What To Know About Chemical Peel Expect After Light? Chemical peels are a popular treatment for acne, scarring, and sun damage. One of the most common types of chemical peels is the light chemical peel, which uses a lower concentration of acid to exfoliate the skin.
Chemical peels work by removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of your face and exposing newer, healthier skin underneath. This can improve fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, and overall skin tone. After you get a chemical peel, you might be wondering what to expect after your treatment. Learn more about what you can expect in this blog post!
Chemical peels are done by a dermatologist or other medical aesthetician. Chemical peels expert the outermost layer of the skin called the epidermis. They cause controlled damage which enables the skin to renew itself more quickly and can decrease fine wrinkles, remove blemishes and scars, fade pigmentation, improve sun damage and pre-cancerous lesions, and improve complexion. Read on to learn more Bumpy Texture After Chemical Peel/How To Treat Breakouts After Chemical Peel.
What To Know About Chemical Peel Expect After Light
Also known as superficial peels, these chemical peels require little to no downtime and can easily fit into your daily schedule. VIDA offers PCA, Vitalize, and Rejuvenize light chemical peels to address a wide variety of common skin concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles, poor tone and texture, and hyperpigmentation such as sun damage. Unlike chemical peels of the past, these treatments are so light that while your skin may (or may not!) look a bit sun-kissed after the treatment, you won’t experience any severe peeling that requires hiding away for days after your treatment.
How your skin reacts to light peels depends on numerous factors. Some clients report no flaking at all, while others do notice a touch of flaking 2 – 3 days after their treatment. It’s possible that your skin will feel a little rough in the week after the treatment, but you will still be able to wear makeup and otherwise go about your daily routine. For those new to light chemical peels, it’s a good idea to schedule these treatments 2 weeks before any big event in case you are one of the people who experience peeling.
Planning Your Peel
The three-light peels offered at VIDA are so gentle that they can be used on any skin tone and type—including those with more melanin in their skin. Hypopigmentation, or a lightening of the skin, is not commonly reported with these products. However, if you do have any open wounds (such as from an aggravated acne breakout), you may be advised to wait until the skin is healed before undergoing most aesthetic treatments, including peels.
The other important thing to keep in mind is that since light peels are so gentle, you might need numerous treatments to get the results you want. These treatments are typically spaced about four weeks apart to allow the last peel to conclude any flaking and rejuvenation. The exact number of treatments for you will vary based on your skin, how it reacts to the peels, and your goals. We’ll discuss a treatment plan with you during your consultation or initial appointment.
Many clients also pair light chemical peels with other treatments to optimize results. These treatments might include laser skin rejuvenation, microneedling, or in-office facial treatments. No matter what approach you take, it’s critical to remember that protecting your skin after a chemical peel (or laser!) is paramount since new, younger-looking, more vulnerable skin is being revealed below the surface. In fact, undergoing a series of chemical peels is a great time to reassess your sunscreen regimen and upgrade to medical-grade products (which are available in our online/in-office store).
Preparing for a Chemical Peel
Whether you’re best matched with a PCA, Vitalize, or Rejuvenize peel, little prep work is needed before your appointment. However, do plan to avoid the sun for at least one week after your treatment whenever possible. This means it’s not the best idea to schedule a tropical getaway the day after your appointment. As the “new” skin is revealed, it is more prone to burning and sun damage—and your goal is to keep that younger-looking skin looking as best as possible.
Post-care will be discussed during your appointment, and you will be sent home with medical-grade products on the treated area (including sunscreen). Many clients go back to work or run errands after their appointment, so after care is very feasible. Your skin might feel warm to the touch and look pink, but it will simply look like you caught some sun rays during your lunch break.
SCHEDULING YOUR PEEL
Are you ready to turn back the clock and revitalize your skin? Light peels can be performed just about anywhere, with the most popular sites being the face, neck, chest, and tops of the hands. Get spring-ready with a light peel and remember that consultations are always complimentary at VIDA. Our clinic, led by Medical Director Dr. Glen, is committed to helping you meet and keep the best skin of your life. Learn more about our peels during a consultation, which you can schedule by calling the office or simply by completing the online contact form for the quickest response.
Bumpy Texture After Chemical Peel
Your skin may take on a rough, patchy, darkened quality a few days after this treatment. This is normal and expected and it will resolve on its own. The first areas to peel are usually around the nose and mouth, but can begin anywhere.
What To Expect After A Chemical Peel
Let’s start first by talking about the possible effects of a chemical peel on your skin. In this way, you will be able to know what to expect after a chemical peel and if what is happening to your skin is common or something to be worried about.
