What To Know About Chemical Peel Makeup

What To Know About Chemical Peel Makeup

Some skin diseases and medical difficulties, such as acne and aging, respond well to chemical peels. Removal of dead skin cells with a chemical peel reveals newer, healthier skin underneath. There are a number of techniques to execute a chemical peel, but one of the most common is with a chemical peel. Acids are used in a resurfacing process called a chemical peel to exfoliate dead skin from the face or body. A chemical peel can make your skin feel and appear younger and smoother.

There are several types of chemical peels, but they all serve the same purpose: to remove dead or damaged skin cells from the face or other parts of the body. You can get chemical peels with goods you buy at the drugstore, but only attempt it if you know what you’re doing.

Chemical peel makeup is a cosmetic treatment procedure that involves treating the skin with chemicals.  The result is skin that looks younger and fresher by removing damaged outermost layer of the epidermis, cutting down on fine lines and wrinkles, enlarging pores, and evening out skin tone. Read on to learn more can you wear makeup after a medium chemical peel and best makeup after chemical peel.

What To Know About Chemical Peel Makeup

Whenever you get a chemical peel, always ask your doctor when you can wear makeup again.

The answer you get will depend on the depth and strength of the chemical peel you received, since your skin will peel to varying degrees after a chemical cosmetic treatment, and it’s essential for your skin’s full and safe recovery – as well as to the effectiveness of your chemical peel – to be kept clean while old layers of skin are peeling away and bare skin is exposed as it heals. Applying makeup too soon can cause infections and other complications like irritation.

Again, it all depends on which type of chemical peel you get. If you have a light chemical peel, also known as a ‘lunchtime peel’ with a low-strength glycolic acid, your doctor may say it’s okay to apply your makeup the very next day. Always ask first, though. Your skin may have extra sensitivity that the doctor will see during your treatment, and perhaps advise you to wait an extra few days just to be safe.

With a medium or deep peel, your skin will need extra time to complete the treatment processing – because treatment continues to occur beneath the skin’s surface for some time after your procedure. You’ll need a few days for your skin to complete the peeling and recovering process, and applying makeup while skin is peeling will hinder the effectiveness of the peel you just received. Also, as skin is peeling, that bare skin starting to reveal beneath the old, dead layers the peel is removing must be kept ultra-clean and free of anything that can cause irritation, discoloration, scarring, infection and a delay in seeing those beautiful, fresh results of your chemical peel.

Each individual heals from a chemical peel at a different rate, given skin sensitivity, and also the different chemical peel medications that may be used as part of the treatment. Your doctor may advise you to steer clear of cosmetics for 7 to 10 days after your chemical peel, and you might also be advised to wait even longer. Your skin can only benefit from having extra time to heal and breathe.

Makeup, after all, isn’t very sterile. Your foundation or face powder likely has some bacteria in it, if you’ve been using in for a few weeks or months. Exposing your bare skin to this bacteria can be an infection sure to happen. And makeup with minerals or metals in it also can do harm to healing skin. Even lip gloss which you might think it harmless and essential to your ‘going out of the house’ face can cause an infection in bare, treated skin around your lip line. And don’t forget that the rubbing and tugging of removing makeup from your face also can cause damage to healing skin post- chemical peel.

So be extra-cautious and extra-adherent to your doctor’s orders, to avoid the pain of inflamed skin, as well as the need for additional peels or bleaching cream treatments to fix any discoloration, scarring or damage caused by premature makeup application. Bare skin is very vulnerable. Handle it with care.

That means using makeup with sunscreen in it, which your doctor will recommend. Your doctor may suggest a high SPF factor to keep protecting your face, and also to lengthen the amount of time that your chemical peel results will last.

You can make it through without makeup for a few days, or even perhaps for some treatments up to two weeks. Just make room in your schedule for a good amount of healing time, and perhaps adjust your social schedule to allow you private time to heal. It’s essential to your skin that you create and stick to a no-makeup rule for as long as your doctor prescribes.

Best Makeup After Chemical Peel

You can take advantage of staying home this holiday season by getting all the skin treatments you’ve been putting off. During chemical peel season, you can shed layers of dead skin cells in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Dermatologists do it best, but if you can’t make it to a board certified practitioner there are plenty of options to safely give yourself a DIY peel at home. 

Would you benefit from a chemical peel? How do you take care of your skin afterwards? We have these answers for you and more.

