What To Use On Face After Chemical Peel When applied to the skin, lactic acid aids in exfoliation by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together and stimulating the skin’s own exfoliation mechanisms. Hyperpigmentation (also known as dark patches) and acne scars can thus be effectively treated with this. Because it has anti-bacterial properties, it can help prevent breakouts and speed up the healing of existing pimples more quickly than competing products. Petroleum jelly can be used on peeling skin for the first few days after a deep peel, or as needed. Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer like AveenoR, VanicreamR, CetaphilR, or CeraVeR when you notice your skin peeling so that it can heal and return to normal. Read on to learn more on removing dead skin after chemical peel and skin looks worse after chemical peel. Think of how a chemical peel may help with your pigmentation, wrinkles, and scars all at once! In truth, chemical peels are really effective at doing just that. However, after one or more treatments, your skin will look noticeably younger, smoother, and brighter. The success of a chemical peel relies on the type of peel used, the depth to which it is applied, and the care with which the skin is handled afterwards. Today, we’ll walk you through the fundamentals of chemical peel aftercare, from what to eat to what to avoid, so that you can recover from your treatment with confidence. What to Do Following a Chemical Peel Your doctor will go over aftercare instructions with you to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results from the operation. The following advice is applicable to anyone undergoing a chemical peel. The 5 Must-After Do’s a Chemical Peel Wear Sunscreen After a chemical peel, your skin will be more sensitive to sunlight. It could become inflamed if left out in the sun for too long. Applying sunscreen after a chemical peel is especially important because it helps strengthen the skin’s protective barrier while it is still vulnerable. If you spend any time near a window or outside, you should always have it on you. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF is what you should use. When it comes to sun protection for all skin types, including sensitive, Elta MD UV Pure is an excellent option for patients after a chemical peel treatment. If you have sensitive skin, follow the advice above and use items that won’t aggravate it. Choose mild, soap-free, water-based moisturizers and cleansers. Stay away from retinol, exfoliants, and anything else that could irritate your skin. To keep your skin clean and hydrated following the treatment, your doctor may suggest using a mild cleanser and moisturizer. The staff at Vibrant Skin Bar recommends using SkinMedica’s Facial Cleansing because it doesn’t dry up the skin. All skin types can benefit from the cleanser’s calming and soothing ingredients. 5 – Hydrate After a chemical peel, your skin will be drier than usual and will require more hydration. After a deep peel, your doctor may advise you to use a thick cream. Replenish Hydrating Cream is ideal since it deeply moisturizes and calms sensitive skin after mild or moderate peels. Your skin’s natural barrier is strengthened by using a moisturizer. Use it multiple times a day, or if your skin feels particularly tight and you want to relax it. Look for light hydrating mists that you may spray on your face throughout the day without tugging at your skin if you feel like you need some more hydration. The antioxidants in Osmosis MD Infuse Nutrient Activation Mist help restore moisture to the skin. Six Things You Shouldn’t Do After Getting a Chemical Peel The skin is vulnerable to more damage if you peel, touch, pick, or scratch it following a chemical peel. To avoid problems, use a moisturizer and let the skin shed normally. Avoid Scrubbing Your Skin It is recommended to wait around a week after a medium peel before returning to your regular skincare routine. It will take more time for a thorough peel to repair your skin fully. Avoid Any Further Cosmetic Procedures Sun-damaged skin can be restored to its former glory with the help of chemical peels. This method of therapy lightens hyper-pigmentation, evens out skin tone, and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. If you want the finest results from your chemical peel, it’s just as vital to have a strong strategy for thereafter. POST-PEEL CHEMICAL HYGIENE Third, apply moisturizer, but don’t use too much. For the first few days after treatment, we recommend using very little or no moisturizer. Your SkinSpirit aesthetician will explain how to properly apply the aftercare moisturizer provided to you at the time of your procedure. Aquaphor, which can be purchased at any drug store, is the only option for certain people because it does not cause skin irritation. Be gentle when applying moisturizer to the skin, and avoid rubbing or scrubbing it in. Spread a light layer of moisturizer over your entire body and repeat as necessary throughout the day. Usually, a week after getting a chemical peel, your skin will be finished peeling and no longer feel irritated, at which point you can resume your regular skincare routine. SPF 4: Sunscreen For Your Face You should always wear some sort of protective covering over your freshly brightened skin when you spend time near a window, outside, or in front of a screen. Pick a broad-spectrum physical sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher; your skin will thank you later. Applying sunscreen to skin that is already too sensitive might be difficult, so we suggest Colorescience Sunforgettable Complete Protection Brush-On Shield. Our clinics in the Bay Area, Orange County, Salt Lake City, Texas, and the Seattle Area all offer free product consultations, and we may provide personalized suggestions during your visit. Let It Peel, No. 5 Jan Marini Skin Zyme and Clean Zyme, both of which contain mild enzymes that soften and melt away dead skin, are the perfect post-peel exfoliating pair. Everything from Clarisonic to face scrubs to retinol to exfoliating acids to be avoided You shouldn’t use a brush on your skin until the shedding process has ended, which can take up to a week following treatment. 