What To Know About Chemical Peel Recovery Time
Chemical peels have a range of recovery times that are proportional to their intensity and depth. Mild acne, UV damage, and fine wrinkles are all treatable with light peels. Acne scars and other forms of skin discolouration are commonly treated with moderate peels. Wrinkles, UV damage, and scars from acne or burns can all be remedied with a thorough peel.
The time required for skin to return to normal after a chemical peel treatment is dependent on the type of peel used. In most cases, a week is required for full recovery after mild chemical peels. Full healing from a moderate peel takes about two weeks. The recovery time for a deep chemical peel is typically around three weeks.
Treated areas take about seven to 14 days to heal after a medium chemical peel, but redness might last for months. After a deep chemical peel, you’ll experience severe redness and swelling. You’ll also feel burning and throbbing, and the swelling may even make your eyelids swell shut .Read on to learn more about medium chemical peel recovery time and chemical peel gone wrong.
What To Know About Chemical Peel Recovery Time
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.
A Quality Complexion
Since there are so many skincare products and treatments available today, it is important to begin with a visit to the dermatologist to determine the treatment that is best for you. Because skin types will vary, just as skincare issues differ from person to person, only a qualified professional can assess your skin and determine the best plan for your skin.
Remember that even among chemical peels, there are a wide variety of treatment options. Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or normal skin, there is a peel available to treat your skin, and within a matter of days, your skin will be on the path to improvement. Once our dermatologists have met with you, examined your skin, and determined your skincare needs, we can then proceed with the peel that is just right for you.
Chemical Peel Gone Wrong
Chemical peels are mostly harmless, however, there can be some side effects.
After any chemical peel, you can expect your skin to be red, tight, irritated, and slightly swollen. That doesn’t necessarily classify as chemical peel gone wrong. What’s important is to differentiate between what’s normal and to be expected, and what’s something you should start worrying about.
Pain and Burning
Pain and burning commonly occur in patients with sensitive skin. It can last up to 5 days after the treatment until re-epithelialization (the old skin peeling off and new skin emerging underneath) is over.
Upping this risk is prolonged sun exposure, especially without sunscreen. The use of topical retinoids and glycolic acid can also cause burning, so make sure to avoid these and similar ingredients.
Redness
After each peel, some level of redness is to be expected. Normally, it should disappear within 3-5 days after the light chemical peel, 15-30 days after the medium, and 60-90 days after the deep peel. If your redness persists longer than that, it can be a sign of potential scarring.
Additionally, redness can be caused by the usage of topical tretinoin, contact dermatitis, contact sensitization, and genetic susceptibility or pre-existing skin disease.
Frosting
During a chemical peel, some spots of the treated skin can turn white. This is called frosting, and it indicates that the acids penetrated deep into the skin. It’s normal, and it usually means that the peeling will be most intense in those spots.
Temporary Hyperpigmentation and Hypopigmentation
A chemical peel can cause hyperpigmentation (darkened skin) and hypopigmentation (patches of lighter skin).
Superficial peels are the more common cause of hyperpigmentation while deep peels are more likely to be the cause of hypopigmentation. Both are more common in darker skin tones and in the jaw-neck region.
These changes are mostly temporary but can become permanent, if not treated adequately.
Swelling
This risk is more associated with medium and deep peels, but it can happen in superficial peels when the person has thin, dry, or damaged skin. It occurs within 24-72 hours of the treatment. Swelling resolves on its own as time passes but you can speed up the recovery process by applying ice.
Itching
Itching is common after both superficial and deep peels, but it can also occur after the resurfacing of new, regenerated skin. Itching is a normal part of the recovery process, however, if it is excessive it might be from dermatitis or infection.
Breakouts
Breakouts can happen during the first few weeks of the healing period, mostly in people who have thicker skin. Milia (tiny white bumps), pimples, and even cysts can form due to skin congestion. These breakouts usually resolve on their own but in some cases, gentle (and sterile!) extraction may be necessary.
There might also be some texture changes. Post-peel, you may experience the temporary appearance of enlarged pores or wrinkled skin.
Image source: Instagram @gizembektasbeautycente
Chemical Peel Risks
When done improperly, a chemical peel can result in some complications, mainly scarring, blisters, burns, infection, and some other adverse reactions. The best way to avoid the majority of these risks is to go to a licensed professional.
Here are the most common chemical peels risks.
Scarring
Scarring happens rarely and it can be handled with the use of antibiotics and steroid medications. It usually occurs if the peel was too intense for your skin or if you are disrupting the proper recovery by ripping off the peeling skin.