First of all, there are side effects that could happen. But do remember that these eventually get better in time.
The side effects should only be mild and short-lived.
Some of the immediate side effects could include redness, burning, tingling, dryness, mild swelling, flaking, peeling, mild breakout, and darkening of the skin. Eventually, your skin will start to get better after a week.
Peeling is the main effect of this procedure. As your skin peels, it may look flaky. It won’t really peel off as a whole but skin will start peeling typically after about 3-5 days after the treatment.
Don’t force the peeling so you don’t damage your skin. Plus, you should know to take care of your skin in this state.
Due to peeling, your skin can be more susceptible to infection. Additionally, it could also be more sensitive to the sun and to irritating substances.
That’s why you should only use mild moisturizers after the procedure.
As your skin is more sensitive due to the peeling, you can expect that there could be redness and hyperpigmentation, especially when exposed to heat.
One way to help your skin after the procedure is to avoid overexertion while exercising and use cooler water to wash the face or take a shower.
What Causes Bumpy Texture After a Chemical Peel
A bumpy texture of the skin is one of the possible results you could have after having a chemical peel. Most of the time, you don’t have to worry about it as it will naturally subside.
However, there may be some cases when you need to consult your dermatologist so that you can avoid the bumpy texture from worsening and causing damage.
Here are a few of the causes of having a bumpy texture after having a chemical peel:
- The Chemical Peel Used
The first reason why you could have a bumpy texture is the chemical that is used for your peeling treatment. There are various formulations and they can combine different ingredients to create the peel solution.
You could be allergic to one or more of the ingredients. This could cause your skin to react negatively to the ingredients and create a bumpy texture.
Sometimes, this bumpy texture can go away on its own but if not, you should really go back to those who did your chemical peeling session.
In order to lessen the risk of negatively reacting to questionable ingredients in your chemical peeling solution, choose to go to a dermatologist for your chemical peel.
If it’s too expensive to do that, we love the Ordinary Peeling Solution!
A Mild Breakout
Sometimes, a chemical peeling treatment can also trigger a mild breakout after the procedure. This is quite common and normal.
There are times when your skin seems to be healthy on the surface but there is actually bacteria underneath. With the acceleration of the turnover of the skin cells due to the chemical peeling procedure, you may experience a breakout.
With the acceleration of the turnover of the skin cells due to the chemical peeling procedure, you may experience a breakout.
This is more common for those who have just started with the chemical peeling treatment. In this stage, it is believed that the skin is undergoing a purging stage.
Along with the breakout or bumpy texture, the skin could also darken. However, you shouldn’t really be alarmed when this happens as it could clear up on its own.
The amount of time it clears up will vary depending on your skin. On average, it may take about 6-8 weeks before your skin clears out.
Possibility Of Milia
In some cases, the bumpy texture could also be due to milia. Milia are inclusion cyst and just like having a mild breakout, this could also appear as part of the healing process after the chemical peeling.
Milia is more common for those who’ve had dermabrasion procedures rather than chemical peels. However, that doesn’t mean that it can’t happen.
Milia can gradually be removed by simply cleansing your skin. In some cases, there might be a need to gently extract them.
Don’t attempt to do this on your own if you are not known because it could further lead to scarring if you make a mistake.
An Infection
Chemical peels should be done by professionals to help lessen the risk of infection. If the skin is contaminated, you could also get a herpes simplex outbreak.
This could come in a form of yellowish bumps that feel painful and are like burning.
What Can You Do About Bumpy Texture After A Chemical Peel?
There are a few things that you can do to your skin if it gets bumpy after a chemical peel. The first and simplest thing to do is nothing at all.
Sometimes, the bumpiness is just part of the healing process and it should just go away on its own.
The first and simplest thing to do is nothing at all.
If you are dealing with milia, it may need to be lanced out using a needle. However, this should be done by a professional to prevent scarring on your face.
Sometimes, the bumps could still persist for more than a month and this is where your dermatologist may recommend you to use retinoic acid to help with the skin texture.
Chemical peels have been around in one form or another for centuries.
They’ve maintained their popularity because they’re so effective, helping to reveal healthy, radiant, youthful-looking skin. But there still seems to be a lot of confusion surrounding how a chemical peel works and what the chemical peel process looks like day by day.
Here’s what you can expect before, during and after your chemical peel treatment.
What is a chemical peel, exactly?
Chemical peels are non-invasive cosmetic procedures that use a combination of powerful, skin-safe acids. These acids work together to break down the top few layers of the epidermis, exfoliating the skin and leaving behind the healthier layers underneath.
