Caring for your Skin Post-Peel
Imagine seeing a noticeable improvement in skin texture, wrinkle depth, and pigmentary irregularities with just one procedure - a chemical peel! Chemical peels can’t address all aging skin related concerns but they do help to increase luminosity and brightness revealing smoother, younger looking skin.
The results of a peel depend on many factors including how you care for your skin both before and especially after the procedure. We’ll discuss the importance of aftercare and give you our best advice on what to do, and what not to do after a chemical peel.
Our chemical peels are customized for every patient which enables us to provide highly targeted treatments to address their skin concerns. Due to variability in depth and penetration of a peel, aftercare recommendation for each patient may vary however the following suggestions are universal and apply to all peel patients.
Do’s
Wash your face with cool water and gentle cleanser.
The skin is highly reactive post treatment and cold or hot water will feel uncomfortable and can increase redness. Additionally, foaming or active cleansers can impair the healing process inhibiting the creation of new skin cells. For 7-10 days post treatment opt for gentle, non-foaming cleansers only.
Use a post-procedure sunscreen.
Sunscreen is always a must but the type of SPF you apply post-treatment is hugely important. Choose a sunscreen that is 100% physical to avoid irritating or sensitizing the skin. Hands down, our number one choice for a post-peel protectant is eltaMD UV Elements Broad Spectrum Tinted Sunscreen. This ultra-moisturizing formulation soothes the skin and provides superior hydration and protection by incorporating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ascorbyl palmitate.
Moisturize..a LOT!
The skin tends to be much drier than usual post-peel so moisturizer is a must! Deeper peels may require a post-treatment healing balm in addition to moisturizer and SPF to help improve the skin's natural protective barrier. Apply moisturizer liberally to damp skin multiple times a day to keep it from feeling tight and to ease some of the discomfort during the shedding process. If you need extra moisture, gentle hydrating mists can restore skin balance while providing a boost of much needed antioxidants.
Dont’s
Don't touch, pick, scratch, or pull at the skin.
Chemical peels help to remove the outer layer of skin but in the process, expose the raw, new cells underneath it. This creates surface sensitivity and noticeably flaking skin. The shedding process can be frustrating and unsightly tempting patients to try and remove the dead skin themselves. This is highly discouraged as it can lead to bleeding, breakouts, infections, and scarring. Be patient and let the skin slough off naturally to ensure a positive outcome. Usually after 7-10 days the peeling subsides resulting in smoother, softer skin.
Don’t use too many skin care products.
Post peel our best skin care advice is to keep simple! Even products like antioxidant serums or growth-factors can be too much for freshly peeled skin. It’s advisable to stick to the basics; a gentle cleanser, post-treatment balm, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Avoid using active ingredients including tretinoin and hydroxy acids for a minimum of 10-14 days post peel.
Avoid intense workouts for 2-3 days post peel.
Increasing cardiorespiratory output and breaking a sweat are amazing for the skin..after it’s healed post-peel. Strenuous physical activity increases blood circulation which can intensify unwanted side effects and delay skin recovery. Yoga, mobility training, and walking are all great exercises to incorporate during your peel recovery process.
Don’t receive any additional cosmetic procedures.
The skin can be quite sensitive post-peel so we advise waiting at least two weeks before performing injectables and four weeks for laser resurfacing, laser hair removal, dermaplaning, and any potentially abrasive skin treatments.
Don’t exfoliate.
A freshly peeled face has already been exfoliated through the use of chemicals that break cellular adhesion causing skin cells to rapidly slough off. Newly resurfaced skin cells are especially susceptible to irritation and sensitivity so additional exfoliation can easily damage and destroy them. Wait a minimum of 10-14 days before incorporating gentle exfoliation back into your regimen.
Chemical peels are a phenomenal way to take years off of your complexion. It’s important to note that the efficacy and safety of the procedure is in large part determined by how patients care for their skin post-peel. Your medical provider will give you excellent post-treatment advice to ensure you get the best results possible!
Still have questions? Not sure if a chemical peel is right for you? Come in and speak to one of our highly qualified skin care experts who will help you choose the perfect option for your complexion.
Learn more about our skincare services here or contact our San Francisco office and call us at 415.409.6500.