BENEFITS OF A CHEMICAL PEEL

Chemical peels work within layers of your skin to shed dead skin cells and make way for new cellular growth. This renewal process can improve the texture and luminosity of your skin. 

Chemical peels can help lessen fine lines and wrinkles to create smoother looking skin. You can also achieve a brighter complexion and even out your skin tone.

**Chemical peels are designed for lighter skin tones, so if you have darker skin consult with a dermatologist. They will have the optimal treatment options for your skin type.

Dermatologists use chemical peels to treat many skin conditions, including acne, discolorations, age spots, melasma, freckles, and sun damaged skin.

3 TYPES OF PEELS

There are three chemical peel intensities, all with different healing times. The deeper chemical peels require more downtime while superficial and medium depth peels are very gentle on the skin.

SUPERFICIAL 

Superficial peels such as glycolic, salicylic or retinoic acid peels, are very gentle on the skin. According to The Dermatologist, they “affect the stratum corneum and stop penetration at the granular layer.” 

You will most likely recover within 1-2 weeks, at which time you can have another one if you’d like. You can perform superficial peels safely at home after consulting with your dermatologist.

MEDIUM DEPTH

The Dermatologist explains, “Medium depth peels are typically performed by a physician or under the supervision of a physician and can penetrate down to the papillary dermis.”

Medium peels such as a 35% TCA peel are more invasive and it is recommended to have one no less than 4-6 weeks apart.

DEEP

Very rarely do Dermatologists perform deep chemical peels. “Deep peels should be performed by a physician and can reach the reticular dermis, causing deep wounding,” according to The Dermatologist.

More than likely you will only need one treatment if you get a deep peel from your dermatologist.

CHEMICAL PEEL AFTERCARE

As your skin is healing from a chemical peel it may shed in visible layers, or you may not notice the shedding at all. Depending on how deep of a peel it was, your skin may become itchy and feel dry. Taking good care of your healing skin is important so you can enjoy the results and benefits of the treatment.

1 BE GENTLE

This is not the time to bust out all your skincare products. Your skin is going through a transformation and needs to be left to process naturally. Leave the exfoliants and retinols for when your skin has fully healed.

2  DON’T PICK OR PEEL

As your dead skin begins to peel, leave it alone. Don’t pick, peel, or touch your face as you heal. Picking at it can lead to skin discolorations and infections.

3 KEEP YOUR SKIN HYDRATED

Your skin will start to feel tight, dry, and may become itchy. Soothe your sensitive skin with Oxygenating Hydro-Matrix.

As your skin processes it requires oxygen and breathability to heal quickly and optimally. Hydro-Matrix contains Oxygenetix hero ingredient Ceravitae® which increases oxygen uptake to skin cells for rapid cellular turnover and maximum wound healing. The breathable mesh in Oxygenetix products allows the skin to breathe while delivering powerful ingredients. Hydro-Matrix is great for post-treatment and also everyday use with Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium PCA which will give your skin the moisture it needs as it heals.

A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to remove layers of skin, revealing the more youthful skin underneath. Chemical peels can reduce or improve fine lines and wrinkles, acne, scars, uneven skin coloring and other skin imperfections. Different chemicals determine the depth of your peel and type of skin condition treated.

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel, also known as chemexfoliation or dermapeeling, uses a chemical solution to improve the appearance of your skin. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to your skin, which causes trauma or injury to your skin’s layers. The skin layers eventually peel off revealing more youthful skin. The new skin is usually smoother with fewer lines and wrinkles, has a more even color and is brighter in complexion.

What conditions does a chemical peel treat?

Chemical peels are used to treat certain skin conditions or to improve your appearance by improving the tone and texture of your skin.

Chemical peels are most commonly performed on your face, neck or hands. They can help reduce or improve:

• Fine lines under your eyes or around your mouth and wrinkling caused by sun damage, aging and hereditary factors.
• Certain types of acne.
• Mild scarring.
• Sun spots, age spots, liver spots, freckles, uneven skin coloring.
• Precancerous scaly spots called actinic keratosis.
• Rough skin, scaly patches, dull complexion.
• Dark patches (melasma) due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills.

You will work with your dermatologist to determine the depth of your peel. This joint decision can vary depending upon the condition of your skin and the objectives of treatment.

Sags, bulges, deep scars, deep facial lines and more severe wrinkles don’t respond well to chemical peels. If these are your concerns, other cosmetic surgical procedures, such as carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, a face lift, brow lift, eye lift or soft tissue filler will be better options. A dermatologic surgeon can help determine the best treatment for your concerns.

