What is a common complication associated with chemical peels?

Injury leading to hyperpigmentation is a common complication associated with chemical peels due to the nature of how these treatments work on the skin. When a chemical peel is performed, it causes intentional damage to the skin's outer layers to promote cell turnover and reveal fresher skin underneath. However, this injury can sometimes trigger an overproduction of melanin, especially in individuals with darker skin tones or those who have a history of hyperpigmentation. This condition can manifest as patches of darker skin in the treated areas, which may persist for an extended period.

It's important to note that while temporary redness is often expected after a chemical peel, it typically resolves within a few hours to a few days, making it less of a complication and more of a normal reaction. Immediate peeling can also occur after a peel, but again this is part of the intended outcome rather than a complication. Dryness without healing can be an aftermath of a peel, but it does not usually lead to long-term skin issues like hyperpigmentation. Hence, while all options relate to effects of chemical peels, hyperpigmentation is more closely associated with complications arising from skin injury during the peel process.