The chemical peel process takes anywhere from one to seven days, depending on how “heavy” of a peel you have performed. The chemical peel we offer at Skin Pharm is a medium-depth (or TCA) peel. This peel uses a mix of alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs, including lactic acid and salicylic acid), retinoic acid and trichloroacetic acid to achieve the final results.
What concerns do chemical peels tackle?
Chemical peels are excellent for taking on a variety of skin care concerns, including:
- Chronic sun damage
- Hyperpigmentation (brown spots)
- Melasma
- Scarring
- Acne
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Uneven skin tone or texture
- Large, visible pores
While you’ll start to see results after a single chemical peel, the effects are cumulative, meaning maximum benefits are noticeable after a series of peels.
What should I do to prep for my chemical peel?
The prep for a chemical peel starts with timing. We recommend that you schedule your chemical peel at least two weeks before any major events, as the expected side effects are most noticeable during that period.
You want your skin to be as healthy as possible. A week before your appointment, you should avoid doing anything that irritates your skin. This includes tanning, laser procedures, waxing, using depilatory creams, tweezing and using skin care products with topical retinoids.
If you’re experiencing any rash or viral outbreaks on your face, you may need to reschedule your appointment. Doing a chemical peel with either of those factors can potentially worsen the issue.
How does the chemical peel application work?
Before your chemical peel day-to-day process starts, you’ll need to have your provider apply the treatment. People often have many concerns about what it will feel like to get a peel done and if it’ll hurt. We recommend scheduling a consultation before having a chemical peel to discuss what to expect and answer any questions you may have.
When you arrive at the clinic, the first step is to wash your face. Washing your face removes any layers of dead skin cells, makeup and other debris (like skin care products) that may still be sitting on your skin. The result is a clear surface, ready to accept the peel without any barriers in its way.
(Different skin care practices can perform different depths of chemical peels, and the “deeper” the peel, the more discomfort you are likely to feel.) Skin Pharm’s medium-depth chemical peel isn’t uncomfortable, though — most people describe the sensation as “tingling,” “warm” or “tight.” To help with any potential stinging during the treatment, we provide our patients with a handheld fan, too.
Day one post-chemical peel
After your chemical peel is complete and you leave the office, what should you expect on day one?
You’ll leave the clinic with the peel solution still on your face, and you’ll notice your complexion take on a yellow hue throughout the day. (Not to worry — this means it’s working!) After a few hours, you’ll apply the retinol crème your provider sent you home with.
You might notice some redness and sensitivity as the retinol gets to work. Many people describe the feeling as similar to having a sunburn. However, the telltale peeling that comes with a chemical peel won’t start for another day or so.
WHAT TO AVOID THE DAY OF YOUR CHEMICAL PEEL—
While your skin is still healing, keep a few factors in mind. Your skin is incredibly raw and sensitive, and it needs additional protection. To protect it and maximize your results, you should avoid any strenuous exercise or activities that lead to sweating.
In addition, try to stay out of the sun as much as possible and wear sunscreen (with at least an SPF of 30) if you can’t avoid it entirely.
You’ll also want to avoid letting your skin dry out. Although applying product to raw skin can feel uncomfortable, it needs moisture to heal. Allowing your skin to dry too much can lengthen the healing process and make it more likely that your skin will scab or even scar.
Day two post-chemical peel
Day two of the chemical peel process day to day is where you’ll likely start to see your skin peel. The top layers of your skin are beginning to dehydrate and slough off, and you’ll see this more often start between the eyes and in the corners of the nose and mouth.
Although it may be tempting, resist the urge to help your skin peel manually. Wash your skin gently and follow up with a stronger moisturizer, like Recovery Lotion.
For many people, the redness they experience in the first few days is enough to keep them home from work and social events. Expect that your skin will react this way, and don’t schedule anything significant in the few days directly after your chemical peel.
If you deal with breakouts, you may experience some “purging” of any blemishes present under the surface before your peel. While this isn’t common, it is possible to start with a new retinol skin care product.
Day three and four post-chemical peel
Day three and four are when you will likely experience the worst peeling and flaking. Your skin is most likely to feel uncomfortable these days — and it’s also at its most vulnerable. Follow your provider’s skin care recommendations carefully, as they are designed to help protect your skin and assist it with its natural healing process.
Now, more than ever, your skin needs to be protected. You may even want to wear a sun protective hat along with your sunscreen to make sure your skin stays safe and doesn’t burn. Doing that keeps your healing process moving forward.
Don’t be surprised if you notice more peeling in certain areas of your face than in others. This is normal and doesn’t indicate any problem with your skin’s healing process.