6. Lighten Up When the dead skin starts to shed, avoid touching, picking or scratching it with your fingers. Let the dead skin shed off naturally, and don’t peel the skin off with your own fingers – using fingers to remove the dead skin can lead to possible scarring. So you’ve decided to get a chemical peel. Before considering a chemical peel, it’s best to have a consultation to ensure that you are a good candidate for this treatment. If you are lactating, pregnant or think you may be pregnant, chemical peels are contraindicated. . For those of you who are on autoimmune therapies or products, we caution against the use of these medications for 2 days prior to treatment. It is important that you speak to your specialist regarding pausing the use of autoimmune therapies or products for 2 days. It is also extremely important to inform the doctor or the skincare professional of any medication or ingredient allergies you have. Pre Chemical Peel: Post Chemical Peel Just as there are precautions to take before a chemical peel, there are steps to take afterward for the best potential results. Depending on the chemical peel, the amount of layers, and the depth of the chemical peel, you may have mild to significant shedding on day 3 post-peel. Skin dryness and tightness may occur. Even with a superficial peel, it is usual to experience flaking and peeling three days after treatment. Due to the short recovery time of superficial peels, you may not experience any shedding. It would be lovely if the reflection in the mirror told me I was the fairest of them all, but my insecurities (ahem, acne scars) say otherwise. However, I’m aware that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having acne scars; in fact, many modern women celebrate their unique imperfections. However, for the benefit of those who are interested, or even mildly curious, I have conducted extensive research and consulted with leading skincare professionals to learn everything I can about removing acne scars. Chemical peels may be the most effective tool for reducing and even eliminating acne scars from the skin’s surface, though there are preventative measures we can take to prevent acne scars from forming, such as washing our faces daily, controlling oil buildup in our pores, and not picking at blemishes once they appear. It’s mild on the skin but effective against scars. Read on to find out all the information you need about the use of chemical peels in the treatment of acne scars. A Chemical Peel: What Is It? A Chemical Peel’s Many Rewards Enhances coloration The benefits of peels for acne-prone skin include “the improvement in comedonal acne,” or acne caused by clogged pores and oily skin, and “a slight improvement in texture for shallow-depth boxcar scars over time,” as described by dermatologist Dr. MacGregor. She goes on to say “In comparison to laser and energy devices, the recovery profile of more vigorous peeling has decreased in popularity, despite the fact that it can greatly alleviate acne scars (the latter having a better ratio of improvement to downtime). Sometimes, a stronger peeling chemical is applied directly to the core of deeper scars, a spot treatment commonly referred to as the cross approach.” Steps to Do Before Getting a Chemical Peel She elaborates on retinoids, saying “Just let your doctor know if you use [them] regularly, and don’t make any changes in the days leading up to the peel. Although retinoids thicken the epidermis, they are also peeling agents, so some argue that a peel will be more effective if you use them. Users of retinoids really have a thicker epidermal (skin’s outermost layer) of healthy cells. If you’re planning on getting a professional peel, it’s best to let the technician know about your retinoid use and the potency of your retinoids a few weeks in advance.” Lastly, “Don’t wax right before getting a peel. Peel pads and solutions can be done at home, but it’s important to start slowly and work up to more frequent use. Always perform a spot test before applying a new product “, MacGregor suggests. The Procedure: What to Expect From a Chemical Peel Darden performs chemical peels in her studio using gentle acids like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic, rather than going to a clinic. Doft extols the benefits of a chemical peel for the treatment of acne and the prevention of acne scars. She explains that “chemical peels, both at home and in the clinic, can be useful in curing acne.” “Professional peels used in dermatologist offices are more potent than ones you may buy at the drugstore. When used, they peel off the top layer of skin, which helps clear out pores and refines the skin’s texture. Acne scars and black spots can be lightened or eliminated with their help.” The VI Peel is one of her go-to treatments for problematic and aged skin at her clinic. Medium-strength peels like this one are great for treating hyperpigmentation and light acne scarring. abnormal darkening (hyperpigmentation) or lightening (hypopigmentation) of the skin (hypopigmentation). After a superficial peel, hyperpigmentation is more common, while a deep peel is more likely to cause hypopigmentation. 