital age, the convenience of online shopping is undeniable. Nearly everything can be purchased with just a few clicks- even dangerous chemical peel products. While chemical peels can offer significant benefits when performed safely by a professional, buying unapproved chemical peels online can be very dangerous.
What is a chemical peel and how do they work?
Chemical peels utilize an acid in a controlled manner to rejuvenate the skin. The chemical peel acts as an exfoliant to remove a specific amount of skin cells from the top layers of the skin, including imperfections in the process. Peels speed up the process of cellular turnover in the skin by shedding the top layer of dead surface cells. After a peel, new, healthier-appearing cells regrow, restoring the skin’s surface and appearance.
What is the FDA worried about?
The FDA is concerned about dangerous chemical products that can be purchased online or in beauty product stores that are specifically marketed as fixes for acne, discoloration, wrinkles, and collagen production. The FDA says the concentrations of some of the acids sold online including trichloroacetic acid (TCA), glycolic acid, salicylic acid and lactic acid are “too high to be used safely at home without supervision by a dermatologist or other licensed and trained practitioner.”
The FDA warns that “using products that contain high concentrations of these acids may lead to serious injury from chemical burns.”
According to a July 30, 2024, release from the FDA the government agency issued warning letters to several companies for selling these products including Amazon and Walmart.
Real-Life Consequences
There are reports of people suffering skin damage after using unapproved chemical peels purchased online. In some cases, these damages require medical intervention and can lead to permanent scarring or hyperpigmentation. The financial savings initially sought can quickly be overshadowed by the costs of medical treatment and the emotional toll of dealing with the avoidable complications.
How to Protect Yourself
If you are thinking about a chemical peel, it’s best to talk to a dermatologist to help guide you on the best peel and acid concentration that is best fit to help you accomplish your skin goals.
Remember, when it comes to your skin, there are no shortcuts to quality care.
