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How Long After A Chemical Peel Can I Use Retinol

How Long After A Chemical Peel Can I Use Retinol

For five days after your chemical peel, do not have electrolysis, facial waxing or use depilatories. Avoid using retinols and glycolic acids for 10 days post peel. Do not use scrubs, loofahs, exfoliating sponges or other means of mechanical exfoliation on your face for 7-10 days.

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.  read more on how soon after a chemical peel can you use vitamin c and best serum after chemical peel.

How Long After A Chemical Peel Can I Use Retinol

How Long After A Chemical Peel Can I Use Retinol

  • Discontinue use of tanning beds at  least two weeks prior to a chemical peel. In fact, we advise that you stop using tanning beds altogether because they increase your risk of skin cancer and accelerate visible signs of aging.
  •  Avoid extensive sun exposure, especially in the 10 days prior to your scheduled chemical peel.
  • No facial waxing for 7 days prior to treatment.
  • For those of you who are on an acne treatment regimen, you need to stop the use of stop the use of Renova, Differin, Tazorac, Avage, EpiDuo or Ziana five days prior to treatment.
  • If you are using Retinol products, stop the use of Retin-A (retinol) products or applications for 7-10 days prior to a chemical peel. High percentage alpha hydroxy (AHA) and beta hydroxy (BHA) products should be stopped five days before treatment.
  • Always apply a broad spectrum sunscreen daily (at least SPF 30 or higher) and avoid the gym 24 hours prior to a chemical peel.
  • Do not use aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (ex. Advil) for at least 7-10 days prior to a chemical peel.

Post Chemical Peel

Once you have undergone your chemical peel, expect to see some changes with your skin prior to getting your final results. Just as there are some instructions you should follow before your chemical peel there are instructions you should follow after your chemical peel to ensure the best possible results

  • On post peel day 3, you may experience mild to moderate shedding depending on the depth of chemical peel, the number of layers applied and depth of the chemical peel. There can be dryness and tightness of the skin. Flaking and peeling three days post peel is not uncommon, unless you had a superficial peel. Superficial peels have little to no downtime, so you may not experience shedding.
  • You may develop small whiteheads, but please note that this IS NOT A BREAKOUT.
  • If you have a lighter skin complexion, you may notice mild redness after a chemical peel.
  • Do not peel or pick at the peeling skin. You must allow the skin to flake off naturally. Picking at the peeling skin can cause hyperpigmentation.
  • To minimize the side effects of the peel, please use the post procedure kit provided by the doctor or skincare professional for 3-5 days or until flaking has stopped.
  • Do not apply ice or water to the areas that have been treated. Also, avoid applying makeup on the day of your treatment because the skin needs time to stabilize and rest.
  • For the first 48 hours after your chemical peel, do not participate in activities that increase body heat and sweat, such as drinking alcohol, exercise/working out, hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, hot shower spray, swimming or directing a hair dryer to the treatment area. Internal heating can cause hyperpigmentation.

How Soon After A Chemical Peel Can You Use Vitamin C

Chemical peels may seem like a short and simple in-clinic lunch-time procedure, however, results may vary depending on what pre and post-peel care you are taking. Inappropriate care may either lead to dissatisfying results or side-effects like skin burn, sensitivity or worsening of your problems.
Things to do before going for a chemical peel
Prep your skin – Start using hydrating serums/moisturizers and sunscreens inadequate amount 2 to 3 weeks prior. Your dermatologist may also prescribe some products with glycolic acid, a bleaching agent like hydroquinone or retinoid 3 weeks prior to aid the peeling process and prep your skin.
Don’t do these one week before a peel – waxing, threading, epilating, depilating, hair reduction laser, at-home exfoliation, scrubs, hair dye.
History of recurrent cold sores – Dermatologist may prescribe a course of anti-viral drugs before the treatment.
Get yourself evaluated to check if you are not a candidate for peels – history of keloid, unusual pigmentation issue, current fungal infection, Pregnancy (certain peels are to be avoided if pregnant).
There should a gap of at least 3 weeks between two peels.
Post peel
Facewash – Avoid using a cleanser for 1 to 2 days
Moisturize your skin.
Slather yourself with Sunscreen – Use a broad spectrum physical or chemical sunscreen with SPF of 30 to 50 every 3 hours. Do not step out in direct sunlight.
Avoid Actives – Refrain from using retinoids, vitamin C, anti-acne products, other exfoliating agents like glycolic acid, salicylic acid and others for a minimum of 3 to 5 days post peel. Avoid for a week to 10 days in case of a deeper peel.
Avoid direct heat – No steam, sauna for a week post peel.
Avoid swimming for 5 days post peel.
Avoid – waxing, threading, epilating, lasers for hair reduction and other purposes, collagen-stimulating procedures/lasers for a week post peel.
Topical/Oral medications may be prescribed by the doctor post-peel as required.
A minimum of 6 to 8 peel sessions are generally required to treat any skin issue. Adequate pre and post-peel skincare routine make the peeling process flawless giving optimum results.

chemical peel

Best Serum After Chemical Peel

A good moisturizer to use after a chemical peel is CeraVe. It comes with an addition of four percent niacinamide. Niacinamide is an antioxidant that has anti-aging benefits and helps to brighten skin tone. It also increases the production of collagen by your skin and is great for people with dry skin.

The journey to a great chemical peel starts with finding the kind of peel best suited for you. It ends with ensuring that your skin gets the best care after the peel.
 

What Is a Chemical Peel


A chemical peel is a way of exfoliating skin using a solution that has a pH of around two. It helps to smooth out the texture of the skin making your face feel fresh. It helps to treat many skin issues like hyperpigmentation, acne, and wrinkles.
 

Chemical Peel Side Effects


The side effects that you may experience depend mainly on the type of peel used, its strength, and intensity. For light peels, you will have little to no side effects. Usually, you will get a little redness which resolves in an hour or two.
 

For deep peels, you will have skin peeling in addition to the redness. Other side effects include the change of skin color, heart, kidney or liver damage, infection, and scarring. These effects can last for 7-10 days.
 

How to Care for Skin


Knowing the above, it is therefore important that you take care of your skin after a chemical peel. For at least 24 hours, it is important to ensure that you do not use products that have active ingredients like:

  • Alpha Hydroxy Acids.
     
  • Beta Hydroxy Acids.
     
  • Low pH Serums.
     
  • Retin-A or any other Retinoids.
     
  • Serums with Vitamin C and Ascorbic Acid.
     
  • Any other chemical exfoliates.
     

Follow a very bland and basic skincare routine. Use a hyaluronic acid product as they help to moisturize, hydrate, and play an important role in wound healing. Look for ingredients like ceramides and cholesterol which function as ingredients identical to those found in the skin. They help to repair damage caused to the moisture barrier.
 

A good moisturizer to use after a chemical peel is CeraVe. It comes with an addition of four percent niacinamide. Niacinamide is an antioxidant that has anti-aging benefits and helps to brighten skin tone. It also increases the production of collagen by your skin and is great for people with dry skin.
 

However, a better alternative is Vaseline. Contrary to popular belief, it does not clog pores. It will prevent water loss and keep your skin hydrated. To speed up the healing of your chemical peel, make sure you use petroleum jelly.

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