By exfoliating the outer layers of your skin, a chemical peel can make your skin appear smoother, brighter, and younger. The length of your recovery will depend on whether you request a light-, medium-, or deep-depth peel. Although the deepest peels offer the most noticeable results, they also carry more risks and take more time to heal. To protect your skin and help it recover, follow our tips for chemical peels.
Tips for Chemical Peels
Don’t schedule a chemical peel before an important event.
Your skin will need time to heal, so don’t schedule your appointment before an important event. For up to 14 days following the treatment, your skin may peel. Light peels take the shortest amount of time to heal. Your skin may appear pink, but you will be able to return to your normal activities immediately. A medium peel may cause your skin to crust and turn reddish and brown before it starts peeling off. It will be about a week before you will be able to hide the redness with makeup. Deep peels take the longest amount of time to heal. Your skin will remain red for about three weeks, and it will take up to two months for your skin to fully heal and the redness to fade. Take these healing times into account when you are scheduling your chemical peel.
Be gentle with your skin.
After you get your chemical peel, it is important that you treat your skin gently. It will be very irritated and will appear dry. Don’t use a regular washcloth on your face for cleansing, because the cloth will be too rough. Instead, try using an extremely soft, baby washcloth to wash your face.
Don’t exfoliate or pick at your skin.
When your skin starts to peel, you may be tempted to exfoliate or pick at it. Keep your hands away from your face so that the skin sheds naturally. Exfoliants will further irritate your skin and could scar it. If you pick off the flaky skin, it will not allow it to flake away naturally. This could cause redness and scars.
Don’t moisturize too much.
Some people make the mistake of applying heavy moisturizers after chemical peels in order to help with the dryness and irritation. However, if you over-hydrate your skin, it will prevent it from shedding as quickly, extending your healing time. Use a light moisturizer and give your skin the time it needs to peel off naturally.
Limit your sun exposure.
When your new skin is forming, the cells will be immature and vulnerable. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage this new skin if you don’t protect it. Thus, we encourage you to apply a sunscreen with a high SPF. Use it even if you’re staying indoors, because the light coming in through the windows can damage your skin. Finally, limit your time outdoors to minimize your skin’s exposure to the sun. When you do go outside, wear sunglasses and a hat in addition to applying sunscreen.
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A chemical peel can produce beautiful, young-looking skin, helping to correct fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. To ensure your skin heels properly, follow our tips for chemical peels and contact your skin technician with any questions.
If you’re interested in having a chemical peel, and you live in or around southwest Missouri, contact DermaHealth Laser & Skin Care Clinic. At our facility, we can discuss which aesthetic exfoliating treatment would be best for you and your skin, perform the treatment, and advise you on any other skin concerns. Simply give us a call at 417-447-7777 or schedule a free consultation online. We look forward to hearing from you!
