Chemical Peels – What They Are and How to Care After Them
- Posted on: Dec 27 2023
Chemical peels are becoming more popular than ever, with men and women all over the world loving their resurfacing properties. That being said, for a chemical peel to be effective, you must take the right aftercare steps as the peel does remove the top layer of your skin.
What should you do to ensure you get the best effects from the peel? It’s simple: you follow the recommended aftercare instructions. Our providers at Azul® Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa can offer the information that you need, but in the meantime, this blog can provide a few useful tips.
What Are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are treatments in which a chemical solution is applied to your skin, triggering the top layer to peel off to reveal a new, fresh layer of facial skin. As the damaged skin cells from the surface are being shed, the healthy cells from underneath make their way to the surface. This way, you can significantly reduce various imperfections like excess pigmentation, acne and scars, and even wrinkles.
These peels are made from various acids, depending on what your skin needs. This can include salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid, glycolic acid, carbolic acid (phenol), or lactic acid. The peels can be light, medium, or deep, based on how severe your skin condition is and how deep you want the treatment to go.
Post-Care Tips for Chemical Peels
It takes several days for the results to show after a chemical peel. During the peeling stage, your skin can be fairly sensitive, which is why you need to give it proper aftercare. Here are some tips for you to keep in mind:
1. Let It Peel on Its Own
Once you notice that your skin starts to peel, you may feel tempted to pull or rub at the peel to “help” it go away. That being said, peeling before your skin is ready may lead to extra sensitivity and even scarring. Keep your hands off your face and avoid picking at the flaking skin; it is important that it sheds naturally.
2. Moisturize
After a chemical peel, your skin will likely be quite sensitive, especially once the dry winter air hits your face. The right moisturizer might be able to soothe that sensitivity. Make sure to use just enough of it to feel comfortable in the first couple of days, without rubbing or scrubbing it in. Store-bought moisturizers can contain harsh chemicals, so you may want to look for something medical-grade such as Azul®’s Green Tea Moisturizer. We typically give a sample size of this to our patients in their post-chemical peel after-care kit.
3. Protect the Skin
Sun exposure can cause a lot of complications to your skin after getting a chemical peel. That is because prolonged sun exposure can lead to inflammation and irritation. Even if it’s winter, your skin can still be affected, which is why sunblock is essential. A product like the Tinted Natural Defense SPF30 has enough SPF to protect you from the winter sun, and its light yet deeply hydrating formula will help your skin recover.
Renew Your Skin With a Chemical Peel!
Chemical peels can be a very useful tool for reducing the damage done by the sun once the warm season is over. However, to prevent any complications potentially caused by the colder season, you need to take proper care of your skin. Call Azul® Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa and set up an appointment for a chemical peel, after which you will receive the right post-care instructions.
For more information about chemical peels, you can contact Azul® Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa at 239-379-8924. You can also contact us through the online contact form, and we can help you set an appointment at your earliest convenience.
Posted in: Chemical Peel