Blisters
Blisters can be caused by deeper peels.
Sensitive areas such as the nasolabial fold and areas surrounding your mouth and eyes are especially at risk of blistering. It is also more common for younger people, but also those that have loose skin around the eyes.
Blistering is usually expected to crust over and heal on its own, but if it doesn’t, there is a point after which you should go to the doctor (usually after 2 weeks have passed).
Adverse Reactions
Adverse reactions are usually in the form of an allergic reaction or an irritation. Both forms cause itching, swelling, blistering, skin burning, and pain.
Depending on the severity of your reaction, a doctor might prescribe you topical steroids or even oral medication if the reaction is very severe.
It’s important to note you should not try to treat the reaction by yourself, at home. There is a chance of making the reaction even worse and causing permanent damage to your skin.
Chemical Burns
A chemical burn is essentially a severe inflammation and irritation of the skin after one or more layers have been destroyed.
At the site of contact, you may experience redness, pain, irritation, burning, or numbness. If it’s severe, then symptoms can also include blisters and blackened, dead skin cells.
Inhalation of Chemicals
Chemical peeling should be done in a well-ventilated room. Inhaling the chemical can cause shortness of breath and coughing.
Infection
After its top layer has been removed, the skin is very sensitive to external influences, which enhances the chances of contracting bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. It can also cause various flare-ups – especially cold sores.
The years of active breakouts may be behind you, but breaking up with acne is hard to do. Pimples may disappear, but all too often they leave behind an unfriendly reminder of their visit — acne scars.
Acne scars detract from your overall complexion, making many adults feel self-conscious about the way they look. Acne scars are stubborn, and home remedies, like over-the-counter bleaching agents, won’t do the trick. The good news is that acne scars are now treatable.
At Dontage Premier Aesthetic Anti-Aging Specialists in Falls Church, Virginia, we understand the frustration acne scars bring. Skin care specialist Waseem Garbia, PA-C, and his medical team provide warm, personalized care that’s customized to meet your unique skin care needs.
If you’re like most people with acne scars, you’ve done your research and know two top treatments that work to reduce facial scarring are chemical peels and microneedling. But it’s hard to know which is better for acne scars.
Read on to understand the difference between chemical peels and microneedling, and figure out which is better for your acne scars.
medium chemical peel recovery time
Treated areas take about seven to 14 days to heal after a medium chemical peel, but redness might last for months. After a deep chemical peel, you’ll experience severe redness and swelling. You’ll also feel burning and throbbing, and the swelling may even make your eyelids swell shut.
Chemical peels remove the outlet layer(s) of the skin by applying peeling agents which destroy skin cells and cause peeling. The subsequent peeling is what scares clients most about chemical peels, but we’re here to assure you it’s nothing to be afraid of.
So we’ve prepared a detailed guide on the day-by-day chemical peel process, along with pictures and tips on how to care for your skin at every stage. Let’s go through it!
Table of contents – Skip to a specific paragraph
- What’s Chemical Peel Recovery Like?
- Chemical Peel Recovery Time
- Day by Day Chemical Peel Recovery
- Body Chemical Peel Healing Process
- Chemical Peel Aftercare
- How Much Peeling Is Normal During Chemical Peel Recovery?
- Day by Day Chemical Peel Recovery – Main Takeaways
What’s Chemical Peel Recovery Like?
It’s really not as bad as it’s portrayed to be. Your skin will go through some initial side effects like redness or mild irritation, and it’ll start peeling within 48-72 hours after the treatment. The flaking should end within 5 days of when it started, and new, better skin will be revealed underneath.
The intensity of the side effects and the flaking depends on the intensity of the peel. Chemical peels can be:
- Light – only the upper layers of the epidermis are affected
- Medium-depth – the epidermis and sometimes the upper layer of the dermis are affected
- Deep – deeper layers of the dermis are affected. This is an intense treatment and the only version which entails actual downtime.
The stronger the peel is, the more flaking there will be. Deep peels entail a strict care routine and may require you to stay home for a few days. With light and medium-depth peels, you can go business as usual, with some adjustments to your routine.
Chemical Peel Recovery Time
In general, the chemical peel healing time lasts up to 14 days. Depending on the intensity of the peel, it can end sooner, but it’s important to follow the aftercare instructions for the full 2 weeks.
The initial side effects will likely go away sooner, but the recovery processes which we don’t see also need time.
