Chemical Peel Aftercare Guide: How to Care for Your Skin
Chemical peels can reveal youthful, glowing skin without requiring invasive surgery or substantial recovery time.
However, you’ll need to take special care of your skin following a chemical peel to achieve optimal results. After all, it can cause some unintended side effects if you fail to protect your outer layer from the elements.
Whether you’re new to this non-invasive procedure or an experienced pro, we’re here to ensure you have an effortless recovery!
What does the chemical peel process look like?
When your appointment begins, you’ll start with a thorough face wash to remove any makeup or oils. Then, your esthetician will apply a skin-safe solution containing lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or a similar product. You might feel a tingling or stinging sensation. The “deeper” the chemical peel, the more discomfort you’ll experience.
Your skincare specialist will give you aftercare instructions to follow in the days after your appointment. Be sure to follow them closely for a speedy recovery.
Recovery time varies depending on the type of chemical peel and how your skin responds to treatment. In general, you can expect dry, red, itchy skin in the first couple of days, followed by lots of flaking. In one to two weeks, these side effects will subside, and you’ll start noticing the benefits of your chemical peel.
How often should you get a chemical peel treatment?
The frequency of chemical peels depends on the intensity of the treatment and what goals you hope to achieve.
Light chemical peels, which target fine lines and minor hyperpigmentation, can usually be performed every four to six weeks. Medium peel treatments penetrate the dermis, a deeper layer of your skin. These will have a greater impact on wrinkles and acne scarring, but you need to space them farther apart. Most people get these only a few times per year.
Finally, deep peels are intensive procedures that many suggest only doing once in a lifetime. These treatments are often painful and require a doctor’s supervision. However, they can be effective enough to remove precancerous growths.
How would you get ready for a chemical peel?
The chemical peel process actually begins before you show up for your appointment. You might start with a consultation so your esthetician can assess your skin type, talk about the results you should expect, and give you any advice for priming your skin ahead of treatment.
Many experts suggest applying broad-spectrum high-SPF sunscreen starting weeks prior to your appointment. You should also avoid waxing and shaving and resist the urge to use facial scrubs, exfoliants, retinol, and masks in the days leading up to your treatment. Your doctor may prescribe a product containing retinol or even a mild sedative, depending on the type of peel you schedule. Some may even offer an antibiotic to reduce your risk of bacterial infection. Remove
The benefits of chemical peels
People love chemical peels for many reasons. Once the healing process is complete, you should notice more vibrant, radiant skin! Here are a few of the procedure's biggest perks.
Expect improved skin texture with chemical peels
One of the most common reasons people seek out chemical peels is to improve their skin’s texture. Because these treatments minimize large pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, they can help you achieve a youthful appearance without surgical interventions.
Hyperpigmentation is commonly treated with chemical peels
Sun exposure, acne, and hormonal changes can cause discoloration throughout your skin. Fortunately, chemical peels can reverse the look of age spots, scars, and uneven skin tone by shedding the outer layer and promoting the generation of new skin cells.
Chemical peels are non-invasive treatments
Time catches up with us all, but you don’t have to go under the knife to get great results! Chemical peel treatments can give you a healthy glow and reduce the effects of aging without invasive procedures or significant downtime.
The dos and don’ts of chemical peel aftercare
Your esthetician will have plenty of advice to follow for an effortless chemical peel recovery. But here’s a general guide to chemical peel aftercare to get you started.
Do use sunscreen
While sunscreen should be part of your daily skincare routine, it’s especially important in the days following your chemical peel. Your skin will be tender to the touch and even more sensitive to sun exposure than usual. After all, you’ll probably already feel like you have a sunburn, so you don’t want to make that sensation any worse.
If you don’t already have one you love, find a broad-spectrum sunscreen with 30- to 50-SPF, and add it to your morning routine.
Avoid activities that’ll make you sweat
Sweat can irritate your skin and introduce bacteria into raw, open pores, leading to bacterial infections that won’t make your recovery any easier. Hold off on intense exercise or exposure to excessive heat until you’re back to normal.
Also, avoid washing your face with hot water, which can further irritate your skin. For a week or two after treatment, stick to cool and cold water rinses.
Use a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated
Dryness and flaking are some of the most common post-chemical-peel complaints. It’s tempting to pick at your skin to remove anything that’s sloughing off. However, experts agree that poking, prodding, and peeling off that dead skin is strictly forbidden. Instead, layer on a hydrating lotion and allow it to restore moisture where it’s needed most.
Adequate moisture is essential to the healing process, so drink plenty of water and keep your face properly lubed up following your chemical peel.
Avoid retinols and similar skincare products
Retinols are great for priming your skin for a chemical peel, but they don’t have the same effect after treatment. Remember, your skin is likely recovering from the most intensive exfoliation it’s ever experienced, so doubling up won’t do you any favors. Instead, baby your tender skin with gentle products and loving care.
Luna Luxe Aesthetics is here to guide you through your chemical peel aftercare
If you’re looking for a way to rejuvenate your skin and bring back that youthful glow, a chemical peel could be just the ticket!
At Luna Luxe Aesthetics, we’re passionate about helping you look and feel your best. Our Colorado Springs skincare center offers a warm, welcoming environment where you can achieve the complexion of your dreams. Book an appointment today to get started!
