Chemical peels and herpes can mix but you need to be careful.  Let your Dr. or aesthetician know that you have this condition before you get the peel treatment and use some precautions and you will have a positive result from your treatment. 

A new client came into the spa concerned that, after a chemical peel her Dr had performed, she had a “cold sore” or herpes breakout.

This can happen as the herpes virus spreads to cells and nerve endings and stays there forever.  Things that aggravate the nervous system (such as medications, illness, stress, or even sunlight) can cause a reoccurrence. 

If you use a lighter peel such as a glycolic or lactic you should be fine-as long as you aren’t currently experiencing a breakout.  You should avoid the deeper penetrating peels such as Jesseners, TCA, and Phenols.  Not only could you have a breakout, you could actually scar.  So use caution if you have herpes breakouts and are considering a peel but don’t feel you have to totally avoid them.  Always inform your Dr or aesthetician of any health and skin conditions before treatment and this should not be a problem.