After getting a chemical peel, your skin becomes extra sensitive and needs special care. A peel helps remove dead skin and brings out fresher, smoother skin underneath. But to get the best results, you have to treat your skin gently afterward. What you do in the days following the peel can either help your skin heal beautifully or cause problems like redness, dryness, or dark spots. In this blog, we’ll share simple dos and don’ts to follow after a peel so your skin stays healthy, clear, and glowing.
What Is a Chemical Peel Process?
A post peel skincare is a skin resurfacing treatment that removes the top layer of skin to reveal fresher and smoother skin underneath through a chemical solution.
Importance of Proper Skincare After a Chemical Peel
After getting a chemical peel, it is necessary to take proper care of your skin and safeguard the new sensitive skin to promote the skin healing process and maintain results.
Incorrect Aftercare Can Reverse Results
If not taken care of correctly, the effects of the chemical peel can reverse and develop scars, irritation, and even long-term skin damage.
Important Notice
This is a friendly reminder that this blog only covers the dos and don’ts of post-chemical peel skincare.
What Is the Right Way to Post Chemical Peel Skincare?
- No touching or scratching the skin
The first step to proper post-chemical peel skincare is to avoid unnecessary touching of the skin.
- Face Washing
Use cool water to wash your face as it can help render the post peel sensation and also helps with soothing irritated skin unlike warm or hot water, which might cause irritation to the skin.
- Moisturize and hydrate
Post-chemical peel skincare, it is important to keep the skin moisturized as the chemical peel temporarily damages the skin’s protective barrier. For skin barrier repair, a medium To thick moisturizer must be used. It is also crucial to keep track of your water levels as dehydration projects negative effects on the skin.
Excessive use of sunscreen
Use of sunscreen with SPF30 rating or above is highly beneficial for chemical Peel aftercare as well. Avoid direct exposure of the sun at all costs and if unable, use a variety of sunscreen as it helps hide the visible marks of skin aging from the sun.
Avoid sweating
Workouts, steamy rooms, dry saunas etc must be avoided at all times after this procedure. Sweating must be avoided at all cost as it can cause redness, itching, tingling and other uncomfortable side effects to the newly peeled skin. Avoid any exercises, gym days for at least 1 day and try to stay in air conditioned rooms.
How Long Should You Avoid Makeup After a Chemical Peel?
In general, it is advised for makeup to be avoided for at least 24 hours to 48 hours but it is highly dependent on the peel strength. For example:
- If you are getting a light peel, avoid the use of makeup for at least 24 to 48 hours
- If you are getting a medium peel, avoid the use of makeup for at least 5 to 7 days
- And If you are getting a deep peel, avoid the use of makeup 2 weeks minimum
Applying makeup too early contains risks such as:
- Irritation of the skin and sensitivity. Makeup can cause burning, redness and stinging.
- Clogged pores. During chemical peel recovery, makeup can lead to acne and other blemishes and skin diseases.
- Makeup delays healing. By covering the skin too early, it doesn’t get time to heal naturally and is prone to infections.
- During post-peel care, the use of makeup can also cause scarring and pigmentation of the skin, along with a severe risk of infection.
The following are some safer alternatives and minimalistic options if you have to use makeup. Please note to confirm with your skin care professional before using these options.
- Tinted sunscreen offers light coverage while protecting healing skin from UV damage. Make sure to choose a fragrance-free and formulated sunscreen for sensitive skin.
- Loose powder mineral foundations can be used in small amounts as they are non-comedogenic and gentler on the skin than liquid formulas.
- Lightweight tinted moisturizers can also be used as they provide hydration as well as cover skin, which helps avoid clogging of pores and skin irritation.
- If skin makeup must be avoided,you can use lip balm and mascara to keep up your beauty during facial peel aftercare without causing skin damage.
Dos of Post-Chemical Peel Skincare
Regular hydration of the skin
After a peel, the skin is generally tighter or drier thus hydration is necessary. Incorporating high quality moisturizers in your routine can help you achieve your skin goals.
Use of a gentle cleanser
Most likely, the cleanser you are using right now is in the rough category. A rough cleanser can strip away the skin’s natural oils and irritate the skin. So, to counter all these effects, use a mild fragrance-free moisturizer instead.
Avoid using makeup
Avoid the use of makeup based on the instructions from your skincare professional. Usage of makeup can hinder the healing of the skin.
Follow Your Provider’s Instructions
Follow every instruction from your skincare provider and feel free to ask any questions. Chemical peels come in different intensities, so make sure to directly ask your provider or a skincare professional and not friends who have gotten similar procedures.
Pat your skin dry
After a shower or cleansing, dry your face with a clean soft towel using a pat motion instead of rubbing it. Rubbing the face can cause irritation and scar the face as well.
Excessive use of sunscreen
Sunscreen should be used religiously. Freshly peeled skin is particularly sensitive to the sun so sunscreen with SPF30 or above should be used every three hours and two hours depending on the instructions from your provider or the weather.
Don’ts of Post Chemical Peel Skincare
Don’t Pick or Peel the Skin
Let peeling occur naturally to avoid scarring, infection, or pigmentation issues.
Don’t Skip Sunscreen
Your skin is highly sensitive post-peel. UV exposure can lead to dark spots and slow healing.
Don’t Use Harsh Products
Avoid exfoliants, retinoids, acids, or scrubs until your skin fully heals.
Don’t Over-Moisturize
Heavy layering can clog pores. Use gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizers as recommended.
Don’t Apply Makeup Too Soon
Makeup can irritate healing skin and increase the risk of infection.
Don’t Touch Your Face Frequently
Touching can transfer bacteria and disrupt healing.
Don’t Exercise Immediately After
Sweating can irritate fresh skin and increase the risk of breakouts or discomfort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, post-chemical peel skincare is crucial for achieving the best results and ensuring healthy, glowing skin. By following the dos and avoiding the don’ts, such as moisturizing, using sunscreen, and refraining from makeup too soon, your skin will have the opportunity to heal correctly.
Remember to be gentle with your skin and give it time to recover, as harsh treatments or neglect can cause irritation and setbacks. Always consult your skincare professional for personalized aftercare advice to maintain beautiful, clear skin.
