Before getting chemical peel post care, there are a few things you need to know. Chemical peels are essentially exfoliations that remove the outer layer of your skin and help boost the production of new and healthy cells. Chemical peels can be used to remove acne scars, wrinkles, age spots and other conditions that affect the complexion. You can find chemical peel products at any drug store, but if you aren’t careful about how you use them, it can have disastrous effects on your skin instead of improving it.
In order to provide you with the best possible service, we ask that you carefully review these general post-care treatment instructions for a chemical peel treatment so that you fully understand them. If you have any questions about these instructions, please discuss them with your esthetician. To obtain maximum benefits from your treatment, it is crucial that you understand and adhere to these instructions.
Read on to learn more about Is Chemical Peel Post Care Instructions, Key Differences Between Chemical Peels & Laser Resurfacing and Is Chemical Peel Good For Your Skin?
Is Chemical Peel Post Care Instructions
In order to provide you with the best possible service, we ask that you carefully review these general post-care treatment instructions for a chemical peel treatment so that you fully understand them. If you have any questions about these instructions, please discuss them with your esthetician. To obtain maximum benefits from your treatment, it is crucial that you understand and adhere to these instructions. Failure to comply with these instructions may affect your treatment outcome and increase the likelihood or severity of complications. Depending on your individual needs, additional post-care treatment instructions may be given to you by your esthetician.
- The peeling may take anywhere from 7-10 days on average or longer depending on internal and external factors such as skin type, age, weather, lifestyle, and hormones. Slight redness and skin sensitivity and flaking can occur as your treatment eliminates dead surface skin cells. Each treatment may vary. Other areas of the body will react differently because your skin has a different texture on your face and scalp than on your chest, back, arms, and legs. The healing process may take longer in those areas.
- 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. Most people begin peeling on the 3rd or 4th day after treatment. It is also possible to not peel at all. If this occurs, you will still benefit from the treatment because the skin has exfoliated microscopically.
- Possible side effects include but are not limited to: mild to extreme redness, temporary tightness, itching, swelling, and dryness of the skin similar to a sunburn or windburn. This will usually subside in 2-3 days. A prescription of hydrocortisone, or over-the-counter hydrocortisone (Vanicream HCⓇ) may be recommended if the skin is inflamed or irritated.
- You may GENTLY apply a cold compress to the treated area(s) as needed for any burning or irritation associated with your treatment.
- Make sure to avoid excessive heat on the treated area and direct sun exposure of any kind, as well as tanning beds and self-tanners to the treated areas for 4 weeks after treatment.
- Do NOT engage in strenuous exercise for 2-3 days after treatment because it may exacerbate the inflammatory and can cause your skin to become extremely inflamed.
- Sweating excessively after treatment can irritate the skin or cause blistering due to the sweat being unable to escape through the top layer of dead skin. Try to avoid sweating until after you have stopped peeling to avoid lifting the skin prematurely, as this can cause scarring.
- Do NOT use any acidic products such as retinoids or tretinoins, acne medication products such as Retin-AⓇ, TazoracⓇ, RenovaⓇ, AtralinⓇ, ZianaⓇ, VeltinⓇ, DifferinⓇ, the antibiotic Doxycycline, AHAs (lactic, glycolic, tartaric, etc.), BHAs (salicylic), benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C products, lightening agents such as hydroquinone or any exfoliative products including loofahs or coarse sponges to your skin for 2 weeks after your chemical peel, or more if you notice your skin becomes sensitive to application. These medications and products increase your photosensitivity, which can significantly increase the likelihood of complications.
- Do NOT tweeze, pick, rub, exfoliate, wax, use a depilatory, undergo electrolysis, or schedule a facial or cosmetic service such as laser resurfacing, or IPL on a treated area(s) for 4 weeks after your treatment. To reduce the risk of scarring, you do not want to remove the dry, rough, dead skin faster than your body wants to.
- Do NOT get your hair dyed until a week after you have finished peeling, if your treatment was performed on the face or neck. For most people, week 3 post-peel is the best time to have your hair color treated.
