Tweezing After Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that involve using acids to exfoliate the skin.

The acid removes a uniform amount of damaged skin cells across the treatment area. When done appropriately, this allows the skin to heal, with minimalTrusted Source scarring or color changes.

Chemical peels can affect two layers of the skin, the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the visible outer layer, and the dermis sits just beneath. This deeper layer contains nerve endings, sweat glands, and hair follicles.

All chemical peels remove a controlled amount of skin cells from the epidermis. A stronger peel may also remove a small part of the dermis.

Dermatologists may use chemical peels to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles or to address:

acne
enlarged pores
scarring
redness
rosacea
hyperpigmentation

During a chemical peel, a dermatologist applies an exfoliant acid — first to the thicker areas of skin, such as the chin, nose, and cheeks, and then to the thinner areas around the eyes and mouth.

After the chemical peel, the dermatologist may use cool saline compresses to remove any remaining exfoliant.

They may recommend various ways to help the skin heal, such as applying a weak vinegar solution or unscented emollient to the face for a few days after the treatment.

The process can cause swelling and peeling, which may take 1–2 weeksTrusted Source to go away, depending on the depth and intensity of the peel. It is important to keep the face dry and not shower or use face wash for the first 24 hours. Also, do not use makeup until the skin has healed.

Types of chemical peel

There are three types of chemical peel, based on how deeply they exfoliate the skin:

superficial peels
medium-depth peels
deep peels

The right choice depends on the type and shade of a person’s skin and what issue they are hoping to address.

Superficial peels

Dermatologists recommend superficial peels if skin issues only affect the top layer of the skin, the epidermis.

Because superficial peels do not penetrate the deeper layers, they carry a lower risk of side effects and the skin tends to recover more quickly.

Superficial peels take 1–7 days to heal. It is important to wear sunscreen during this time.

Because superficial peels are the gentlest type, a person may need up to five sessions to see the results they want. People may be able to have superficial peels every 2–5 weeks.

Medium-depth peels

Dermatologists may recommendTrusted Source medium-depth peels for:

fine wrinkles
sun-damaged skin
minor hyperpigmentation
minor acne scars

Medium-depth peels take 7–14 days to heal. They cause swelling that worsens for 48 hours after the treatment and may cause blisters.

The dermatologist provides a solution that a person should use to help their skin heal. It is also important to avoid sun exposure during the recovery time.

The dermatologist may also prescribe an antiviral medication, which a person takes for 10–14 days. People can wear makeup after 5–7 days but must avoid total sun exposure until the skin heals fully.

Deep peels

Dermatologists do not usually use deep chemical peels. For issues affecting the deeper layers, laser therapy often provides better resultsTrusted Source.

However, a dermatologist may recommend a deep peel if a person has:

moderate to severe sun damage
moderate to severe wrinkles
moderate to severe hyperpigmentation

Due to their strength, deep peels take 14–21 days to heal. A person needs to:

Recuperate at home.
Take antiviral medication for 10–14 days.
Wash the skin with a special solution between four and six times a day.
Apply an ointment for 14 days, then use a thick moisturizer.
Avoid makeup for at least 14 days.
Avoid sun exposure for 3–6 months.

Types of acid

Chemical peels can contain different types of acid, includingTrusted Source:

Alpha-hydroxy acids: Some examples include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid. At-home exfoliating treatments often contain these acids.
Beta-hydroxy acids: Salicylic acid is one example, and it is especially beneficial for acne-prone skin and enlarged pores.
Trichloroacetic acid: Dermatologists typically use this in medium or deep chemical peels.
Phenol: This powerful chemical agent is useful in deep peels.

Some chemicals in peels cause the skin to develop a white coating, which the dermatologist may refer to as “frosting.”

Frosting signals the end-stage of a peel. Its presence and extent helps the doctor tell whether the peel has been sufficiently effective.

There are three levelsTrusted Source of frosting:

patches of white coating over red skin
a general white coating with redness underneath
a complete coverage of white coating with almost no redness

Side effects

The side effects of a chemical peel can be mild. However, some people develop lasting adverse effects, such as:

redness that lasts for months
temporary dark patches of skin
permanently lightened patches of skin
scarring

The best way to avoid these is to visit an experienced dermatologist and follow their aftercare instructions carefully.

Risks by skin color

Many dermatologists use the Fitzpatrick scale when deciding on a type of peel to recommend. This scale classifies skin by six types:

white skin that always burns and never tans
white skin that usually burns and does not tan easily
darker white skin that may burn slightly and tans
moderate brown skin that rarely burns and tans easily
darker brown skin that very rarely burns and tans very easily
black skin that does not burn and tans very easily

People with skin types 1, 2, or 3 have a lower riskTrusted Source of a chemical peel changing the color of their skin or causing scarring. This means that any type of peel may be safe.

People with skin types 4, 5, or 6 have a higher risk of a peel causing severe skin discoloration or scarring. For this reason, it is crucial to visit a dermatologist who has experience with chemical peels and skin of color.

In general, superficial peels are safeTrusted Source for people with brown or black skin. However, the risk increases with peels of greater depth.

A dermatologist should have plenty of experience and use extreme caution when giving a medium-depth peel to someone with brown or black skin. They should not recommend or perform deep peels, due to the high risk of skin discoloration and scarring.

Do NOT tweeze, pick, rub, exfoliate, wax, use a depilatory, undergo electrolysis, or schedule a facial or cosmetic service such as laser resurfacing, or IPL on a treated area(s) for 4 weeks after your treatment. To reduce the risk of scarring, you do not want to remove the dry, rough, dead skin faster than your body wants to.

Waxing After Chemical Peel

Avoid for a week to 10 days in case of a deeper peel. Avoid direct heat – No steam, sauna for a week post peel. Avoid swimming for 5 days post peel. Avoid – waxing, threading, epilating, lasers for hair reduction and other purposes, collagen-stimulating procedures/lasers for a week post peel.

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.