Is a chemical peel good for all skin types?

Generally, superficial peels can be used on all skin types. However, if you have a darker skin tone, you have a greater risk of experiencing a darkening of your skin after treatment. This condition is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If you have a naturally darker skin tone, you may want to get the advice of your dermatologist about other less aggressive treatments to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.

Chemical peeling may also not be recommended if you:

• Have a history of abnormal skin scarring.
• Have extra coloring in your scars.
• Have skin conditions or take medications that make your skin more sensitive.
• Can’t stay out of the sun for the healing period.

PROCEDURE DETAILS

How are chemical peels performed?

A chemical peel can be performed in a doctor’s office or in a surgery center as an outpatient procedure. Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed with an agent that removes excess oils, while your eyes and hair are protected. A chemical solution is then applied to your skin. Chemical solutions typically used include glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid or carbolic acid (phenol). The different types of chemicals cause a controlled injury, each penetrating through to a different skin depth, then peeling away to reveal a new layer of skin.

The different chemical solutions provide different results. The choice of chemical depends on your goal. You will work with your dermatologist to determine the depth of your peel.

• A light (“lunchtime”) chemical peel provides subtle improvement over time and is often done in a series. The outermost layer of skin is removed. This choice may be best if you have fine wrinkling, acne, uneven skin coloring or dry, rough sun-damaged skin to help promote a healthy glow. Recovery from this type of peel may be within hours to a few days but with little to no down time.
• A medium chemical peel gives your skin a smooth, fresh look. The outermost layer and the upper part of your middle skin layer are removed. This choice may be best if you have uneven or moderate skin discoloring, age spots, acne scarring or fine-to-moderate wrinkles. Recovery from this type of peel may take a week or more and require some down time.
• A deep chemical peel produces the most dramatic results. This chemical penetrates down to the lower middle layer of your skin. Recovery time is longer with a deep peel. This choice may be best if you have moderate lines and wrinkles, extensive sun-damaged skin, deep acne scars, blotchy skin, and/or precancerous growths called actinic keratosis. A deep chemical peel requires pretreatment for up to eight weeks. Your doctor will provide specific instructions. A deep chemical peel is a one-time only treatment if applied to your face and does have significant down time.

To prepare for your chemical peel, some general instructions include:

• Avoid tanning and direct sun exposure for two weeks before each treatment.
• Apply topical products (such as hydroquinone) as instructed before treatment to prepare your skin.
• Don’t use any products containing retinoids (such as tretinoin) one to two weeks before treatment, unless your physician tells you differently.
• If you have been prescribed oral antibiotics or an oral antiviral medicine, start taking it at least 24 hours before your chemical peel.
• Peel areas must be free of any open sores, lesions or skin infections.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions for your peel type and your unique skin condition.

Day of peel: Your skin will be thoroughly cleaned. If you are having a deep chemical peel, you will receive general anesthesia (you will be asleep).

The procedure: During a chemical peel, solution is applied to your skin. You may feel a warm to somewhat hot sensation that will last a few minutes. This is followed by a stinging sensation. To relieve the sting, a cool compress may be applied your skin. The chemical is then washed off and/or neutralized.

RISKS / BENEFITS

What are the possible complications of chemical peels?

In certain skin types, there’s a risk of a temporary or permanent change in the color of your skin. Taking birth control pills, pregnancy or a family history of brownish discoloration on your face may increase your risk of developing abnormal pigmentation.

There’s also a low risk of scarring in certain areas of your face and certain individuals may be more prone to scarring. If scarring does occur, it can usually be treated with good results.

If you’ve had a history of herpes outbreaks, there’s a small chance of reactivating the cold sore. Your dermatologist can prescribe medication to reduce the chance of a flare up. Follow the instructions of your doctor.

Before your chemical peel, be sure to tell your dermatologist if you have a history of keloids (scar tissue overgrowth created at the site of a skin injury), any unusual scarring tendencies, any X-rays of your face or history of cold sores.

Infections are rare but still a risk.

RECOVERY AND OUTLOOK

What should I expect after the chemical peel?

What to expect varies depending on the depth of your chemical peel.

