Chemical peel treatments are an effective way to rejuvenate your skin, but proper aftercare is crucial to ensure optimal results and minimize potential side effects. Below, we’ll outline the steps you should take immediately after treatment for short-term and long-term chemical peel aftercare strategies to maintain your refreshed appearance.
At Elite Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Dominic M. Castellano is a trusted choice for cosmetic treatments like chemical peels in the Tampa, FL, area. With years of advanced training and a double-board certification in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Dominic brings both skill and artistry to each cosmetic procedure. His deep understanding of facial anatomy, combined with a commitment to natural-looking results, has earned him five Tampa Magazine “Top Docs” awards since 2019.
Contact us at Elite Facial Plastic Surgery today to learn more about the chemical peel aftercare process and how to properly care for your skin after treatment.
The Importance of Aftercare Following a Chemical Peel
Proper aftercare following a chemical peel is essential because the cosmetic treatment removes the outermost layers of your skin, making it temporarily more sensitive and vulnerable things like sun damage. Without the right care, your skin might not heal properly, potentially leading to complications such as infection, scarring, or hyperpigmentation.
What To Do Immediately After A Chemical Peel
Immediately after a chemical peel, whether you receive a superficial treatment or a deep chemical peel, like laser resurfacing, your skin needs special care to ensure proper healing and age-defying results. The first steps you take are critical to help your skin recover and to avoid any potential complications. Below, we’ll cover how to properly wash your face following the procedure and the importance of moisturizing and applying sunscreen.
Proper Washing Instructions
Many times, patients receive superficial chemical peels, where the skin will exfoliate over a few days. During this period, it’s important to wash your face gently to avoid irritation. Use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t dry out the skin. Avoid scrubbing or using hot water while washing, as this can aggravate the sensitive skin that’s already starting to peel.
Apply Moisturizer & Sunscreen
Post chemical peel, the skin typically requires a good moisturizer to maintain hydration as it heals. You should also wear sunscreen daily to protect the skin from harsh sunrays. Whether you’ve had a superficial peel or a deeper treatment, you must avoid direct sun exposure to prevent damage to the newly exposed skin. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from UV rays and to maintain the results of the peel.
Short-Term Care Guidelines
In the days following your chemical peel, your skin will be sensitive, red, and likely starting to peel. At this point in the recovery process, continuing a gentle skincare routine is key to getting the aesthetic results you desire. Whether you had a superficial chemical peel or laser chemical peel, your skin remains vulnerable and needs to be treated with care. Let’s discuss the importance of using gentle cleansers and avoiding direct sunlight during this chemical peel recovery phase.
Use Gentle Cleansers
As your skin heals from a superficial peel, it’s important to stick to gentle cleansers. Harsh products can strip your skin of natural oils and delay the healing process. Using a mild, non-irritating cleanser helps support your skin’s recovery without causing additional stress or damage.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Avoiding direct sunlight is crucial after a chemical peel. The skin is more sensitive to UV rays, which can lead to hyperpigmentation or other complications. Make sure to wear a hat and sunscreen if you need to go outside to protect yourself from heat and sun exposure, no matter what type of chemical peel you get done.
What To Avoid After A Chemical Peel
To ensure your skin heals properly and to avoid any setbacks, it’s important to avoid certain activities and products after a chemical peel. The following chemical peel aftercare tips will help you understand what to avoid, especially when dealing with the delicate state of your skin post-peel.
Swimming & High Temperatures
It’s not recommended to go into pools that have a lot of chlorine, as this can irritate your healing skin. Similarly, avoid exposing your skin to high temperatures, such as in saunas or hot showers, which can increase redness and discomfort during the recovery peeling process compared to cool water.
Intense Exercise & Sweating
For at least a week after your peel, it’s best to avoid intense exercise that causes sweating. Sweating can irritate the skin and potentially lead to infection, so it’s wise to stick to light activities until your skin’s protective barrier has fully healed.
Makeup & Certain Skincare Products
Until your skin has healed, avoid using makeup and skincare products that contain harsh chemicals, alcohol, or fragrances. These products can irritate your sensitive skin and disrupt the healing process. Focus instead on using a gentle moisturizer and sunscreen to keep your skin protected and hydrated.
Managing Side Effects of Chemical Peels
After a chemical peel, it’s normal to experience some side effects as your skin heals and renews itself. Understanding how to manage these effects will help you manage the recovery process smoothly and ensure your skin heals properly. In this section, we’ll discuss how to handle redness and peeling, the importance of proper moisturizing, and why you shouldn’t pick at your skin.
Redness & Peeling
Following a chemical peel, especially a superficial one, your skin is likely to become red and begin peeling within a few days. This is a natural part of the process as your skin exfoliates and regenerates. Normally, with superficial peels, the skin exfoliates over a few days, and you might notice redness during this time. It’s important to let this process happen naturally and to avoid any actions that could irritate your skin further, like picking at your skin, sun exposure, and using harsh products.
Properly Moisturizing Your Face
Moisturizing is key to managing the side effects of a chemical peel. After the peel, your skin requires hydration to support the healing process and to reduce discomfort from dryness. Whether you’ve had a superficial peel or a deeper treatment, applying a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer multiple times throughout the day helps maintain skin hydration and comfort as it heals.
Not Picking At The Skin
As your skin begins to peel, it can be tempting to pick at the flaking areas. However, it’s important to not pick at your skin during the healing process, as this can lead to scarring or infection. Allow your skin to peel naturally ensures that it heals correctly without unnecessary complications.
Long-Term Care: How To Maintain Your Chemical Peel Results
Maintaining the results of your chemical peel requires ongoing care and attention. After your skin has fully healed, it’s important to continue protecting it from the sun with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, as UV exposure can reverse the benefits of the peel and cause hyperpigmentation. Incorporate a gentle skincare routine that includes a mild cleanser and a hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin healthy and glowing.
Regular follow-up treatments, as recommended by your skincare professional, can also help sustain the rejuvenated appearance achieved by the peel. By staying consistent with your skincare regimen, you’ll extend the longevity of your chemical peel results and keep your skin looking its best.
Schedule Your Free Consultation for a Chemical Peel Today!
Choosing Elite Facial Plastic Surgery for your chemical peel ensures that you receive expert care from Dr. Dominic M. Castellano, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in skin rejuvenation. Patients trust Dr. Dominic for his deep understanding of facial anatomy and personalized approach to skincare, ensuring that each treatment is tailored to their unique needs.
Contact us at Elite Facial Plastic Surgery today to schedule your free consultation for a chemical peel in Tampa, FL.
