A chemical peel is an exfoliation treatment that removes the dead cells on the top layers of skin. The process involves bringing forth new, smoother skin. Chemical peels can successfully treat discoloured skin, wrinkles, and acne scars. In addition, this technique helps promote even skin tone and texture.
The chemical peel treatment has minimal downtime after its application. You may experience a mild pinkness on the targeted area, which should subside over a short period. Also, it is best to avoid several sensitive products and activities to ensure a smooth recovery in the following days. Many people report a quick and easy healing process after the chemical peel.
Are you curious about what to expect after a chemical peel? Let's learn about the recovery processes after a chemical peel, including what you should and should not do.
What to put on face after chemical peel
Your regular skincare routine might not be appropriate after a chemical peel. That is because your skin needs time to recover. The only two skincare products you should put on your face are sunscreen and a bland moisturizer. Avoid any items that contain active or irritating ingredients.
For the first few days after a chemical peel, use as little moisturizer as you can. Depending on how your recovery goes, you may benefit from no moisturizing products at all. Over time, you may start applying a thin layer of moisturizer. However, be careful about not rubbing in the product too rigorously.
Since your skin is sensitive after the treatment, you want to avoid interacting with it whenever possible. Naturally, the targeted area will heal in time, and then you can resume your skincare routine as usual.
Can I wear makeup after a chemical peel?
No, avoid wearing makeup for the first week after a chemical peel. Some may advise waiting up to 10 days for the recovery period. That is because makeup can potentially aggravate the targeted area, causing discomfort. You will benefit from giving your skin extra time to heal, free of makeup and cosmetics.
For milder chemical peels, some people might be able to wear minimal makeup comfortably. If you do this, wait at least six hours after the treatment. Also, remember to apply with moderation. While a bit of makeup can cover up any discolouration, too much quantity might lead to flaky skin.
Can I wash my face after a chemical peel?
Yes, you can wash your face once 6 to 12 hours have passed after a chemical peel. However, this waiting period may vary depending on the ingredients used in your treatment. Regardless, you will want to be very gentle when washing your face. Everything that touches your skin should be smooth, such as soft cloths and fluffy towels.
You should also be mindful of the water temperature, keeping it at a mild and warm level. Don't wash your face with hot water, as the high heat can aggravate the skin and cause discomfort. In addition, you should avoid cleansing your face with deep lotions or penetrating treatments until the recovery process finishes.
Can I shower after a chemical peel?
No, you should wait 12 to 24 hours to shower after a chemical peel. Ideally, your skin should be kept as dry as possible in the immediate aftermath. That means no sweating, no water, and no moisture. You will also want to avoid dry saunas and steam rooms for similar reasons.
After the first day, you can resume your showering routine. However, avoid hot showers as they might cause aggravation. In addition, limit the number of products you put on your face, especially anything abrasive. As you take a shower, be gentle with your skin for a minimum of one to two weeks.
Can I workout after a chemical peel?
No, you shouldn't work out until 5 to 7 days after a chemical peel. Avoid strenuous exercises or physical labour that will cause heavy sweating. Any sweating will increase the amount of peeling, which can become uneven. Your skin might also feel sore and uncomfortable, resulting in undesirable outcomes after the chemical peel.
Furthermore, working up a sweat means we need to wash our faces and take showers more frequently. These activities can be counterintuitive in the immediate aftermath of a chemical peel. Instead, take it easy and allow the skin to heal for at least a week. When the recovery is successfully completed, you can resume your exercise routines once again.
Can I use aloe vera gel after a chemical peel?
Yes, you can start using aloe vera products around 24 hours after a chemical peel. Aloe vera comes with numerous benefits, such as speeding up the recovery process. It also reduces redness and dryness on the targeted area.
However, people have different reactions to using aloe vera gel after a chemical peel. While some find it soothing, others don't notice a positive difference. If you haven't used this product before, try applying it on a small patch of skin first. That will determine whether your skin reacts to aloe vera or not. If you feel comfortable, continue applying the gel across your face.