If you’ve had a light chemical peel:

• Expect a sunburn-like reaction to occur after your peel, meaning you’ll see redness followed by scaling that lasts between three and seven days.
• Apply lotion or cream as directed until your skin heals. After your skin heals, apply daily sunscreen.
• You can wear makeup immediately after treatment or the next day.
• Additional peels may be repeated every two to five weeks until you achieve your desired results. Typically three to five peels are needed to achieve your goal.

If you’ve had a medium chemical peel:

• Expect some redness, swelling, stinging and flaking of your skin. Swelling may last and/or worsen for 48 hours. Blisters can develop and will break open. Skin will crust and peel off over seven to 14 days.
• Perform daily soaks as directed by your doctor. Apply ointment after each soak. Apply lotion or cream daily. Don’t expose your skin to sunlight until completely healed.
• Antiviral medication will need to be taken for 10 to 14 days.
• You can wear makeup after five to seven days.
• Additional medium-depth peels may be repeated at six to 12 months intervals, if needed, to maintain results.

If you’ve had a deep chemical peel:

• The treatment area will be bandaged. Your bandages will be removed in a few days. Expect a healing time of 14 to 21 days.
• Perform daily soaks as directed by your doctor. Apply ointment after each soak. After 14 days, apply moisturizer as directed. Don’t expose your skin to sun for three to six months.
• Antiviral medication will need to be taken for 10 to 14 days.
• Wait at least 14 days before using any makeup.
• You can only have one deep peel performed on your face.

To get the best results, regardless of the depth of your peel, follow these tips:

• Don’t use a tanning bed or other type of indoor or even outdoor tanning while your skin is healing.
• After your skin heals, always apply a daily sunscreen.
• Apply a daily moisturizer, as directed, to keep your skin moist to prevent scarring.

Your new skin is fragile and more susceptible to complications. Your doctor will provide you with post-treatment instructions to reduce the chance of developing abnormal skin color after your peel and other complications.

If your skin itches, swells or burns, call your doctor. Scratching your skin could lead to an infection.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Is a chemical peel covered under insurance?

No, usually not. Chemical peels are considered a cosmetic treatment and therefore not covered by insurance.

Can You Wear Makeup After A Medium Chemical Peel

 In fact, many women choose to wear makeup immediately after their peel because they don’t want to wait until their skin heals completely. However, we recommend that you wait at least 48 to 72 hours after your peel to apply makeup.

A chemical peel can improve your complexion and manage unwanted skin concerns like fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars. Because treatment involves exfoliating solutions, like glycolic, salicylic, trichloroacetic, and lactic acids, following aftercare instructions is essential to maximize results and ensure proper healing. So, when is it safe to apply makeup after treatment at Radiant Skin? It depends on the intensity of your chemical peel. Board-certified physician Dr. Marwan Mustaklem can determine an appropriate timeline during a consultation in Zionsville, IN. Read below to discover what is involved after a light, medium, or deep chemical peel and guidelines for makeup application.

HOW DOES A CHEMICAL PEEL WORK?

A chemical peel uses abrasive solutions to remove the outermost layer of skin, revealing a fresh, new complexion underneath. The length of the treatment and the type of solution used determine how deeply the peel penetrates your skin. Radiant Skin provides several options for light, medium, and deep chemical peels. For example, the ZO® 3-step chemical peel is a medium-depth treatment that reduces fine lines, sun damage, age spots, acne, rough texture, large pores, and even dull-looking skin.

RECOVERY AFTER A CHEMICAL PEEL

The deeper the peel, the more time your skin needs to heal. For example, a light peel comes with little-to-no downtime, while a deep chemical peel can take longer for a full recovery. Radiant Skin will provide comprehensive guidelines after your chemical peel in Zionsville, IN. Follow all aftercare instructions to protect yourself against skin concerns like infection or scarring.

WHEN CAN I APPLY MAKEUP AFTER A CHEMICAL PEEL?

Wait at least 24 hours after a light chemical peel before applying makeup or other cosmetics. A medium peel requires 3 – 5 days, while a deep chemical peel can take up to two weeks. Our team members can provide a more accurate estimate for your individual situation during a consultation. Patients do not need to avoid skin care products altogether, however. Keep your skin clean and hydrated with a gentle cleanser and moisturizer after a chemical peel. Be sure to avoid brands that contain exfoliating ingredients or harsh chemicals, as these irritate your skin during the healing process. Look for products labeled “for sensitive skin” as a guide.

