Which of the following is considered a common side effect of a chemical peel?

Peeling skin is considered a common side effect of a chemical peel due to the nature of the procedure. Chemical peels involve the application of a solution to the skin that causes controlled damage to the outer layers. This process leads to the exfoliation of dead or damaged skin cells and stimulates the regeneration of new skin. As the skin heals and regenerates, it undergoes a peeling phase, which is a normal part of the process. This peeling varies in intensity depending on the depth of the peel—superficial peels may cause light flaking, while deeper peels may result in more significant peeling.

The other options are less common as direct side effects of a chemical peel. Increased oiliness might occur due to an imbalance in skin behavior after treatment, but it’s not a defining side effect. Skin tightening might occur as a long-term result of the peel due to collagen stimulation, but it is not an immediate effect. Allergy reactions can occur with any topical treatment, but they are not typical or expected outcomes from a chemical peel. Therefore, the peeling of the skin stands out as the primary and anticipated reaction following a chemical peel procedure.