At-home chemical peel treatments are quite popular these days because they help to solve several skin problems at once. However, if you don’t take proper care of your skin after a chemical peel treatment, it might do more harm than good. Do you know for example that there are things you need to avoid after getting a chemical peel in order to prevent skin damage?
Properly performed chemical peel treatments allow to even out skin tone, boost microcirculation in the skin, stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, minimise pores, smooth out fine lines, get rid of black heads, and make the skin firmer. The active ingredients responsible for this effect are organic acids, namely alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs).
Under the influence of a carefully balanced combination of organic acids, the dead outermost layer of the skin gets exfoliated, exposing the living cells underneath. Chemical peels result in a deep cleansing effect, make the skin smoother, and help to get rid of pigmentation and other imperfections.
The effect of a chemical peel treatment depends on its strength, i.e. the concentration of organic acids. At-home chemical peels are always superficial, with an average concentration of organic acids ranging from 5% to 20–30%. Medium and deep chemical peels with higher acid concentrations must be performed by trained beauticians or dermatologists to prevent chemical burns and other skin damage.
As a rule, it takes the skin a couple of days to recover after an at-home superficial chemical peel, maybe a little more if the skin is sensitive. But this doesn’t mean that you can relax and not take care of your skin after the procedure. On the contrary, it is very important to make sure that your skin is properly cared for to prevent damage. Here are a few tips on what you should and should not do after getting a chemical peel.
1. Don’t go to a sauna or a steam bath.
You shouldn’t go to a sauna or a steam bath (like a Russian banya or a Turkish hammam) while your skin is healing from a chemical peel because excessive sweating can result in skin irritation. In addition, sweat is a perfect environment for the growth of various bacteria that can be dangerous for vulnerable skin.
2. Stay out of the sun.
During the first days after a chemical peel, your skin is especially vulnerable to UV radiation. Because of this, it is recommended not to exfoliate your skin with chemical peels during the summer months. However, you should keep in mind that your skin can be affected by UV radiation even on cloudy days, so you should stay out of the sun after a chemical peel regardless of the season. If you absolutely need to go outside, don’t forget to apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to prevent sunburn and unwanted pigmentation.
3. Ditch your face scrub for a while.
Scrubs and chemical peels have the same goal: exfoliation. So why use scrub if your skin is already exfoliated? Some people feel tempted to scrub their skin after a chemical peel to speed up the exfoliation process, but it will only lead to skin irritation and maybe even scarring. Picking or peeling loose skin is also a big no. Give your skin time to heal naturally and don’t try to speed up the process.
4. Do not apply makeup.
As we’ve already mentioned multiple times, your skin is especially vulnerable after a chemical peel so it is highly recommended to abstain from applying foundation, powder, concealer, highlighter, or other makeup products during the first couple of days after the procedure.
5. Take a break from working out.
Active exercising means sweating, and sweat, as you already know, can interfere with skin regeneration and contribute to the growth of pathogenic bacteria. So it’s best if you take a break from working out for a day or two. Swimming in the pool is also not recommended because chlorinated water can be just as bad for your skin as sweat.
If you follow these rules, it won’t take long for your skin to heal after a chemical peel treatment, and you will notice the first results of the procedure immediately after the recovery period: your skin tone will become more even, the skin itself will become firmer and gain a health glow. For a long-lasting effect, you will need to use superficial chemical peels once a week for two or three months.