- This procedure can stimulate cold sores. If you have an outbreak after your treatment, please call the office to inquire about obtaining a prescription. Please ask to speak with the esthetician, Alli.
How to Care for your Skin Post-Peel
- Cleanse Gently: Your skin may be fragile for 5-7 days. Cleanse your skin with COOL water (hot water will cause inflammation to the skin) using only your fingertips – no washcloths, loofahs, buff puffs, sponges, ClarisonicⓇ, etc. We recommend using the Revision Gentle Cleanser. Other mild cleansers such as Dove Unscented Bar Soap for Sensitive SkinⓇ, AveenoⓇ, CetaphilⓇ, CeraVeⓇ, or VanicreamⓇ may be recommended by your esthetician, depending on your specific needs.
- Moisturize Often: Letting the skin dry out may cause discomfort. We recommend using SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective GelⓇ and SkinCeuticals Epidermal RepairⓇ to help your skin recover. For strong peels, you may use petroleum jelly for the first few days or as needed on sensitive areas that are peeling. When you start to peel, use a non-comedogenic moisturizer such as AveenoⓇ, VanicreamⓇ, CetaphilⓇ, or CeraVeⓇ, until the skin feels back to normal. This will promote the healing process by locking in moisture and reducing the chance of a bacterial infection, redness, and irritation. Use these products several times per day or as needed. Topical hydrocortisone may be recommended, depending on your specific needs.
- Protect Your Skin: Heat and sun exposure can cause inflammation to the skin. Remember to avoid excessive heat on the treated area and direct sun exposure of any kind, as well as tanning bed sand self-tanners to the planned treatment areas for 4 weeks after treatment. If you need to be outdoors, make sure to use an umbrella or wear a large-brimmed hat, a pair of sunglasses, and use a physical sunblock (containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide). We recommend using SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50Ⓡ or Colorescience SunforgettableⓇ. Both of these products provide broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays with no chemical sun filters. Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply often (about every 2 hours) when exposed to the sun. Other sunscreen products may be recommended depending on your specific needs.
Key Differences Between Chemical Peels & Laser Resurfacing
| Chemical Peels | Laser Resurfacing | |
| Pros | Chemical peels help fix fine lines around the mouth or crows feet. It can make the skin smooth. | Smoothens the skin and evens out skin tone. Stimulates collagen production that tightens the skin and gives a glow in the long run |
| Cons | Chemical peel is not suitable to fix deep wrinkles. It can make the skin very dry and itchy. | There can be permanent lightening or darkening of the skin. May produce redness in the skin which can worsen with time. |
| Maintenance | Do not scratch, itch, or try to peel off the skin with your hand after undergoing a skin peeling. This can create scars. Use sunscreen and a mild moisturizer to keep the skin comfortable. Speak to your dermatologist in case you have any problem | Include vitamin C serum, sunscreen, and retinoids into your daily skincare regime after undergoing laser resurfacing. Avoid scratching or itching your skin after undergoing a treatment. Consult your cosmetic surgeon to understand your daily care for maximum results. |
| Recovery Time | For a medium peel, recovery can take 7-14 days. After a deep peel, you can expect to have new skin within 2 weeks, but redness can last for a couple of months. | Laser resurfacing can take between 1-3 weeks to heal, depending on the area of treatment and technique used. |
| Removal of imperfections | This can remove deeper imperfections. | This removes only the outermost layer of the skin. |
| Cost | Chemical peel is cheaper than laser resurfacing. While a basic peel can cost $100, it can go upto $4000 for a full peel. | Laser resurfacing is costlier than chemical peel. The cost depends on the type of laser technique you choose. While an ablative laser can cost $2000, non ablative treatments are cheaper, and can cost you around $1000. |
Which Is Better: Chemical Peel Or Laser Resurfacing For My Skin Type?
Although chemical peel or laser resurfacing have the same end goal, it is important to decide which one is right for you. While making your decision, talk to your doctor about your expectations, how fast you want the result, and of course, your budget. Know that chemical peels work best for fixing superficial skin irregularities. On the other hand, laser resurfacing works well for collagen remodeling.