4 pages to read The most common worry people have after getting a chemical peel is that their skin would look worse in the days following the procedure. But does that imply they’ll forever have damaged skin? No. Before you start to see the change, your skin will be a peeling disaster as it goes through the exfoliation and regeneration process. We won’t sugarcoat it; this treatment will help, but it won’t be nice. Let’s take a look at what happens during and after a chemical peel, and why your skin could really look worse as a result. When administered properly, chemical peels are a fast, effective, and safe face rejuvenation therapy that can even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of scars, age spots, and other imperfections. You should know that a chemical peel can cause some short-term discomfort, but that it typically subsides within a week. Nonetheless, they cause some…interesting… skin changes during the healing process. Read our comprehensive guide to chemical peels to find out more about the process. How a chemical peel affects the skin and whether or not complications emerge depend on how deeply the chemical penetrates the epidermis. Complications can be broken down into “immediate” and “delayed” skin reactions, both of which manifest at different times. Discomfort, heat, and itchiness Instagram user @shelbys serenity is the image’s creator. These are extremely typical. Where exactly does a healthy skin reaction become a damaged skin reaction? The risk of hyperpigmentation increases with peel depth, but the risk of hypopigmentation decreases. The body’s normal reaction to an injury is discoloration. Melanin, a protein responsible for the skin’s pigmentation, is produced at a higher rate as part of the body’s defensive response. Melasma could get worse after using chemical peels. For this reason, neglecting to apply sunscreen after a chemical peel might make the problem much worse. Photo credit goes to Instagram user @zenamedical. Tiny, red bumps that can be painful to the touch may appear as a result. Your skin may look worse after a chemical peel because of the pimples and the accompanying whiteheads and blackheads. It’s crucial that you refrain from picking at these imperfections. Leaving your skin alone speeds up the elimination process. Can Acne Scars Be Made Worse By Chemical Peels? Scars will be more evident on those with darker skin because the epidermis of people with darker skin tones produces more melanin. Insert Link Can Wrinkles Get Worse After a Chemical Peel? However, as your skin heals, it will become dry and fine lines may become more pronounced. This is more pronounced on people with darker skin tones, particularly after a medium-depth peel. When Does Your Skin Start to Look Better? The peeling process begins soon after the operation, typically 48 hours later. It’s best if you don’t rush it or interrupt. Don’t force your skin to shed its dead cells prematurely; instead, give it time to recover naturally. You might expect your skin to be dry and flaking. Your skin will have a fresher, more youthful appearance. As is customary with this method, the skin will initially appear worse before it begins to improve. Does Chemical Peeling Ever Cause Permanent Skin Damage? Alpha-Hydrating Peel Pads, $11.00, by Skinbetter® However, MacGregor does suggest using “Skinbetter Alpharet peel pads once or twice weekly for blackheads, pigment, smooth texture, and glow,” despite her earlier statement that “No at-home peel products will work for acne scars.” Pads, Topix Glycolix Elite 20% (60 ct): $32.00 These peel pads are a favorite of MacGregor’s, and there is a range of strengths available. By gently exfoliating and hydrating, they claim to treat skin issues like enlarged pores, acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. (Editor’s note: Retinol is recommended for minimizing the appearance of acne scars between chemical peels, when the skin is not preparing for or recovering from exfoliation. 5 For Darden, “I highly recommend Retinol Reform for minimizing the appearance of acne scars and preventing the formation of new scars. It encourages cell renewal, which in turn lessens wrinkles, scars, and acne.” Byrdie editors love this retinol because of its powerful yet gentle formula, which promises to clear and smooth the skin. Adverse Effects Aftercare After a peel, she suggests waiting at least 48 hours before washing your face “using a mild cream or milky cleanser rather than a product with foaming action. Avoid using loofah mitts or rough paste cleansers, as well as any products that contain abrasives or physical scrubbing modalities. Skinmedica TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream ($72) and Cerave Moisturizing Cream ($15) are two examples of mild cleansers and physical sunscreens, and you should also make sure to drink plenty of water and use a mild, hydrating moisturizer. The next day, you may be able to use mild active topicals, but you should test them on your compromised or laser-treated skin first. Examples would include Skinbetter Alto Defense Serum ($160) and Skinceuticals C E Ferulic ($169).” MacGregor notes, “Intense peeling may call for ointments until the outer layer of cells recovers (epithelialization) and has a whole other list of post-care requirements.” Again, it’s best to reach out to your doctor. The Final TakeawayWhat To Use On Face After Chemical Peel
Each patient’s chemical peel is designed specifically for their skin and its needs. Since each treatment is unique in terms of its intensity and depth of penetration, it also comes with unique aftercare instructions.