Day seven post-chemical peel
A week after your chemical peel is performed, you’ll finally be able to start seeing your results. This is where all of the flaking, peeling and redness starts to pay off. (Professionals consider the results of a chemical peel permanent, so enjoy that new skin you’re starting to see!)
Depending on how well or quickly your skin is healing, you can usually return to your normal skincare routine a week or so after your chemical peel.
Make sure that your skin is completely done peeling before using any harsher or more abrasive skin care products, as the skin may still be sensitive. When your skin stops feeling as tight and dry, you should be ok to switch back.
Our post-chemical peel skin care routine is excellent for helping your skin to heal, but it isn’t meant for long-term use for most of our patients. Unless you have dry, sensitive skin, prolonged use can lead to breakouts or oily-looking skin.
One week post-chemical peel (and beyond!)
Your skin is far less flaky and sensitive by this point in your chemical peel journey. However, because your skin has gone through a process meant to safely “damage” your skin so that it looks better than ever, there may still be some noticeable healing going on.
More sensitive areas of your skin may start to crust and scab or even have a noticeable color change. Usually, this process is complete around two weeks after your chemical peel. However, some redness may persist for months, especially in hotter weather or when you exercise.
How soon can I get another chemical peel?
Once you start to see results from your chemical peel, you’ll probably be ready to book your next appointment! However, you need to make sure to give your skin enough time to heal before you subject it to other chemical peels. If you have another peel too soon, you risk damaging your skin instead of helping it look its best.
We recommend waiting at least four to six weeks between treatments. On average, most of our patients need between four and six treatments total for optimal results.
To wrap things up…
Knowing the chemical peel process day to day can help you understand what to expect if you decide to perform this game-changing cosmetic treatment. While it may take slightly longer to heal than other cosmetic treatments, the results are permanent and often even more impressive than people expect!
How To Treat Breakouts After Chemical Peel
For those who desire an individualized, effective treatment for skin issues, at Bentley Skincare and Wellness in Springfield, MO, we offer customized chemical peels targeted to your particular skincare need. So, how long does it take to recover from a chemical peel? There are a whole host of skincare issues that people commonly deal with, so the peel that is recommended for you will be based on your specific skin type.
Your skin may be dry, oily, normal, or sensitive. You may struggle with issues such as scarring, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, or aging skin. Whatever your issue, there is a peel that will work for you, and your recovery time will depend on the type of peel you choose. No matter the regimen that is prescribed, however, your treatment will consist of a pre-peel plan, the peel itself, and a post-treatment plan to promote your skin’s healthy recovery.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
In simple terms, a chemical peel consists of applying a peeling agent to your skin. Although the peeling agent may be left on for as few as three to five minutes or as long as up to an hour, depending on the type of peel, it encourages your skin to shed its outer layer over a period of days.
As a result, new skin growth is promoted over a period of days. The skin will now appear more even in texture, and improvements in pigmentation, scarring, fine lines, and wrinkles will be seen. Skin impurities will be drawn out, and overall, you will notice a brighter, fresher, more rejuvenated appearance.
Types of Peels
Since everyone’s skin is different, the type of peel that is recommended for you will vary depending on your skin type and any issues you may be having. There are several types of peels available, some of which contain Jessner’s solution, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), or retinol.
There are also peel alternatives, or masks, that help facilitate the peeling and rejuvenation process as well. While most peels are applied to the face, they can also be used to promote better skin texture on the back, chest, neck, shoulders, and upper arms.
Peels Containing Jessner’s Solution
Formulated decades ago by German-American dermatologist Dr. Max Jessner, peels containing Jessner’s solution have been shown to improve the appearance of all skin types. Peels with Jessner’s solution can reduce dark patches, age spots, scarring, and discoloration as they promote a bright, even skin tone. Overall, the skin will appear refreshed and revitalized.
If your skin is oily or sensitive, a PCA Peel® (Physicians Care Alliance) that is hydroquinone-free may be ideal for you. It has been found to even skin tone while improving skin that is prone to breakouts. For those patients with normal skin, a PCA Peel® with hydroquinone will brighten and rejuvenate skin while removing discoloration.
If your skin is in need of more potent treatment, a PCA Peel® with hydroquinone and resorcinol can improve the skin’s appearance, as it reduces damage due to the sun or scarring due to acne.
Peels Containing TCA
Many peels nowadays contain TCA. Designed for all skin types, including highly sensitive skin, Sensi Peel® is a gentle treatment that promotes improved skin texture and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. For those with mature skin, Ultra Peel® I will also provide brighter, more youthful-looking skin as it minimized lines and wrinkles.
If your skin is rather resilient, the Ultra Peel Forte® may be ideal for you. This potent product brightens and restores while it promotes a younger-looking appearance. Finally, the Smoothing Body Peel® is designed to improve the texture and tone of the thicker skin of your body.