Light chemical peel recovery time may be as short as 7 days. Deep chemical peel recovery time can last much longer than the 2-week mark, for example, redness can last for weeks or even months.
Day by Day Chemical Peel Recovery
The first stage of the chemical peel healing process implies minor side effects which some clients don’t even experience. Then, the peeling stage can be expected around day 3, and it lasts for up to 5 days. Finally, all the affected skin flakes off and you’re left with glowing, improved skin.
But let’s go through each stage of healing chemical peel day by day.
Day 1 – Some Redness and Possible Frosting
Redness is a common side effect of a chemical peel. For the rest of the day after your chemical peel, you can expect the skin to look flushed – this is completely normal. If you have plans for the day, you can go through with them as long as you keep the treated area away from sunlight.
Certain types of chemical peels cause the so-called frosting effect – you will get white patches on your skin and it’ll look a bit weird.
Sensations of light tingling, aching or throbbing are common.
On the other hand, there are also peels with a prolonged effect, where the peeling agent isn’t removed at the end of the appointment, but rather left on for a few extra hours and you’re supposed to wash it off at some point.
In the case of deep peels, a protective dressing may be applied and you might be instructed to spend the rest of the day at home.
How to Care for Your Skin
In general, you’ll be instructed not to do anything to your skin for a while, let’s say 6 hours. After that, you’ll probably need to wash the skin with cool to lukewarm water only – no cleanser – and moisturize it generously with a product prescribed by your practitioner. Apply SPF on top.
If you feel any discomfort, you can probably apply a cool compress, but check with your practitioner just to be safe.
Day 2 – Some Discomfort
Your skin may still look reddish. It may start feeling dry and tight, kind of like a sunburn. Some peels may start flaking as soon as day 2, however most don’t start peeling until day 3.
How to Care for Your Skin
You can apply your moisturizer whenever your skin starts feeling tight. Wash it with cool to lukewarm water as instructed. You will probably be allowed to wear makeup, but check with your practitioner. Wear your SPF.
Day 3 – Peeling Starts
In most cases, this is the point when the skin starts flaking.
If the treated area is the face, the flaking usually starts around the mouth, as this is the part of the face that moves the most and skin starts cracking as a result. It will gradually spread outwards, and may go as far as under your jawline, into your hairline, and some flaking may even occur on your earlobes.
How to Care for Your Skin
The most important thing at this point is not picking at the flakes of skin or pulling at them. The peeling can get quite intense and your skin may slough off in large chunks, but you must refrain from ripping them off. The flakes have to fall off on their own, or you risk discoloration and scarring.
What you can do, though, is cut off the larger flakes with sterile scissors, as long as you don’t pull.
Keep washing and moisturizing the skin as instructed, but only use dabbing motions – no rubbing. Wear your SPF. Try to refrain from wearing makeup – it will make the flaking look more prominent.
Day 4 – More Peeling
Day 4 will bring about even more flaking. For some, this is the most intense day and it can get scary. Don’t worry – large flakes are expected.
How to Care for Your Skin
The same as day 3 – no picking at the flakes, keep the skin moisturized and clean it with water. Wear your SPF.
Days 5-14
The pace at which the skin peels is individual and it depends on how intense the peel was. You can expect major peeling to last for 2-5 days from when it started, and some minor peeling may be visible for a bit longer than that.
In general, you can consider your chemical peel recovery completely over around day 14.
How to Care for Your Skin
Keep up with the prescribed aftercare routine until all peeling stops. Once it does, you can go back to your normal routine more or less, but keep wearing SPF for an additional few weeks. The protective barrier for your skin has been compromised and it’s very susceptible to sun damage.
Your Skin After the Chemical Peel Recovery
Once all of the dead skin is shed, the skin revealed underneath will be smoother, more even in tone, look younger, clearer and glowing. Its texture has been improved.
How significant an improvement you get depends on the intensity of the peel.
If you haven’t achieved the desired results yet, you can get another session after a few weeks, depending on how intense the last peel was.
A chemical peel resurfaces your skin through the use of a chemical solutions applied to the skin. As the chemicals react on your skin, they exfoliate the top layer, causing it to eventually peel off, leaving room for new, smoother skin to grow.
There are three basic types of chemical peel treatments, and each type has different effects and different time required to heal. The choice of peel depends on the results you’re seeking.
Superficial peels use a milder acid and generally work best on mild discoloration. Medium-level peels penetrate the outer and middle layers of skin to lessen the appearance of imperfections, such as age spots and wrinkles. Deep chemical peels penetrate far into the middle layers and remove damaged skin cells for more dramatic results.