MAKEUP TIPS AFTER A CHEMICAL PEEL

If your skin is still sensitive after a chemical peel, take extra care when applying makeup and cosmetics. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face, and use a fresh makeup brush or sponge. Avoid using your fingers to apply the makeup. Start with a light moisturizer to help soothe and protect your skin. Apply foundation sparingly, starting at the center of your face and blending outward. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing motions. Set your makeup with a clean powder to avoid smudging.

HAVE A SAFE AND SUCCESSFUL CHEMICAL PEEL RECOVERY

A chemical peel can improve common skin concerns like fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars. This treatment is available in varying depths to provide excellent results. Following aftercare instructions is important for proper healing, which includes knowing when it is safe to apply makeup. If you have questions about chemical peels or want to schedule a consultation with Dr. Marwan Mustaklem, call Radiant Skin in Zionsville, IN. We create custom treatment plans and provide everything you need to know about recovery after a chemical peel.

Out with the old and in with the new. Chemical peels treat fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, pore size, acne, pigmentation, and more. These aesthetic treatments are some of the most sought-after, and millions of people are already enjoying the life-changing benefits. At AURAE MD in La Jolla, CA, we offer the widest variety of peels to reveal a new, radiant, you. Read on to find the top ten benefits of chemical peels.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a powerful skin exfoliating solution applied to the face, neck, or hands to reveal the smooth and clear skin underneath. What makes this technique so popular is that it’s useful for a variety of skin concerns.

Are All Chemical Peels the Same?

No, there are different peels. Peels are generally classified by their ingredients. Each skin condition may respond differently to the ingredients in a peel. For example, wrinkles, pigment problems, and superficial blemishes respond very well to a stronger peel. Acne often responds best to salicylic acid peels.

Alpha-hydroxy (AHA), glycolic, lactic, or fruit acid peels are among the gentlest peels. Stronger options like trichloroacetic acid peels penetrate the skin more deeply and can rid the skin of wrinkles.

All peels can provide skin rejuvenating benefits, but your skin’s type and condition dictates which peel to use. Contacting Dr. Margo Aura Emami is the best way to find out which peel is right for you.

How Does a Chemical Peel Work?

The exact process varies depending on the chosen peel. Your skin is thoroughly cleansed and prepared for the treatment before the application of the peel. Next, a chemical solution is applied to your skin and left in place for a designated time. While you wait, the peel solution exfoliates the skin. Once the peel has completed its work, it is peeled away to reveal new, regenerated skin.

10 Top Benefits of Chemical Peels

There is a peel for all the most common skin concerns. Below are the top ten benefits of a chemical peel.

1. Treats Acne

Topical acne treatments can only go so far, and a peel exfoliates deeper. Getting a peel cleanses your skin more thoroughly and reveals a fresh new layer of skin, without the acne. Peels for acne work best when received in a series, and Dr. Margo Aura Emami can customize a peel schedule to help keep your skin blemish-free.

2. Minimizes Pores

Large pores are a common concern for many, and all who have them wish they’d go away. Removing the outer, often damaged layer of skin with a peel has the benefit of making pores look smaller.

3. Erases Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Nothing leaves us stuck in the past as much as lines on the skin. These reminders prevent us from living in—and fully enjoying—the present moment. When fine lines or wrinkles have got you down, peels come to the rescue. These chemical solutions can permanently remove fine lines and ease even the toughest wrinkles.

4. Fades Discoloration

You deserve to feel confident, vibrant, and beautiful. If sunspots, discoloration, and hyperpigmentation are getting in your way, a peel can help. Many clients find that a peel lifts discoloration from the skin for good.

5. Lifts Skin

When you don’t want the downtime of a facelift, a peel could be the right alternative for you. Skin lifting is one of the incredible benefits a peel offers.

6. Soothes Scarring

There is an implied permanence with scarring that isn’t accurate. Many scars from acne or anything else recede when exposed to the chemicals found in a peel.

7. Balances Texture

Uneven skin tone and blemishes add a dimension to the skin that many people don’t want. Peels bring balance to the overall texture of the skin.

8. Smooths Skin

Peels are best known for unparalleled skin-smoothing benefits. By lifting rigid layers of skin from the face, neck, or hands, the result is gorgeously smooth and touchable skin.

9. Non-Invasive Treatment

This treatment is one of the most effective options not requiring needles or surgery. Some clients pair this treatment with other treatments because of this. For others, it’s comforting to know that they can achieve their desired look without surgery.