Retinoid Treatments
There are two types of treatments available that contain retinol. The 4% Pure Retinol Peel revitalizes skin as it smooths and brightens by increasing new cell growth.
The Advanced Treatment Booster is designed to promote an increase in exfoliation, all the while soothing and reducing redness in the skin of all types. This particular peel will also restore keratinization, which helps protect skin and acts as a barrier.
Peel Alternatives/Masks
There are several alternative peels or masks from which to choose, and each targets a different skin type. For patients with dry skin, the Therapeutic Oat Milk Mask Treatment is designed to hydrate and soothe dull, dry skin. If your skin tends to stay in the normal range, the Therapeutic Papaya Mask can brighten skin tone, rejuvenate, and refresh.
In addition, several treatments are available for oily skin, all of which detoxify, purify, and calm the skin. The Detox Gel Deep Pore Treatment, the Therapeutic Salicylic Acid Mask, and the Therapeutic Charcoal Mask are all offered by our office.
Before the Peel
Eligibility
Prior to undergoing any sort of chemical treatment, it is imperative that our doctors determine if the peel is right for you. In order to determine eligibility, we need to make sure that you are not breastfeeding or pregnant and have no skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea.
In addition, if you have an outdoor job, a peel might not be appropriate for you, just as those with a history of poor wound healing should probably not undergo such treatment. Finally, if you are receiving treatment for acne, you should avoid a peel while undergoing this treatment.
A Pre-Peel Plan
Once we have taken your medical history and determined that a peel is appropriate for you, we will provide you with a skincare regimen to follow for approximately two to four weeks prior to your peel. This is designed to make your peel more effective.
You may be asked to use retinol or a product containing Retin-A in order to stimulate cell turnover and increase the peel’s ability to penetrate into the skin. Typically, this pre-peel care would stop at least several days before your treatment. Sometimes, no preparation is necessary prior to having a peel: it depends upon the needs of your skin and the peel.
The Peel
After you arrive for your designated appointment, our staff will begin by thoroughly cleaning your skin in order to remove any oil or products that may interfere with the chemicals in the peel. If your face is being treated, your eyes may be covered with gauze or goggles to protect your eyes, and your hair may be pulled back from your face.
Depending on the type of peel that has been recommended for you, our skin care specialist will then apply the peel with gauze, a brush, or a cotton-tipped applicator. At this time, your skin will look frosted and white, and you may notice a tightness or a tingling sensation.
Many peels are removed within three to five minutes after application, and cool compresses or lotion may be applied to help soothe the skin. Other peels are self-neutralizing and may remain on the skin for up to an hour. Because each peel varies, our team will review the specifics of your peel prior to performing any sort of treatment.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Chemical Peel?
The First Day
For the first 24 hours or so after your chemical peel, you will notice that your skin may appear red. This is typical; however, moisturizer can be liberally applied in order to help soothe your skin. Usually, if you have had a medium peel, the shedding begins after those first 24 hours.
The Days After
Your skin will soon begin to appear dry and flaky, but it is best to let this procedure occur naturally and not pick or peel the skin before it is ready to be shed. Peeling skin before it is ready to come off can be counter-productive. After three to four days, most of the peeling should be complete, but it may take anywhere from five to seven days before your fresh, new skin has developed.
Within seven to fourteen days, your skin should be completely healed. If you work in an office or indoor setting, you should require no time off from work after your peel. If you are pleased with the results of your peel, you may even be able to reschedule another one in three to nine months, depending on your skincare condition and goals for your skin.
Peel Aftercare
Moisturize
In order to promote better healing and improve your comfort following a chemical peel, there are several steps that you can take. Immediately after your peel, you may find that ice packs or cool air provide you with a cooler, more comfortable feeling. It is, however, important that you not allow your skin to dry out.
To that end, frequent use of a moisturizer is imperative, and you may find yourself moisturizing ten to twenty times per day. This will allow your skin to continue to peel but will reduce the more obvious flaking that occurs. A moisturizing cleanser may also be recommended by your specialist as well. As previously mentioned, you should also restrict yourself from picking, pulling, or peeling your shedding skin.
Avoid Sun and Heat
Of course, avoiding sun exposure is critical. You should completely avoid the damaging effects of the sun until your skin is entirely healed, and even once it has healed, you should wear a sunscreen at all times in order to protect the new layer of skin.
Extremely hot showers or excessive sweating may also rush the peeling process along too quickly and should be avoided. Since your new skin will be fresh and new, it is important to baby it, especially in the early going.