Chemical peels are known to transform sun-damaged skin into radiant, beautiful skin. This treatment reduces hyperpigmentation, improves skin texture, and makes it brighter and smoother.
Although chemical peels offer many skin benefits, you must be extra careful after the procedure to ensure optimal results. Aftercare for chemical peels can help your skin repair and build new cells.
In this article, we’ll give the do’s and don’ts of taking care of your skin after a chemical peel procedure. Keep reading!
What is a Chemical Peel Treatment?
Before your skin becomes healthy, youthful, and rejuvenated, it must go through the actual peeling process.
A facial chemical peel treatment is a painless and non-invasive cosmetic procedure that naturally exfoliates and gently sheds your dead skin cells from the epidermis. The peels may contain either of these physician-approved chemical solutions: alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), glycolic acids, salicylic acids, mandelic acids, and other types of acids.
Different types and depths of chemical peels can penetrate different areas of the skin. They can treat imperfections such as wrinkles, discoloration, and scars.
There are three types of chemical peels with different penetration levels.
- Superficial Peels – only penetrate the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin).
- Medium-depth Peels – penetrate the outer layers and middle layers.
- Deep Chemical Peels – use stronger chemicals to remove the dermis, the middle layer of the skin, and any damaged cells.
[Read: How to Use a Chemical Peel and Avoid Damaging Your Skin]
Facial Chemical Peel Aftercare: Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Keep your hands off. This is the rule of thumb for every chemical peel patient to allow natural skin peeling. The procedure’s main purpose is to remove damaged skin cells and reveal healthy, glowing skin beneath. Your treated skin will become very sensitive right away. The following may happen if you touch your skin while it is going through the peeling and flaking process:
- Infections
- Breakouts
- Increased irritation
At any stage of your post-peel treatment, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands whenever you really need to touch your face.
- Moisturize. Apply moisturizer to your skin gently, but not too much. It’s recommended to apply a thin layer to the skin several times throughout the day. Choose water-based moisturizers and avoid products with harsh chemical ingredients. Once the peeling and healing process is complete, you can return to your normal skincare routine.
- Use SPF for sun protection. After undergoing a chemical peel to remove damaged skin, it is important to protect the newly formed skin from sunburns. Avoid sun exposure, whether you are sitting in front of a glass, outside, or on a computer screen. Make sure you choose a physical sunscreen that has an SPF 30 or higher and broad-spectrum high safety ratings.
- Introduce a gentle skincare routine. Now is the best time to ask your skin care professional to help you create a gentler skin care regimen. A great antioxidant is essential as it will be your first-line defense against free radicals every day. Using a soap-free, gentle cleanser and cool water is recommended to soothe your already sensitive skin and make it feel soft.
[Related: Choosing The Right Face Wash For Your Skin Type: The Complete Guide]
Don’ts
- Don’t touch your face. This is to reiterate the rule of thumb to keep your hands off your peeling skin after the treatment. Pull your hair back away from your face. Don’t rub your face with a towel too whenever you cleanse.
- Avoid too much moisturizer. Applying too much of it will slow down the process of peeling because softened skin won’t flake as fast. Also, don’t use those that contain harsh chemicals or irritants, such as acids and treatments for acne. These could cause skin irritations.
- Don’t over-exfoliate. The chemical peel exfoliates enough. You don’t need to use another exfoliant on sensitive skin.
- No scrubbing, peeling, and picking. Interfering with the skin’s natural shedding process can cause scarring and bleeding, which is definitely more serious than temporary flaking.
- Stay away from retinol. Retinols are great for stimulating new cell growth and turnover. However, your skin has already begun to do this after undergoing a chemical peel. Retinol products should be stopped a week before your peel. Wait until your skin heals before you resume using them.
Are You A Perfect Candidate for Chemical Peels?
If you have any of these issues, you are a great candidate for a chemical peel session.
- Acne scars
- Age spots and signs of aging skin
- Hyperpigmentation
- Melasma
- Sun-damaged skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles
Keep in mind that every skin reacts differently to different types of peels, so your after-care regimen will vary. Allow your skin to heal before you rush into any other skincare treatments and follow your doctor’s instructions.
Prescott Medical Aesthetics offers a wide range of safe and effective non-surgical aesthetic procedures, including facial & chemical peels. You can book a consultation with one of our aestheticians today to discuss the details of your treatment.
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