[Pete3]

I am very interested in chemical peels, specifically salicylic and glycolic acid. I have been doing the unbuffered glycolic on my sister and myself with lots of success. We are taking it slow, starting at 30% and increasing by 5% each week. Everyone I talk to wants me to give them a peel, I mean everyone!! They even want to pay me. Does anyone know if there is a legal risk for me doing this? I know I can't do botox and fillers, but what about just chemical peels? I am an RN and I live in Pennsylvania.

[GingerSue]

what are your own costs to do each treatment,
and what length of time does it take you ?
Do you need any extra insurance if providing this service?
What kinds of problems are possible and what would be your
plan to resolve them, if they occur?
I like your idea.
Do you have description/images of your successes?

[Jerlick]

I know that at my dermatologists office there is an RN who sometimes does chemical peels and CMAs that sometimes do chemical peels. Both are always supervised by an NP. That doesn't really answer your question, just my observations. Personally, I wouldnt try it on anyone else in case something goes wrong. But if it's with your sister and it seems to be working, I'd keep doing that.

[racing-mom4]

I know RNs who work for a dermatologist who do this in an office setting. I would not feel comfortable doing it at home with a stranger though, and honestly I wouldnt feel comfortable doing it on my sister. God forbid something happens and her face is permanently damaged or scared, the guilt you would feel would be greater than any punishment you could receive.

[czyja]

Originally Posted by Pete3

Does anyone know if there is a legal risk for me doing this? I know I can't do botox and fillers, but what about just chemical peels? I am an RN and I live in Pennsylvania.

Errr, I would really talk to a lawyer on this. The internet (even allnurses) is not a good place to get legal advice - well meaning but bad advice could give you a false sense of security.

Plus, have you considered that you could permanently damage somebody's (like your own or your sister's) face? Even though chemical peels are common, they are not without risk. I sure wouldn't risk it.

[Pete3]

Little info I found out on chemical peels...I talked to a liability consultant that said I can get personal liability insurance as a RN. She directed me to find out what the PA board of nursing says regarding the procedure. I am looking into that. I see a lot of you are concerned about safety. Believe me, I am too. My sister is a RN too. And I researched about the chemical peels at least 4 months before I even had the courage to buy it. And I always do it to myself before my sister. There are many different types of peels, and there are some that I am afraid of, like TCA or Jessner's. We are doing salycilic and glycolic. Both are pretty safe but need to be respected. I always use vaseline around eyes and nose and error on the side of caution for length of time on face. We can always do another in a week if we don't get the desired results. Just again today, one of the teachers at my sons preschool asked me about the peels because she heard I was doing them to myself! Don't worry everyone, there is not a crazy and dangerous nurse running around out there!!

[Pete3]

You are the only one who hasn't been critical or thinking I'm going to burn our faces off! The cost is minimal, about $45 for a 4oz bottle, at least 75 treatments. The acid is neutralized with water or you can use a baking soda solution. I am investigating insurance. So many people want me to do it, but I won't, I don't take it lightly. The peel takes about 30sec to 2min 30sec. depending on %acid. Like I said, I am taking it slow and being very conservative with strength and time on. You need to protect sensitive areas like corners of nose and around eyes with vaseline so the acid does't creep there. I look for redness and just how it feels on our face. And we make sure to use lots of sunscreen. Be in touch.

[GingerSue]

have you done much research about the products?