Talking about recovery time and downtime, some chemical peels that are done in-clinic have hardly any downtime. You may experience mild flaking and dryness, and you’re ready to get back to everyday life. For laser resurfacing, the downtime depends on the nature of the laser you choose. For example, ablative laser resurfacing can take a couple of months to recover completely.
Finally, you need to understand your skin type and tone to decide which treatment would work best for you. It is a hard decision, so always speak to your dermatologist to make an informed decision. For example, if you have a darker skin tone, not all chemical peel and laser resurfacing techniques will work for you. For hyperpigmentation, a chemical peel can work wonder. On the other hand, for indented scars, laser skin treatments are more suitable. Depending on your condition, your dermatologist may also suggest a combination of chemical peel and laser resurfacing technique to get the best result.
Is Chemical Peel Good For Your Skin?
A chemical peel at Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery is a procedure used to resurface the skin where a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers. The skin which grows back following the chemical peel is more youthful looking and smoother.
Chemical peels are often used on the face to treat wrinkles, skin discoloration and scars. The procedure can be done alone or in addition to other cosmetic procedures.
Chemical peels can be performed at three different depths: light, medium and deep. The depth used will vary based on your desired outcome and the condition of your skin. A different chemical solution is used for each type of chemical peel. While the deeper chemical peels produce more noticeable results, they also require a longer recovery time.
Chemical peels are used to treat various skin issues. Based on the various skin issues you are working to address, one of following three depths will be used for the procedure:
- Light:Light or superficial chemical peels remove the outer layer of skin or the epidermis. This treatment can be used to improve fine wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone and dry skin. Light chemical peels can be performed every two to five weeks.
- Medium:Medium chemical peels remove skin cells from the epidermis in addition to portions of the upper part of the middle layer of skin or the dermis. A medium chemical peel is used to treat wrinkles, acne scars and uneven skin tone. Patients can repeat a medium chemical peel after three to nine months to maintain their desired results.
- Deep: A deep chemical peel removes skin cells from the epidermis and from parts of the mid to lower layers of the dermis. A doctor may recommend a deep chemical peel for patients who have deeper wrinkles, scars or precancerous growths. Deep chemical peels can only be performed one time.
The following is a summary of potential risks and side effects associated with chemical peels:
- Redness:The normal healing process after a chemical peel includes some redness on the treated area. Following a medium or deep chemical peel, the redness can last for a few months.
- Scarring:While it is rare, a chemical peel can result in scarring. This typically occurs on the lower portion of the face. Steroid medications and antibiotics can be used to minimize the appearance of these scars.
- Skin color changes:Chemical peels can also cause the treated skin to become darker than normal which is referred to as hyperpigmentation. The procedure can also cause the skin to become lighter than normal or hypopigmentation. After a superficial peel, hyperpigmentation is more common, while hypopigmentation occurs more often after a deep peel. It is more common for people who have darker skin to experience changes in their skin color and the change can be permanent.
- Infection:It is possible for a chemical peel to cause a flare-up of the herpes virus which causes cold sores. In rare cases, a chemical peel can lead to a bacterial or fungal infection.
- Heart, kidney or liver damage:Deep chemical peels use carbolic acid or phenol, which can cause damage to the heart muscle and also cause an irregular heartbeat. Phenol can also injure the kidneys and liver. To minimize a patient’s exposure to phenol, deep chemical peels are completed in 10 to 20-minute intervals.
It is not possible for chemical peels to decrease the size of your pores, eliminate deep scars or deep wrinkles.
Not all patients are good candidates for chemical peels. Your doctor may advise against getting a chemical peel if any of the following conditions apply:
- Taking acne medication isotretinoin such as Amnesteem or Claravis within the past six months
- Dark complexion
- A personal history of keloids or ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue
- Abnormal skin pigmentation
- History of frequent or severe cold sore outbreaks
Follow up with a doctor to determine if you are a good candidate for a chemical peel to improve the appearance of your skin.