If you want to improve your face’s imperfections and want to give it a more youthful look then chemical peel is the right treatment for you. Chemical peels range from light to medium to deep depending on your specific needs. Also, some types of peels may need to be repeated several times. After the treatment is done your face will appear smoother, acne and breakouts will be minimised and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles will be reduced. The chemical peel procedure needs some type of preparation and that’s what we want to explain in this blog post. 

What Is A Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels aim to dissolve the top layers of the skin to allow new skin growth to come through. After the procedure is done the appearance of your fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and sun damage will be reduced greatly. 

Different peels have different concentrations and the type you choose will depend on your specific issues. The way these chemical peels are created will not cause damage to your skin but it will only peel it. The most used materials for chemical peels include salicylic acid, fruit enzymes, lactic acid, and retinoic acids which work great for the skin issues we mentioned before. Depending on your issue most of the time dermatologists will recommend low-concentration peels 3-4 times a year.

The concentration level and type of peel will be picked by your dermatologist. This choice will be made based on your skin type. Also, they will talk to you about the preparation process and what you should take into consideration. 

How To Prepare For Your Chemical Peel

• Before the procedure, your dermatologist will recommend you avoid and use some different products. While some peels will need you to prepare by using retinol and hydroquinone products to minimize the risk of hyperpigmentation, other types of peels require you to stop using any type of product. However, you don’t need to worry because your dermatologist will consult you on what products you should use and how to properly prepare. 
• Do not forget to wear sunscreen with an SPF level of 30 or higher before your chemical peel even if you are not considering having a chemical peel done.
• If you use retinol, stop it at least one week before the chemical peel. 
• If you use facial exfoliants, scrubs, AHA products, and BHA products, you should stop it at least one week before the treatment.
• Sun exposure should always be minimal especially before and after a chemical peel. 
• Talk to your dermatologist, to try and understand if chemical peeling is the right procedure for you or not. 

Understand The Chemical Peel Process

Before considering a chemical peel you should learn firstly what is included in the procedure. During the treatment, the dermatologist will apply a chemical solution on top of your skin to remove the top layer of the skin that is damaged. Once the skin grows back it will be much smoother and the imperfections will be gone. 

It doesnt matter if you suffer from acne, wrinkles, or uneven skin tone, chemical peels will treat each one of these issues since there are a lot of types available. Once you are familiarized with the process and you have realistic expectations everything will be much easier. 

Choose The Right Type Of Peel

It is very important to choose the right chemical peel. When it comes to recovery time light and medium peels will not take much to heal while deep peels may take some time. In order to choose the right chemical peel for your face you should consult with a specialized dermatologist. He will do a thorough examination of your skin and see what can be done to address your certain issues. Other factors like skin sensitivity, and what you want to achieve will be both taken into consideration. 

Consult With A Skincare Professional

When it comes to cosmetic procedures, consulting with a skincare professional is very important. Factors like professional evaluation of your skin type, discussing your skincare goals, and professional recommendations are very important and they should be taken into consideration. During consultations, your skin care professional will also talk about your skin problems and what can be done to improve them. 

Prepare Your Skin

As we talked about before, some type of preparation before a chemical peel procedure might be necessary. Sometimes your doctor may recommend you to start using certain products while other times they might advise you to stop using certain other products. It is important to know that harsh treatments or exfoliating products are strictly advised to be avoided

Avoid Certain Skincare Products

Some skin care products may have an impact on how a chemical peel affects your skin. Retinol, retinoids, and other exfoliating chemicals, for example, can make skin more sensitive. Before the peel, talk to your healthcare professional about any changes to your medication schedule. By taking this step, you may make sure that your skin is ready to handle the chemical solution. 

Stay Out Of The Sun

It’s not a good idea to expose skin to the sun right before a chemical peel since it might cause damage and irritation. It is very important that you limit your exposure to the sun and use sunscreen that protects you from UV and UVB rays with an SPF of 30 or higher in the weeks before your appointment. This guarantees a quicker and simpler healing process and lowers the possibility of problems. 

Hydrate Your Skin

It’s important to be hydrated before getting a chemical peel. Skin that is well-hydrated can help speed up the healing process and greatly enhance the results of your peel. Aim to boost the amount of moisture in your skin in the weeks before your peel. also apply a high-quality, skin-type-appropriate moisturizer on a frequent basis throughout the day.

Think about improving your skincare routine with moisturizing serums or masks that include glycerin or hyaluronic acid. These items can improve the effectiveness of your skin’s barrier and help seal in moisture. 

Plan For Downtime

Depending on how deep and intense your chemical peel is, you need to plan for some time to recover. While medium to severe peels may need a few days to a week away from work or social activities, light peels may require little to no downtime. Your skin may peel or flake, and it may be red and irritating during this period. Although it may not be visually appealing, this is a normal phase of the healing process. 

