Woman Alleges Permanent Skin Damage After Chemical Peel by Celebrity Esthetician

A woman named 'Victoria Nelson' has shared her experience in a video, claiming that skin treatments by celebrity esthetician Sonia Dakar from Beverly Hills caused lasting damage to her face. She alleges that a chemical peel applied during a routine facial in April 2021 caused severe burning, long-term scarring, and persistent skin irregularities.

What actually happened?

The woman stated that she began treatments with Sonia Dakar in late 2019 to address acne, purchasing skincare products and attending in-clinic sessions. In April 2021, during what she believed would be a routine facial, Dakar insisted on performing a peel that had been described both on the website and in person as causing “no downtime” or irritation, which she trusted. Shortly after the solution was applied to her face, she felt burning and stinging on her left cheek, forehead, and right cheek.

Some of the solution also contacted the area below her left eyebrow, and her eyes watered as she had not been given protective eyewear. Although the esthetician rinsed the solution after she expressed pain and used a fan to cool her face, the discomfort continued, and the woman noticed white patches in her phone camera that she later realized were areas of skin burn. In the months and years following, she underwent many additional sessions, about 18 in 2021, 12 in 2022, and 10 more later, that included microneedling and other treatments. She says she spent tens of thousands of dollars on these procedures but continues to experience visible scarring, texture changes, discoloration, and indentations.

She further states that she has not received resolution from the esthetician nor been referred to medical specialists at an earlier stage of her treatment.

She finally went to see a dermatologist who advised another treatment protocol without adding many benefits to address the issues and also revealed to her that aestheticians do not have the license to practice microneedling and several other procedures.

What Are Chemical Peels?

A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove dead cells and improve skin texture, tone, or pigmentation. Peels are classified by depth:

• Superficial peels remove only the outermost layer of skin (epidermis).

• Medium peels reach into the upper dermis.

• Deep peels penetrate deeper into dermis and often require more recovery time and may carry higher risks.

• Ingredients often include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), glycolic acid and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), phenol, and others.

Superficial peels usually have fewer side effects and quicker recovery. Medium and deep peels may cause longer redness, swelling, risk of infection, hyper- or hypopigmentation, scarring, and require medical oversight.

Scope of Practice and Licensing

Esthetics licensing laws vary by state in the United States. Key points from California law and regulatory guidance:

• In California, an esthetician is licensed by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. State regulations define what an esthetician may and may not do. Superficial chemical peels are permitted under esthetician scope. Medium- or deep-depth chemical peels are outside what a standard esthetician license allows. ¹

• The Board prohibits treatments that remove or destroy live tissue beyond the epidermis or alter skin structure in ways requiring medical training. Microneedling (depending on depth), use of prescription-only products, or invasive procedures are generally out of scope.

• Estheticians are advised to clearly communicate risks, use proper eye protection, follow manufacturer instructions for acid concentration and peel preparation, perform patch tests, and ensure clients’ skin conditions are suitable.

Known Risks and Side Effects

Medical literature and professional esthetic regulations list the following possible adverse effects of chemical peels:

• Immediate symptoms: burning, stinging, redness, swelling, tears if eyes are exposed, irritation of eyelids.

• Delayed effects: blistering, peeling, crusting, bleaching or darkening of skin, permanent scarring in severe cases.

• Complications are more likely when: peel depth is too great, concentration of acid is high, pH is not properly adjusted, skin is already irritated, or when protective measures are not in place.

• Improper post-treatment care, sun exposure, or failure to follow protective guidance may worsen healing or cause pigment changes.

Regulatory guidance from the California Board requires that estheticians do not perform medium or deep peels unless they hold an advanced or medical license or are under supervision, depending on state rules.

Why Professional Oversight Matters

• Properly licensed professionals understand branch limits of their scope: superficial vs. medical-grade peels. Oversight helps prevent misuse of stronger chemicals.

• Clients should be told what ingredients are in the peel, what concentration/pH is used, what risks to expect, and what protective steps (e.g., eye protection, cooling, sunscreen) will be followed.

• Medical consultation or referral should be made if there is indication of severe damage or risk, such as persistent texture changes, discoloration, or unhealed burns.

References

1. California Board of Barbering & Cosmetology. Chemical Exfoliation Safety Tips. Accessed September 2025. https://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/forms_pubs/publications/exfoliation_safety.pdf California Barber Board

2. California Board of Barbering & Cosmetology. Industry Bulletin – Skin Care Machines/Devices. Accessed September 2025. https://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/forms_pubs/publications/skin_device.pdf California Barber Board

3. “Everything You Need to Know About Offering Chemical Peels.” EstheticianEdu.org. Accessed September 2025. https://www.estheticianedu.org/chemical-peels/

(Rh/Eth/TL)