Is it normal for skin to look brown before it peels?

Glamorous Clinic

Glamorous Clinic

Dec 30, 2025 ยท 3 min read

It is completely normal for your skin to appear brown, bronzed, or darker than usual before the peeling process begins following a chemical peel. This change in skin color, often referred to as "bronzing" or "crusting" in the realm of clinical aesthetics, is a positive indication that the treatment is working effectively.

The darkening of the skin occurs because the chemical acid used in the treatment causes controlled damage to the outer layer of the skin, leading to the death of the treated skin cells. As these dead cells lose moisture, they become compact, thinner, and more opaque, resulting in a brown or bronzed appearance.

During this phase, you may notice that the discoloration is not uniform and appears in patchy areas. This can be attributed to factors such as existing pigment, varying skin thickness, or accumulated sun damage.

The brown phase typically peaks around Days 2 and 3 following the treatment & Chemical peels in Dubai UAE . The skin may appear red and tight on Day 1, transition to a tan or bronzed hue on Day 2, and start peeling and revealing fresh skin underneath by Day 3.

It is essential to differentiate between normal browning and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) during this process. While normal browning indicates the shedding of dead skin cells, PIH involves darkening of the new skin underneath and may require specific treatments for resolution.

During the brown phase, it is crucial to avoid picking or pulling at the skin to prevent damage to the new skin underneath. Instead, moisturize heavily, avoid sun exposure, use a gentle cleanser, and seek medical advice if you experience blistering, excessive swelling, or heat in the treated areas.

In conclusion, if your skin appears brown or bronzed following a chemical peel, rest assured that this is a natural part of the process. Within a few days, the brown patches will begin to peel away, revealing smoother and brighter skin underneath.

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