So your skin’s peeling after a chemical peel? We understand that it may seem somewhat frightening, but it is precisely what is to be expected. Your skin is pushing the refresh button– those dead cells are clearing the flesh beneath the young, smooth, healthy skin.
How you go about this peeling period makes as much of a difference as the peel itself. Do it right and you will have soft, shiny skin. Get it wrong, and you may be dealing with irritation or other problems that you do not want to have.
We have created a simple guide to help you find your way through the dos and don’ts when your skin is doing its thing.
Why Aftercare Matters
The process of a chemical peel does not stop when you leave our office. The healing process actually starts at home, and the way you treat your skin will directly influence your outcome.
Correct chemical peel aftercare is used for a variety of purposes:
Cares for healing skin – Your skin has just been treated, and it is susceptible to infection or damage, so be gentle with it.
Maximizes results – Doing the right things to get the most out of your investment and realize more improvements that are better and lasting.
Avoid complications – Without proper aftercare, you will risk hyperpigmented, scarred, or long-lived redness.
The Do’s of Peeling After a Chemical Peel
Chemical peel aftercare does not have to be difficult. All you have to do is follow these basics, and your skin will appreciate it.
Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Hydration is your best friend now. Something like our SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen or a moisturizer like our Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer will keep the skin hydrated and feeling good, but without any harsh and irritating ingredients.
Avoid anything containing alcohol or active ingredients such as retinol – they are too coarse to put on such delicate, peeling skin and may do more harm than good.
Guard Your Skin in the Sun
This one is non-negotiable. Your new skin will be very sensitive to UV light, so it is important to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even when you are not going out. ColoreScience and Alastin Sunscreens are great choices. The ingredients are some of the best and won’t irritate your fresh new skin post-peel. Sunshine can reverse the effects of your chemical face peel and cause dark spots or patchiness.
Be Gentle With Cleansing
Make sure to use a gentle, sulfate-free formula that will not strip your skin or contribute to soreness. Pat your face dry rather than rubbing-less friction, less stress on the healing skin.
Follow Professional Advice
Every patient has a unique treatment plan. Just follow the course, and only follow aftercare guidelines prescribed to you by DermaPrecision.
The Dont’s of Peeling After a Chemical Peel
Recovery from a chemical face peel requires patience, and avoiding these common mistakes will save you from setbacks.
Don’t Over-Exfoliate
Your skin just went through an intense exfoliation process with your chemical peel treatment. Adding scrubs, AHAs, or retinol will only further irritate the healing process.
Hold off on all exfoliating products until you’re given the green light to resume those products. Your skin needs time to rebuild, not more stripping.
Don’t Skip Sunscreen
Your fresh, new skin is extremely sensitive to UV rays, and even brief sun exposure can trigger hyperpigmentation or reverse your results. Make sunscreen part of your non-negotiable routine.
Don’t Apply Makeup Too Soon
Give your skin room to breathe. Piling on makeup can clog pores and irritate healing skin. Wait until the peeling stops and your provider approves before reaching for foundation again.
Don’t Expose Your Skin to Heat
Saunas, hot showers, and intense workouts might feel good, but they increase inflammation and slow healing. Keep things cool for at least a few days after your chemical peel treatment.
What to Expect While Your Skin Heals
Once you have applied your chemical face peel, there will be certain noticeable changes that will be taking place in the skin- that is quite normal. During the initial days, you should expect redness, tightness, and light flaking. This may be a little bit uncomfortable, but all part of the cure.
All people heal differently. Light peels could get you back to your normal within three to five days, whereas deeper peels could take one week or longer. Do not compare your progress to that of another person–your chemical peel aftercare process is a personal affair.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
The right recovery routine makes a real difference. Follow these simple steps to help your skin heal properly.
Keep Your Skincare Routine Minimal
Stick to three simple steps: cleanse gently, hydrate thoroughly, and protect with sunscreen.
Sleep on a Clean Pillowcase and Avoid Touching Your Face
Change your pillowcase regularly to keep bacteria away from your healing skin. And as tempting as it is, don’t touch your face. Your hands pick up dirt and germs throughout the day, and the last thing your chemical peel aftercare routine needs is added irritation or infection.
Stay Hydrated From Within
Drink plenty of water every day. Hydration isn’t just about what you put on your skin—it starts from the inside. When you’re well-hydrated, your skin heals faster and looks better.
Wrapping Up…
When you peel following a chemical peel, it is simply your skin doing its job of renewing itself. Clean it well, and you will get good results that are velvety and bright.
For those curious about what the peeling process truly involves and how sensations vary, our recent article on chemical peel myths and facts offers deeper insight.
Thinking that you need a personalized approach to treatment or advice on a particular skin-related issue? The skincare experts of DermaPrecision are available to make you look and feel beautiful as you heal.
Until next time,
XO,
Christina…. Always here to help you enhance your inner radiance
