With more than 1,300,000 procedures performed in a single year, chemical peels are the third most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure in the U.S. For the growing number of men and women looking for effective non-surgical cosmetic treatments to reverse the signs of aging, chemical peels take sun-damaged skin and transform it into radiant skin. This type of skin treatment can also improve skin tone and reduce hyper-pigmentation, leaving your skin noticeably smoother and brighter. But while the procedure is very effective, you need to have a good after-treatment plan to ensure you get the very best results from your chemical peel.
What Is A Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a type of exfoliation treatment that uses an acid solution to remove old, dead skin cells from the top layer of skin to reveal the new layers of skin underneath. The treatment itself takes around 30 minutes, while the peeling process can last three to five days afterward. During the peeling process, the dead skin cells flake off to reveal fresh, new skin in its place. Chemical peels reduce the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, acne scarring, and sun damage. However, to ensure the best results from a chemical peel, you need to invest time in good aftercare.
Chemical Peel After Care
A chemical peel aims to pull up and shed damaged skin cells. When the old skin begins to shed, don’t pick, touch, rub or scratch it, however annoying it is. Let the skin fall off naturally by itself. Don’t be tempted to peel the skin off yourself, as this can cause scarring and breakouts. It may help to tie your hair up away from your face to help stop you from touching your skin. It’s important to let the skin go through the natural peeling process. If you do experience a breakout, don’t treat it yourself. Instead, either leave it alone or have your licensed cosmetology professional treat the breakout for you.
Post-Peel Skin Care
Chemical peels can briefly compromise your skin’s natural protective barrier. Therefore, you must help to reinforce that barrier by using a medium to thick moisturizer. Your skin will also be more delicate after a chemical peel. Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible, as this can cause even more visible signs of skin aging. If you do have to be out in the sun, make sure you use a high-factor sunscreen. It’s also important to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, as this can make your skin feel tight and uncomfortable.
Whether you’ve just come home after getting a professional chemical peel or you are considering heading to the salon to get one, it’s important to know how to take care of your skin afterward. With the correct aftercare at home, you can look forward to younger, brighter, and fresher skin for longer.