A chemical peel is a procedure that is used to smooth and rejuvenate your skin. It can be done in a doctor’s office, or you can treat yourself at home with a kit that contains all of the necessary ingredients. Whether you get it done professionally or at home, there are certain steps you should follow to ensure proper healing of your skin.
When it comes to washing your face after a chemical peel, there are some important things to keep in mind. The first thing is that you should never use soap on your face after having a chemical peel! This can cause irritation and dryness, which will make the healing process longer than necessary. To wash your face after having a chemical peel, try using an oil-free cleanser and massage gently into the skin.
You can also use baking soda mixed with water as an exfoliant while massaging your skin. If any makeup was applied before applying the chemical peel kit and/or during treatment, rinse off any residue thoroughly with warm water before applying any other products (such as moisturizer).
How To Wash Your Face After A Chemical Peel
Chemical peels involve the use of alpha hydroxy, trichloroacetic or phenol acids applied to the face to correct skin discoloration, acne or other imperfections. Chemical peels often take off the outer skin cells to remove wrinkles and blotches to expose fresh skin underneath, all in an attempt to increase collagen production and give the recipient a more youthful appearance. After receiving a chemical peel, the skin may be sensitive and require a special procedure for cleansing.
Wait until 12 to 24 hours after a chemical peel to wash your face. Use a gentle cleanser that contains no salicylic or alpha hydroxy acids or other harsh chemicals. A soap such as Dove Cleansing Bar or an all-natural facial cleansing cream will work best. Use your fingertips to wash your face lightly. Do not use a washcloth. Wash twice a day to increase oil production.
Apply the ointment you were prescribed by your doctor or esthetician after each cleansing procedure. If you were not prescribed an ointment, use at least a 50-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin.
As the skin flakes and begins to peel, continue to wash twice daily, but be gentle. Do not remove the skin, but let it fall off naturally. You can use a washcloth at this point with a mild face wash to lightly exfoliate the dead skin.
Continue to use 50-SPF sunscreen after each cleansing treatment. The face will be bright red for 7 to 10 days following a peel. You can usually apply makeup again from 7 days to 2 weeks after a peel to camouflage the redness.
Tips
- Avoid the sun for at least 2 months following a chemical peel.Take ibuprofen to dull any pain that might occur after a chemical peel.
What To Put On Face After Chemical Peel
Letting the skin dry out may cause discomfort. We recommend using SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective GelⓇ and SkinCeuticals Epidermal RepairⓇ to help your skin recover. For strong peels, you may use petroleum jelly for the first few days or as needed on sensitive areas that are peeling. When you start to peel, use a non-comedogenic moisturizer such as AveenoⓇ, VanicreamⓇ, CetaphilⓇ, or CeraVeⓇ, until the skin feels back to normal. This will promote the healing process by locking in moisture and reducing the chance of a bacterial infection, redness, and irritation. Use these products several times per day or as needed. Topical hydrocortisone may be recommended, depending on your specific needs.
When Can I Shower After Chemical Peel
48 hours
BATHING AFTER CHEMICAL PEEL TREATMENT Showering: You may shower and wash your hair normally after 48 hours. Make sure to avoid getting soap or shampoo on your healing face. Always apply your post recovery ointment immediately after you get out.
A chemical peel works to peel away tired and dull skin cells while stimulating the growth of fresh and healthy skin. In addition to this, chemical peels will result in accelerated cell turnover and encourage the production of collagen.
If you are undergoing a chemical peel treatment, here’s what you can expect after your procedure and some tips on how to take care of your skin for the best results.
Chemical Peel Before and After
What Happens After a Chemical Peel?
The recovery period following a chemical peel will vary depending on the type of peel you opted for. However, in general, here’s what you can expect:
- The duration of the recovery period can range from three to 14 days, depending on the type of chemical peel.
- For most peels, patients can expect a recovery time of five to seven days.
- Following the procedure, your skin will dry out. During this time, you must drink plenty of water
- Avoid washing your face for at least 24 hours following your peel.
- Over the next few days, your skin will begin to peel. The most intense peeling will occur during the middle days of your recovery
- You may also experience some irritation, crusting, or skin redness. However, if you notice any bleeding or oozing, you must contact your skin specialist straight away.
Skin Looks Worse After Chemical Peel
4 Tips to Take Care of Your Skin After a Chemical Peel
When performed by a highly-skilled aesthetician, a chemical peel is a safe and effective way to rejuvenate your appearance and eliminate any scars or signs of aging. However, in order to get the best results, you must look after your skin properly following your treatment.
Here are some tips to follow:
- Avoid using hot water for at least one week: For the first week following your chemical peel, avoid washing your face or showering with hot water. This is because hot water can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. In addition to this, the steam will open up your pores which can significantly increase your risk of infection.
- Let your skin peel naturally. The most important thing to keep in mind following your chemical peel is to avoid touching your face. Picking and pulling your skin can result in scarring. The best course of action is to allow your skin to peel off naturally.
- Be gentle with your skin and avoid exfoliation. Following your chemical peel, the skin’s protective barrier will be temporarily compromised. This means that you should avoid any cleansing products with exfoliators such as facial scrubs until your skin has completely healed. When drying your skin, do not rub it. Instead, pat it dry gently with a soft towel.
- Always use sunscreen and limit your exposure to the sun. Your face is at its most sensitive post-peel, so you want to avoid the sun for at least a few days. When you do go outdoors, make sure to use sunscreen and stick to shady spots. Use the sunscreen for a minimum of six weeks after your chemical peel.
