A client had a really bad reaction to a peel I did last Thursday

I was working at the spa in the mall, and I used a 30% glycolic acid peel on a regular client. About two hours after she left, she called saying her face was bright red and felt like it was burning. I told her to rinse with cool water and use a plain moisturizer. She came back the next morning and her skin was still super irritated, with some small bumps. I felt awful and comped her next three facials. Has anyone else had a peel reaction get that intense, and what did you do to help the client heal?

4 comments

4 Comments

jana_jones3mo ago

Did you do a patch test before the full peel?

jana_jones3mo ago

My dermatologist friend says patch tests are basically a free insurance policy.

karenh563mo ago

Totally agree, learned that the hard way myself.

piper_kim23d ago

A spa blog I read said even 30% glycolic can cause reactions if skin isn't conditioned for it.