Because chemical peels involve the use of acid solutions, it is important to have the procedure performed by a doctor who is board certified in dermatology. Knowledge and experience in the medical field is required. Carefully following your doctor’s post-treatment skin care instructions will help keep your skin healthy and your treatment effective. They are the most knowledgeable about your skin’s condition and how to maximize the benefits of the chemical peel.
Chemical peels leave the skin extremely vulnerable. Both hot and cold water can be irritating to the skin. When washing your face, use cool or lukewarm water to keep your skin from getting irritated.
No Picking, Rubbing, or Poking 1.
After getting most cosmetic treatments, medical professionals advise patients to avoid touching or pressing on the treated skin. Peeling of the outer layers of skin is a side effect of chemical peels, which also exposes raw, sensitive skin. Patients may feel frustrated and tempted to pick at the peeling skin.
You’ve already used a chemical peel to exfoliate your skin. Now that the skin’s surface has been renewed, any more exfoliation will simply irritate and harm the skin by removing its protective barrier. Light and medium peels require you to wait about a week before exfoliating the skin again.
Make simple skincare your new standard beauty practice. Following a chemical peel, it’s recommended that you use only mild cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen. Don’t use anything too heavy or containing irritating chemicals like retinol.
Wait roughly two weeks before getting another cosmetic treatment to avoid causing excessive damage to sensitive skin. Waxing, Botox, dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, and other similar procedures might be considered abrasive and should be avoided around the eyes and lips.
Stay out of the hot sun, tanning beds, saunas, and hot tubs. A chemical peel’s healing period might be lengthened by excessive heat and sweating, which can irritate the skin and lead to infection.
Stay away from saunas for the same reason you should stay away from intense workouts. Physical exertion raises core body temperature and heart rate, both of which might amplify your chemical’s negative effects.Removing Dead Skin After Chemical Peel
If you want your chemical peel results to last, follow these aftercare guidelines.
The purpose of a chemical peel is to remove the dead and damaged outer layers of skin to expose the younger, more vibrant layer beneath. Don’t pick at it, scratch it, or otherwise disturb the shedding dead skin. Don’t risk scarring by peeling the dead skin off with your fingertips; instead, give it time to fall off on its own.
Wearing a hair band to keep hair away from the face can reduce the likelihood of breakouts caused by touching the skin. You should let your skin naturally peel without touching it or interfering with the process by doing things like brushing your hair back. New skin is more susceptible to clogging and breakouts if touched by filthy fingers and hands. Don’t try to treat your own acne if outbreaks arise! Leave them alone or have your aesthetician deal with them.
Your skin will be more delicate after a chemical peel. It’s possible that some of the items in your regular skin care routine contain substances that are too strong for your sensitive skin. During the peeling process, the only things you should put on your skin are sunscreen and enough of a neutral-scented moisturizer to feel at ease. Your moisturizer won’t help because dryness is a natural part of the peeling process.
If you’ve recently had a chemical peel to remove damaged skin, you should take extra precautions to preserve the new, delicate skin that’s emerging by wearing sunscreen whenever you go outside.
During the peeling process, refrain from rubbing, peeling, or pulling off any of the dry, dead skin. As soon as your skin is no longer hypersensitive, you can exfoliate safely.
