Products After Chemical Peel
In order to provide you with the best possible service, we ask that you carefully review these general post-care treatment instructions for a chemical peel treatment so that you fully understand them. If you have any questions about these instructions, please discuss them with your esthetician. To obtain maximum benefits from your treatment, it is crucial that you understand and adhere to these instructions. Failure to comply with these instructions may affect your treatment outcome and increase the likelihood or severity of complications.
What are chemical peels?
Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that can be applied to the face, hands, and neck. They’re used to improve the appearance or feel of the skin. During this procedure, chemical solutions will be applied to the area being treated, which causes the skin to exfoliate and eventually peel off. Once this happens, the new skin underneath is often smoother, appears less wrinkled, and may have less damage.
There are a number of reasons people may get chemical peels. They may be trying to treat a variety of things, including:
- wrinkles and fine lines
- sun damage
- acne scars
- hyperpigmentation
- scars
- melasma
- uneven skin tone or redness
What type of chemical peels can I get?
There are three different types of chemical peels that you can get. These include:
- Superficial peels, which use mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate. It only penetrates the outermost layer of skin.
- Medium peels, which use trichloroacetic or glycolic acid to reach the middle and outer layer of skills. This makes it more effective for removing damaged skin cells.
- Deep peels, which fully penetrate the middle layer of the skin to remove damaged skin cells; these peels often use phenol or tricholoracetic acid.
How much do chemical peels cost?
Chemical peels are almost always considered a cosmetic procedure, and insurance rarely covers it. You’ll be paying for the procedure out of pocket. Your initial consultation visit, however, may be covered by insurance.
The cost of the procedure will vary depending on factors like location, expertise of the provider, and what type of peel you want to get. Light peels can cost as low as $150, and deep peels can cost $3,000 or more (specifically if it requires anesthesia, or in-patient stays). According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the current average cost of a chemical peel is $673.
Chemical peel face layer
Chemical peels are typically done in-office; deep peels may be done in an outpatient surgical facility. Before the procedure, they will likely have you tie back your hair. Your face will be cleaned, and eye protection like goggles or gauze may be applied.
Your doctor may numb the area with a topical anesthetic, especially if you’re receiving a deep peel. For deep peels, your doctor may also use a regional anesthetic, which will numb large areas. They are particularly likely to do this if you’re having your face and neck treated. For deep peels, you’ll also be given an IV, and your heart rate will be closely monitored.
Light peel
During a light peel a cotton ball, gauze, or brush will be used to apply a chemical solution like salicylic acid to the area being treated. The skin will start to whiten, and may have a slight stinging sensation. Once complete, the chemical solution will be removed or a neutralizing solution will be added.
Medium peel
During a medium chemical peel, your doctor will use a gauze, special sponge, or a cotton-tipped applicator to apply the chemical solution to your face. This may contain glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid. A blue color may be added to the trichloroacetic acid, commonly known as a blue peel. The skin will begin to whiten, and your doctor will apply a cool compress to the skin. You may feel stinging or burning for up to 20 minutes. No neutralizing solution is needed, though they may give you a hand-held fan to cool your skin. If you’ve had the blue peel you will have a blue coloring of your skin that may last for several days after the peel.
Deep peel
During a deep chemical peel, you will be sedated. The doctor will use a cotton-tipped applicator to apply phenol to your skin. This will turn your skin white or gray. The procedure will be done in 15-minute portions, to limit the skin exposure to the acid.
Products after chemical peel
Eau Thermale Avène XeraCalm A.D
If you’re wondering how to care for your skin after a chemical peel, start by applying Avène’s XeraCalm A.D moisturizer daily. It’s designed for people with eczema, atopic dermatitis, or generally dry, itchy, irritated skin, so it’s an ideal moisturizer for using post-procedure.
The 100% sterile formula, which is enriched with soothing thermal spring water and the emollient glycerin, contains no fragrance, parabens, or preservatives, and comes in an airless, pump-top bottle that prevents contaminants from getting inside. Also, it boasts the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association — another good sign that it’s a super-gentle choice for irritated skin.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
This is another great moisturizer for post-procedure skin, but it comes in a massive, 19-ounce tub and costs about half the price as XeraCalm. Formulated with barrier-strengthening ceramides, hydrating glycerin, and moisture-attracting hyaluronic acid, it’s a fragrance-free, oil-free, hypoallergenic cream that, like XeraCalm, boasts the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance. You can use this from your head to your toes, too (and you may as well, given the amount of product you’ll be getting).
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra
If you prefer lighter-weight creams and lotions, or if you’re looking for a daily moisturizer to use during summer, go with La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra. It doesn’t contain any potential irritants (like added fragrances, parabens, or bad alcohols), but it does contain lots of good-for-skin nourishers like glycerin, squalane, shea butter, and thermal spring water. Like XeraCalm, this is packaged in an airtight container that won’t let in any contaminants.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
Love the refreshing, slightly cooling feel you get from gel creams? Then Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Gel Cream will be a real treat for your post-procedure skin. Made with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, it’s noncomedogenic, oil-free, and fragrance-free, so it’s a great choice for dry, sensitive, and oily skin alike.
Pro tip: If you’re dealing with burning or stinging, amp up the cooling effect even further by storing this in the fridge.
EltaMD UV Daily
Dr. González stressed the importance of “rigorous” sunscreen application after getting a chemical peel. And this one, from derm-favorite brand EltaMD, was formulated specifically for post-procedure skin, so it’ll be perfect. It’s a mineral-based sunscreen with SPF 40 that’s enriched with hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. It’s free of parabens, fragrance, and other common irritants, and it’s noncomedogenic and non-greasy as well.
How To Reduce Redness After Chemical Peel
Cool Your Skin
It’s a good idea to take care of your face immediately after a chemical peel, as it will be pretty sensitive. Use cool compresses or ice packs for 15 minutes as you heal. You can also apply cold water to your face (avoid hot showers and baths) to help soothe it and reduce redness.
How To Treat Breakouts After Chemical Peel
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:
Wash your face with cool water. Warm or hot water might not feel as good as cool or cold water, which can help soothe post-peel sensations.
Moisturize and hydrate. Since peels can temporarily compromise your skin’s protective barrier, it’s important to reinforce that barrier with a medium-to-thick moisturizer. Also, drink more water to help avoid dehydration, which could make your skin feel tight.
Apply sunscreen with SPF30 or more. Your skin is more delicate after a peel, so avoid direct sun exposure, which can lead to even more visible signs of skin aging. If you must be exposed, use a Broad Spectrum physical sunscreen.
Avoid strenuous workouts, dry saunas and steam rooms. Increased blood circulation to the face can intensify warming, tingling, itching, redness or other uncomfortable side effects on freshly peeled skin. Skip such activities on the day you use a peel.
Don’t over-exfoliate. Peels are maximum-strength exfoliants, so you don’t need to use a separate exfoliant (like a scrub, brush or exfoliating cleanser) within 3-4 days of your peel. Over-exfoliating can lead to more redness or sensitivity, so wait until your skin feels up to it.
Once your skin feels “back to normal” after a peel, it’s generally considered OK to resume your normal skin care regimen. For more personalized advice, ask your professional skin therapist how to incorporate peels into your lifestyle.
Liquid Peelfoliant is a professional-grade at-home peel that helps unclog pores to help reveal brighter, healthier skin.
