In some cases, patients may develop a temporary or permanent color change in their skin. Factors that may increase this risk include use of birth control pills, pregnancy or a family history of brownish discoloration on the face. Some patients also experience persistent redness of the skin that may last for months.

Patients can lower their risk for developing abnormal skin color by adhering to their physician's instructions on follow-up care and resisting the urge to pick at the scabs that develop following the procedure.

In rare cases, chemical peels can cause scarring, which can usually be treated successfully. It is important to use lesser strength peels on non-facial areas, as they are more apt to scar. Patients with a history of fever or blisters from cold sores due to herpes simplex infection may be at risk for reactivation of these outbreaks following a chemical peel.

Individuals who undergo chemical peels also risk infection. Antibiotics or antiviral medications may be used to treat infections that develop following a chemical peel.

Deep peels may pose risks for patients with heart problems. As a result, they are often performed under anesthesia with heart monitoring.