Now is a good time to come in for a consult and get a custom home care regimen to maintain your newly brightened skin! You want to be sure to have a great antioxidant, which is your first line of defense against free radicals each and every day.
Removing Dead Skin After Chemical Peel
Small whiteheads may appear, but rest assured that this is NOT A BREAKOUT.
After a chemical peel, people with lighter skin tones may experience some slight redness.
Avoid picking at the flaking skin or peeling. The skin needs to shed on its own accord. Hyperpigmentation is caused by picking at the flaking skin.
Please use the post-procedure kit provided by your doctor or skincare professional for 3–5 days, or until flaking has stopped, to help reduce the severity of peel side effects.
The treated regions should not be cooled with ice or water. Makeup should be avoided on the day of treatment to allow the skin to settle and recover.
You shouldn’t consume alcohol, work out, use a hot tub, steam room, sauna, hot shower spray, swim, or point a hair drier at the treated region during the first 48 hours after getting a chemical peel. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by overheating inside.
The golden rule is to stay out of the sun and away from hot environments. Just as you did before your peel, keep applying a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Use a barrier-forming moisturizer to maintain healthy skin moisture levels. It should be applied twice daily, or more often if necessary, to minimize flaking.
You shouldn’t have electrolysis, wax your face, or use depilatories for five days after getting a chemical peel.
For ten days after a peel, you should not use retinols or glycolic acids.
For 7-10 days, refrain from mechanical exfoliation of your face with scrubs, loofahs, exfoliating sponges, etc.
Avoid tanning beds for two weeks after surgery.
Acne medication like tretinoin, Retin-A, Differin, Renova, Tazorac, Avage, EpiDuo, or Ziana shouldn’t be used for 5 days after surgery. But after five days, you can safely use your vitamin C serum again.
You should wait to get another chemical peel until you hear from your doctor.
Increased redness, hyperpigmentation, or crusting of the skin are all reasons to seek medical attention.
Get ready for peel season now that you know what to expect from pre and post chemical peel care.
Acne treatment with chemical peel
In a chemical peel, acids with exfoliating capabilities are applied to the skin, typically the face, for cosmetic purposes. To reveal younger, smoother, and clearer skin, the chemical solution dissolves dead skin cells, oil, and debris. 1
Chemical peels, as described by New York City plastic surgeon Melissa Doft, MD, are a powerful sort of chemical exfoliation that remove dead skin and pore-clogging contaminants on contact.
They “create a regulated damage to surface skin cells,” according to Doft. It’s not as bad as it sounds because these wounds are only on the cellular level (similar to microneedling). 2 Doft warns that peeling solutions can be harmful depending on how harsh they are. “When skin is damaged, it peels off and is replaced by new skin cells. A deeper damage from a stronger peel means more time off work for recovery.” Since new cells are replacing the old ones, the skin should appear more even and radiant.
According to Jennifer MacGregor, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City, there are numerous advantages to getting a chemical peel.
Calms the skin
Purges pores and evens out skin tone
Clears up acne
Facilitates the absorption and performance of additional skin care products
3
We don’t think it’s too bad. And, she says, “if you use a peeling agent regularly for four to six weeks or more (or opt for a stronger peel), you can also smooth texture by building new and healthier collagen and elastin and even boost skin’s own internal hyaluronic acid, which gives it that plump, luminous quality.”
“Keep up with your regular skincare routine before getting a peel.
Before getting a peel, avoid using any potentially irritating new and active cosmeceuticals. These products could make your skin more sensitive, lengthen your healing time, and leave you with an uneven peel “MacGregor argues.
MacGregor notes, “[Expectations vary so significantly based on the treatment and formulation]” since there is more than one kind of chemical peel. You will, however, have your skin thoroughly cleansed before your peel, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. Since you’ll need to be put to sleep with general anesthesia for a deep peel, the procedure can only be done in a surgical clinic. Your dermatologist will administer the peel evenly and swiftly, and then remove it carefully, whenever you’re ready. 4
How quickly you notice results is highly variable and is determined by a number of factors, including the type of peel used, the frequency of its application, and your unique skin type. “Usually, I recommended getting a peel every four to six weeks for maximum results,” says celebrity esthetician Shani Darden, who has worked with Jessica Alba and Emmy Rossum.Skin Looks Worse After Chemical Peel
Summarize in a Nutshell the Chemical Peel
Chemical peels are a type of skin resurfacing in which a chemical (often an acid) is applied to the skin in carefully measured quantities in order to remove the outermost layer of skin.
