Ethical Use of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are clinical interventions that must be applied with professional responsibility. Ethical use requires a balance between patient safety, scientific rationale, and transparent communication, regardless of the clinical setting or product type.

Core ethical principles

• Patient-centered care: choose the least aggressive solution capable of achieving the clinical objective.
• Safety over performance: efficacy must never outweigh patient protection.
• Scientific integrity: base indications on physiological rationale and documented observations.
• Professional competence: act strictly within the scope of verified training and experience.
• Transparency: communicate benefits, limits, and risks without exaggeration.

Ethical clinical decision-making

Ethical decision-making in chemical peeling requires an individualized evaluation of the patient, the skin condition, and the feasibility of adequate follow-up and aftercare.

• Clear clinical indication and defined treatment objective.
• Systematic screening for contraindications and risk factors.
• Assessment of skin barrier status, phototype, and inflammatory activity.
• Consideration of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk.
• Verification of patient compliance with post-procedure instructions.

Informed consent and patient communication

Ethical use implies that the patient fully understands what a chemical peel can and cannot achieve. Consent must be based on realistic expectations rather than promises or marketing narratives.

• Explain the expected post-peel evolution (erythema, desquamation, recovery time).
• Describe potential adverse effects, even if uncommon.
• Clarify that outcomes vary between individuals.
• Provide clear written aftercare and photoprotection instructions.

Professional responsibility and documentation

• Use standardized protocols and document any deviation.
• Record product type, concentration, application time, and endpoints.
• Maintain traceability when relevant to the clinical setting.
• Ensure staff are trained to recognize early warning signs.

Ethical boundaries and refusal of treatment

Ethical practice includes the ability to postpone or refuse a chemical peel when the risk-benefit balance is unfavorable or when adherence to aftercare is unlikely.

• Active dermatitis or compromised skin barrier.
• Recent excessive sun exposure.
• Unrealistic expectations or external pressure.
• Inability to comply with post-procedure care.

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Educational content only. Chemical peels must be selected and applied according to the practitioner’s training, the patient’s condition, and applicable professional standards.