Chemical Peels for Dark Inner Thighs: What You Need to Know

Chemical Peels for Dark Inner Thighs - Is it Safe & Risks — Chemical Peels for Dark Inner Thighs – Is it Safe & Risks

You can use Chemical peels for dark inner thighs, but with caution. While it can be safe when done correctly, keep in mind that your inner thighs tend to be sensitive and are high-friction areas. So, it might also be a bit uncomfortable.

I recommend having inner-thigh chemical peels done by skincare professionals or dermatologists. Do not attempt to DIY chemical peels on your inner thighs at home unless you are well-experienced with the process.

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How Chemical Peels For Dark Inner Thighs Work

When used on the inner thighs, chemical peels work in much the same way as they would on your face or other parts of your body: they chemically exfoliate the top layers of your skin.

Now, chemical peels can be superficial, medium and deep. I do not recommend getting medium or deep peels in this area. Superficial peels are best if you have superficial hyperpigmentation.

However, if you have deeper-set pigmentation and medium or deep peels are suspected to be needed, then please seek professional advice and help.

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What kind of chemical peel is best for inner thighs?

The reason people generally get chemical peels done on their inner thighs is to reduce hyperpigmentation (darkness).

The best chemical peels to treat hyperpigmentation (and for the inner thighs) are:

Glycolic acid Peels- Tend to be milder & better for sensitive skin
Lactic Acid Peels

Salicylic Acid Peels
Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Peels (Most effective but harsher on your skin)

To read more about each of these types of chemical peels (benefits, side effects, how often they should be done, etc), check out our detailed article: Chemical Peel For Hyperpigmentation: Ultimate Guide

How Chemical Peels For Dark Inner Thighs Are Done

Just like other areas of skin, before you get a chemical peel done on your inner thighs, your skincare professional will advise you on how to care for and prep your skin:

Generally, they will tell you to avoid all acids, retinoids, bleaching agents and other harsh ingredients for at least 7 days before the procedure.

You will also need to make sure that you are moisturizing your skin daily with a simple, lightweight moisturizer and make sure that you are using an SPF.
Additionally, since your inner thighs experience a lot of friction, they will tell you to make sure that you wear loose clothing and prevent chafing. If you have broken skin, this will need to get completely better before doing the peel.

On the day of the procedure, they will first clean your skin and then apply the peeling solution as needed (using a brush, cotton pads or other application materials).

Before getting chemical peels done, you should have an initial consultation. Do your research and do not be afraid to ask questions and voice any concerns or doubts.

Your skincare professional should also discuss side effects and what to expect after the procedure, as well as aftercare instructions.

To read all about our recommended aftercare tips, check out our article: Chemical Peel AfterCare Tips To Heal Fast & Common FAQ

What To Expect After A Chemical Peel (Side Effects & Healing)

The recovery process will vary depending on:

Your skin type
The condition of your skin

The kind of chemical peel that you use
Your pre-peel care
Your post-peel care

However, your skin usually takes about 1-7 days after a light chemical peel to heal and recover.

If you have had a light/superficial peel, you can expect:

Redness followed by scaling which will last between 3 and 7 days. This will almost look and feel like a sunburn.

Visible peeling and scaling may not always occur in some people while in others they may occur more than expected. This will depend on your skin type, condition, and genetics.
Depending on your skin, you may have some irritation and itchiness, but this will be mild and easily controlled.

To manage your symptoms during the process, you can apply lotion or cream as instructed until your skin has healed. You should also apply sunscreen regularly after your skin has healed. But DO NOT pick at your skin or attempt to manually peel off the loose skin.

To read more about what to expect and do after a chemical peel, check out our detailed article: What to Expect After a Chemical Peel & When Do You Recover

What Can Go Wrong With Chemical Peels

If your chemical peel is not done correctly, you can experience some serious complications.

The most common issues that you may have after a chemical peel are:

Pain and Burning
Persistent Redness

Itching
Swelling
Blisters

More Hyperpigmentation than you started with
Patchy Skin – Hypopigmentation
skin looks more wrinkled

Pimples and/or Cysts
Adverse Reactions
Chemical Burns (check out our article on Chemical Burns After Chemical Peel – How to Spot & Treat)

To read all about these complications and how to manage them should they occur, check out our detailed article on Chemical Peel Gone Wrong – What to Do & How to Prevent