If you’re a beauty junkie and/or skin care connoisseur, you’ve most likely heard of chemical peels. At our Skin Health Experts Clinic in Los Angeles, they are one of our most requested services. So let’s discover together the benefits as well as post-procedure care for best visible results.
Chemical peels are an excellent way to rejuvenate the skin. By removing the outermost surface layer of skin, peels can help reduce signs of aging, discoloration, sun damage, and post-acne scarring. At the same time, the layer of skin underneath, a brighter and smoother-looking layer, is revealed. Chemical peels can vary in intensity. Depending on your skin's sensitivity, you may encounter side effects that you're not used to. Here’s exactly how to care for skin after a chemical peel to avoid discomfort, maintain optimal skin health and see visible results.
How do you Care for your Skin After a Chemical Peel?
Whether you use a clinical-grade overnight peel like the Kateceuticals™ Resurfacing Overnight Peel or you receive treatment from a skin clinic, there are several ways that you can minimize recovery time and get your skin back to feeling its best.
#1 Don't Pick at Your Skin
The number one rule of chemical peel healing is to let your skin peel on its own. Though it may be tempting to help speed up the process, removing any dry, dead skin by rubbing or peeling it can damage the newly exposed layer of your skin. Instead, allow your skin to peel on its own and wait until it has fully healed to use any exfoliator.
#2 Wait to Resume Your Skincare Regimen
Refrain from using too many products on your face. While moisturizers and sunscreen are advised, putting too much product on your healing skin could lengthen your recovery time and irritate it in the process. Once your skin feels fully recovered, resume your usual skincare routine.
#3 Wash your Face with Cool Water
When washing your face after a peel, wash it with cool or warm water. Using hot water can irritate or damage the treated area of skin and cause further irritation. Using cool water will not only feel better on your skin, but it can also help calm irritation and provide relief. Sensitive skin cleansers like our Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser will help cleanse and soothe your face without causing tightness or irritation.
#4 Avoid Heavy Workouts
After your chemical peel, you'll want to avoid strenuous workouts for up to four days. Heavy workouts can increase blood circulation to the face and intensify your post-peel symptoms. In addition to exercising, you should also avoid saunas and steam rooms directly after a chemical peel.
#5 Keep Skin Moisturized
After a chemical peel, the natural protective barrier of your skin will be a bit weaker than usual. While your skin is repairing itself, it's important to reinforce that barrier by applying a lightweight moisturizer like DeliKate® Recovery Cream. Expertly formulated to provide long-lasting relief, the recovery cream will help visibly reduce redness while improving your skin’s natural protective barrier [1]. Staying hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day can help hydrate your skin from the inside out and avoid dehydration.
#6 Don't Over-Exfoliate
Chemical peels are exfoliants themselves, which means you won't have to use a separate exfoliant within the first week of getting a peel. Even light exfoliators like scrubs, brushes, and cleansers can be harsh on your skin and cause redness and sensitivity. Before using an at-home exfoliator, give your skin time to recover and wait until it feels fully healed.
#7 Apply Sunscreen Regularly
After getting a chemical peel, your skin will be more sensitive than usual. Because of this, it’s important to incorporate skincare products with SPF as part of your post-treatment aftercare. While harsh UV rays can damage your skin at any time, without its natural protective barrier, they are even more damaging after a peel [2]. Our Skin Health Experts recommend avoiding direct sun exposure and regularly applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or more. Using sun protection like the HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops is essential even if you're not in direct sunlight, as skin damage can occur from UV rays that enter the house through windows, doors, and shaded areas.
#8 Make Time for Self-Care
A chemical peel is a great option for maintaining healthy-looking skin. While your skin is recovering, be sure to make time for self-care, and don't worry about your skin for a few days. Reading a book, getting a manicure, or enjoying a bubble bath will help soothe your senses and allow your skin to heal in its own time.
When applying any skincare treatment, it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin reacts differently. Whether you experience a few or many of the symptoms on this list, taking care of your skin post chemical peel will help transform your skin texture and visibly reduce dark spots, lines, and wrinkles.
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