Chemical peel treatments are considered to be very effective for skin exfoliation and renewal. Their main drawback is that they disrupt the skin’s natural barrier function. To restore the protective barrier and speed up skin renewal, you should take special care of your skin after chemical peel treatments.
When you get a chemical peel treatment at a beauty salon, your beautician is supposed to tell you how to take care of your skin afterwards. So, in this article we’ll be focusing on looking after your skin after an at-home treatment. At-home treatments are usually superficial, meaning that they only affect the outermost layer of the epidermis and aren’t particularly damaging to the skin. However, this doesn’t mean that your skin doesn’t need special care during the recovery time.
Any AHA/BHA peel treatment, regardless of its concentration, increases skin sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. As a result, there is a higher risk of unwanted pigmentation and photodamage for a couple of weeks after a chemical peel treatment. That is why the first and foremost rule for post-peel skin care is to use sunscreen with a high SPF every time you leave the house, regardless of the season and weather.
You should also keep in mind that right after a chemical peel treatment your skin is very vulnerable to various irritants, so your regular skincare products may cause unusual reactions. To speed up skin renewal, you should temporarily switch to mild, hypoallergenic products that don’t contain aggressive surfactants or other ingredients that might irritate the skin.
The recovery period after a superficial at-home chemical peel treatment usually lasts for 7–10 days and consists of several stages. The first three days after the treatment are the hardest because the skin is especially vulnerable; it peels off easily and feels dry, tight and itchy. During this time, your skincare routine should be very gentle.
It is recommended that you don’t wash your face at all on the first day after the treatment. On the second day, you can wash your face with room-temperature boiled water. On the third day, you can start using mild facial cleansers and other hypoallergenic skincare products with skin-restoring ingredients. However, you should refrain from applying any kind of makeup.
Never try to remove skin flakes with your fingers because you may accidentally damage the new skin or get it infected. Let the dead skin peel off naturally. You also shouldn’t rub your face with a towel or use skincare products that contain alcohol, organic acids, or other aggressive ingredients.
By the way, your skin probably won’t begin to peel immediately after the treatment. During the first day after the procedure, it may turn slightly pink or become more sensitive than usual, but that’s it. The skin usually becomes dry, tight, flaky and itchy on the second day. This is a normal reaction after a chemical peel treatment, and there is nothing to worry about unless it becomes painful and/or inflamed. However, if you’re experiencing severe discomfort, you should consult a beautician or dermatologist.
The actual recovery stage begins about three days after the treatment. During this stage, skin regeneration and renewal kick off. The skin becomes softer and smoother, as well as regains its natural firmness, elasticity and healthy complexion. During this period, you can start returning to your regular skincare routine that fits your skin’s type and needs. However, you should still avoid using aggressive products.
During the entire recovery period after a chemical peel treatment, you should make sure that your skin is properly nourished and hydrated. It’s also a great idea to use products with ingredients that speed up skin healing and recovery, such as panthenol, allantoin, bisabolol, phospholipids, ceramides, vegetable oils (for example, sweet almond oil, olive oil, shea butter, etc.), green tea extract, aloe vera leaf juice, grapeseed extract, vitamins C and E.
If you want your at-home chemical peel treatment to be successful, you should choose the right products, carefully follow all the instructions, and take proper care of your skin after the procedure. In our online shop Organic Store, you will find high-quality chemical peels, as well as hypoallergenic skincare products for your post-peel skincare routine. At Organic Store, we offer affordable prices, secure and convenient payment methods, and international delivery to most parts of the world.