How Badly Can Chemical Peels Damage Your Skin?
Chemical peels are generally regarded as safe procedures, however they are not without their hazards.
In the first two days after exposure, you may experience:
Discoloration and other skin changes
Bruising and swelling
Infection
Reactions not wanted (usually an allergic reaction, contact dermatitis, or the form of persistent irritation)
There may be some delayed cutaneous responses once these have subsided. These are the kinds of things that can cause people to worry about the health of their skin.
Can your skin really look worse after a chemical peel?
Some people experience delayed adverse effects after undergoing chemical peel therapy, such as skin discoloration and patchiness, a feeling of dryness and tightness, and possibly even an appearance of new wrinkles.
Let’s examine the range of possible side effects and baseline levels of severity associated with this therapy.
Can Hyperpigmentation Get Worse After a Chemical Peel?
The skin’s pigmentation, or tone, may change after a chemical peel, either becoming lighter (hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation).
Hyperpigmentation manifests itself in melasma. Overexposure to UV radiation or an underlying hormonal imbalance are the two most common causes of melasma, which is also commonly connected with pregnancy.
Do Chemical Peels Worsen Acne?
A “post-peel purge” can occur in certain persons after undergoing a chemical peel.
The body flushes out toxins, causing the purge by bringing out all the dead skin cells, germs, and oil from the surface of the skin.
Acne scars can be removed with the use of chemical peels by resurfacing the skin. Even though light and medium peels don’t penetrate deeply into the skin, they can cause scarring in some people.
How prone you are to scarring after a wound heals depends on how your body reacts to the process. Your skin type and tone might affect the appearance and character of your scars.
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Although this scarring is unrelated to acne scars per se, those who have used Isotretinoin within the past six months are statistically more likely to experience scarring.
NOTE
Prior to the treatment, you and your technician should discuss any potential complications. The risk of delayed skin responses and other adverse effects can be reduced in this way.
Even though chemical peels can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, no single treatment will be able to undo the effects of time. However, it should not cause the symptoms to worsen.
Your skin won’t look terrific just after getting a peel.
Redness, irritation, and even swelling are to be expected.
Tightness is another potential issue that might accentuate wrinkles and pore size.
The peeling process usually takes a few days to finish. However, new skin may take up to 7 days to appear. You will be able to notice the ultimate effects once your skin has fully healed (usually between 7 and 14 days, but this will vary according on the depth of the peel used).
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skin-looks-worse-after-chemical-peel-is-it-normal%2F
The likelihood of complications during a chemical peel process should not be discounted when addressing the question of whether or not it would make the skin worse.
Some complications, if left untreated, can cause irreversible skin damage.
Some of the potential negative outcomes can be traced back to subpar treatment, so it’s important to see a qualified professional.
It’s normal to have some peeling or redness, so try not to freak out. Doft claims that “The acid compositions in different peels allow them to penetrate the skin in different ways. The night after a superficial peel, you may feel a little dry. Two to three days after applying a medium-strength peel, you should expect your skin to peel and blister. Your skin may feel tight and dry during this period. Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($5) is a great option for maintaining skin moisture as you heal.” The true outcomes only become visible once certain thresholds have been crossed. MacGregor chimes in, “If you are prone to cold sores then medicine can avoid an outbreak.” Just check with your medical professional.
The new skin cells that have formed after a peel may be more easily damaged by the sun. Following a chemical peel, MacGregor says, “Generally speaking, [aftercare] depends on the peel type, strength, and formulation, but the common theme for most is: Sun protect the area with a hat or other physical cover and good zinc, titanium-based sunscreen—the sunscreen in your makeup is not sufficient—also, do not apply retinol or retinoids of any kind benzoyl peroxide (the number of days you skip depends on the peel strength and how sensitive your skin is).”
At-home treatments may not have the same effect as professional chemical peels at reducing the look of acne scars, but they are still beneficial for all skin types. Your doctor should be consulted when determining whether chemical peel is right for you, as their recommendations may differ depending on the severity of your scars (or lack thereof).