Waseem and the team at Dontage will evaluate your skin to ensure you receive the best peel for your unique needs.
WHAT IS MICRONEEDLING?
Microneedling uses tiny needles to micro-puncture the skin. This nonsurgical procedure works by increasing collagen production in the punctured areas.
Collagen, a naturally-occurring protein made by the body, is the key ingredient in keeping your skin looking young, firm, and smooth. As we age, collagen production naturally declines. In addition, collagen production can be prematurely stunted when the skin is injured and then scarred, as with scars caused by acne.
Microneedling is safe to use on all skin types and is a safe and effective way to treat scars and other skin imperfections like wrinkles, sun spots, large pores, and more. Most patients find it to be pain free and experience dramatic results.
Microneedling isn’t a one-and-done treatment, however. Multiple treatments are generally required for optimal results. Waseem will evaluate your skin and recommend the right number of treatments for you. Most patients receive between 4-6 treatments, but each patient’s needs are different.
WHICH IS BETTER FOR ACNE SCARS?
Both chemical peels and microneedling will improve the appearance of your skin. Chemical peels generally work best on superficial imperfections, while microneedling penetrates deeper to improve more troublesome issues.
Many people with acne scars find a combination of microneedling and chemical peels deliver the best results. Microneedling will reach deeper under the skin to promote healing of scarred areas. Once the microneedling treatments are complete, a chemical peel can rejuvenate your skin further, leaving you with clearer, younger-looking skin.
No one treatment fits everyone’s needs. It’s important to meet with skincare professionals, like Waseem and the team at Dontage, to determine which is best for you.
HOW CAN I GET STARTED?
If you’re ready to say goodbye to your acne scars, be sure to seek treatment from certified professionals. With 16 years of professional experience, Waseem can recommend the right treatments to give you the clear, healthy skin you deserve.
Ready to take the first step in reducing the appearance of acne scars? Contact Waseem and the team at Dontage by phone or request an appointment online today.
Microneedling and chemical peel same day
Acne is difficult to overcome. Even after the pimples have disappeared, scars often remain a bitter reminder that we once suffered from this affliction. These scars cause the skin to look uneven, which in turn can lead to many insecurities. Home remedies or whitening creams usually do not work, so it is necessary to resort to professional dermatological treatments.
Professionals recommend treatments such as chemical peelings and micro-needling to eliminate these marks on the skin. These treatments are highly beneficial both in combination and separately. The question is, can you do a chemical peeling after micro-needling? Keep reading to find out, but first, we will explain both processes separately.
What is micro-needling, and how does it work?
Microneedling is a non-surgical procedure in which the skin receives small punctures with the help of a radiofrequency device with microscopic needles or tools like derma-rollers and derma-pens. This treatment is painless, and the micro-punctures heal almost instantly.
In microneedling, the punctures are made at the superficial level of the skin to stimulate and raise collagen production and increase elasticity in those specific areas. That promotes rejuvenation and reduction of scars, expression lines, flaccidity, and sunspots, resulting in a firmer, smoother, and younger appearance.
This treatment works on all skin types safely and with optimal results. Note that a single session is not enough, and the number of treatments required may vary for each patient, although usually between 3 and 6 sessions are performed. Even so, results show from the first session.
What is a chemical peeling, and how does it work?
Chemical peeling is a non-surgical procedure that consists of applying a chemical agent directly on the skin in the face, neck, and other body parts. With this powerful treatment, dead cells are exfoliated to stimulate new cells that will give the skin a smoother and younger appearance.
Chemical peels use a solution that “peels off” the top layers of the skin to improve its texture and appearance while diminishing acne marks, wrinkles, sun damage, blemishes, and redness.
There are superficial, medium, and deep peels, each indicated depending on the desired effect. All of them have a different healing time, and their application will depend on the evaluation of a dermatologist for each patient.
Can you do a chemical peeling after micro-needling?
Absolutely. Combining both techniques will improve the appearance of the skin internally and externally. It is recommended to perform the chemical peel first as this removes all the dead and old layers of skin.
After about 4 to 6 weeks, when the skin have recovered from the peeling, you can start micro-needling sessions to finish improving the most problematic areas.
Some people who have suffered from very severe acne do the treatment in reverse, attending the micro-needling sessions first to start the collagen production. That way, when the deep peeling is done, the skin heals better and has a more even tone.
In either case, it is essential to consult with certified skincare professionals who will recommend the ideal treatments to give your skin the aspect you have always wanted.