Guide to Skincare After a Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are a popular cosmetic procedure due to their noticeable effectiveness in improving skin problems such as acne, hyperpigmentation, scars, wrinkles, and more. However, after a peel, the skin becomes more fragile and sensitive, requiring special care to achieve optimal results and avoid unwanted side effects. So, how should you take care of your skin after a chemical peel?

1. What is a chemical peel? Why is post-peel skincare important?

A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that uses chemical solutions to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, resulting in fresher, smoother, and healthier skin.

Post-peel skincare is extremely important because:

• Post-peel skin is very sensitive: The new skin formed after a peel is still weak and vulnerable to external agents such as sunlight, dirt, and bacteria.
• Minimize side effects: Proper post-peel skincare is essential to minimize side effects and help the skin recover quickly. Common side effects include:
  • Sensations: Mild stinging or burning.
  • Skin manifestations: Redness, dryness, itching, irritation, swelling, tightness, peeling, or scabbing. After 2-3 days, the skin may appear flaky or sunburned.
  • Pigmentation changes: Discolored patches or age spots may temporarily appear darker before flaking off.
• Optimize results: A suitable skincare regimen helps the skin recover quickly and absorb nutrients better, thereby achieving optimal peel results.

2. Guide to Post-Peel Skincare

Whether you’re using an at-home peel or getting a professional peel, you can minimize your skin’s downtime afterward by practicing these expert tips for post-peel skincare:

• Wash your face with cool water. Warm or hot water may not feel as soothing as cool or cold water, which can help calm the feeling after the peel.
• Moisturize and hydrate. Because a chemical peel can temporarily weaken your skin’s protective barrier, it’s important to reinforce that barrier with a gentle, alcohol-free, fragrance-free moisturizer. Apply moisturizer several times a day, especially after washing your face.
• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Your skin will be more fragile post-peel, so avoid direct sun exposure, which can lead to more pronounced signs of skin aging. If you must be in the sun, use a broad-spectrum, physical sunscreen. Apply it 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours. Cover up when in the sun.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and steam rooms. Increased blood circulation to your face can increase sensations of warmth, stinging, itching, redness, or other uncomfortable side effects on freshly peeled skin. Skip these activities the day you get a peel.
• Avoid makeup: Avoid wearing makeup for the first few days after your peel to allow your skin to “breathe” and recover naturally.
• Don’t pick at your skin: Absolutely do not pick or peel flaking skin; allow it to shed naturally.
• Don’t over-exfoliate. A chemical peel is the strongest form of exfoliation, so you don’t need to use a separate exfoliation method (like a granular scrub, brush, or exfoliating cleanser) for 3-4 days after your peel. Over-exfoliating can lead to more redness or sensitivity, so wait until your skin feels ready.
• Healthy diet: Drink plenty of water, supplement with fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals, and limit spicy, greasy foods to support the skin’s recovery process.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions: Strictly follow your doctor’s instructions on how to care for your skin and use special treatment products.

3. Important Notes

In addition to following the post-peel skincare instructions correctly, there are some important notes you need to keep in mind to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the chemical peel process.

• Choose a reputable facility: Chemical peels should be performed by qualified dermatologists or licensed estheticians at reputable aesthetic centers.
• Thoroughly research the chemical peel method: Discuss your skin condition, skin type, and desired outcome with your provider to choose the appropriate chemical peel method.
• Test before peeling: Test the peel solution on a small area of skin before applying it to the entire face to check for any adverse reactions.
• Monitor and care for your skin carefully: Observe any changes in your skin after the peel, and if there are any abnormalities, contact your doctor immediately.

Conclusion 

Chemical peels are an effective beauty treatment, but they need to be done correctly and combined with a scientific skincare regimen to achieve the best results. If you have any health problems, you need to be concerned about finding appropriate solutions for early treatment. You need to be proactive in taking care of your health from an early age to live healthily and maintain your beauty for a long time. Hopefully, this article has provided you with useful information on how to care for your skin after a peel. Wish you healthy and radiant skin!

References: dermalogica.com, eternaldermatology.com, glowday.com