Find someplace where you might feel comfortable and where you may rest, like your home and your recuperation procedure will be much simpler. During this time allow your skin to heal and avoid scheduling important events and gatherings. 

Arrange For Post-Peel Care Products

An effective chemical peel recovery depends on post-peel medical care. Stock up on suggested aftercare items that your doctor will recommend you. A thick, calming moisturizer to relieve dryness, a sunscreen to shield the newly exposed skin from sun damage, and a mild, soap-free cleansing are usually included in the products you should use.

Furthermore, some experts could suggest certain moisturizing serums or healing lotions and creams Having these supplies on hand prior to your peel guarantees that you may begin your post-treatment regimen right away, allowing a faster and more efficient healing process.

Consider Timing

You should give careful thought to when it’s the right time to have a chemical peel. Plan your peel far in advance if it’s for a significant occasion, like a wedding or vacation. A few days to a week may be enough for minor peels. For deeper peels, however, you might need to wait a few weeks or even months before the event in order to give your skin enough time to heal completely and show off the full effects.

Since your skin will be more vulnerable to UV rays following the procedure, schedule your peel during a time when you can avoid spending too much time in the sun maybe during the winter, spring, or fall. Take into account your job and personal schedules as well to make sure you have the time to take the needed breaks for recovery. 

Stay Hydrated And Eat Well

Hydrating your skin is not enough; you also need to hydrate yourself. Prioritize drinking plenty of water and eating a well-balanced, vitamin- and antioxidant-rich diet in the days before and after your peel. After the surgery, this can promote quicker and more efficient skin healing. 

Set Realistic Expectations

It’s critical to have realistic expectations when it comes to the results of a chemical peel. Chemical peels may greatly enhance the texture and look of skin, although they might not be able to solve every skin problem. A realistic understanding of what the procedure can and cannot do for your skin may be determined by talking about the anticipated results with your skincare specialist. 

Chemical Peel Recovery Timeline

Because a chemical peel doesn’t involve surgery, there isn’t much downtime needed while your skin heals. Even while you may resume your normal activities immediately following your chemical peel, you could feel some redness, swelling, and discomfort afterward. To see the full effects of skin peeling and revealing the results, we advise taking a few days off work and your commitments. A chemical peel usually takes 1-2 weeks to heal completely.

Day 1

After your chemical peel procedure, you may experience some type of tingling, soreness, and redness in the treated areas. These symptoms will go away in a few days, but be careful to avoid direct sunlight for a week. 

Be ready for your skin to start peeling and expect to notice some spots on it. A protective dressing could be administered if you have a deep peel. It is important to follow your surgeon’s aftercare guidelines in every situation. Don’t touch your skin for at least six hours on the day of your treatment. In the event that discomfort arises, apply a cold compress.

Day 2

During the second day after the chemical peel, your skin will remain red and it may also start feeling dry and tight. Keep a moisturizer with you and use it whenever you start to feel tight. Be careful to not use hot or very cold water on your face, instead wash your face with lukewarm water. Do not forget to apply SPF every time you leave the house. 

Day 3

The skin will begin to peel and flake around the mouth area during the third day after the procedure. Then it will start to spread outwards on the jawline and hairline area. It is very important to know that the skin flakes should not be removed and pulled with force because you will create bigger scars on your face. Instead, let them fall on their own and if they are bothering you just cut them with scissors. Continue with the same routine by washing your face with lukewarm water, moisturizing it, and using SPF every day. 

Day 4-7

During the fourth day, flaking can be more intense, and larger pieces are expected to fall off. Continue with the same regime by cleaning and moisturizing your skin every day and do not forget to put on sunscreen every time you leave the house. 

Week 2

At the end of the second week after the procedure, the recovery process will be all done. However, do not stop the aftercare routine even after the peeling is over. You should try to use these two products every day even if you haven’t done a chemical peel. This way you will protect your new skin and keep it healthy. During this stage, you may start to apply makeup on your face again.

Week 3 And Onwards

After the procedure is done and three weeks have passed your skin will appear smoother, more equally toned with an improved texture. If you want more noticeable results you might opt for another chemical peel. After three weeks you may do every kind of activity and there won’t be any restraining. If you want to return to your normal skincare routine,  this will be the right time.

Chemical Peel Recovery FAQs

Which Days Are The Worst After A Chemical Peel?

The worst days after a chemical peel are considered days three and four. During these days you should refrain from picking your face, you should moisturize it several times a day, and wash it gently with lukewarm water.  

How Long Does It Take To Look Normal After A Chemical Peel?

By one week, the swelling, redness, and flaking will go away, and by two weeks, your skin will look and feel normal again. It’s normal for your new skin to seem somewhat red, but you can choose to cover up any redness with cosmetics. 

How Can I Speed Up The Recovery Process After A Chemical Peel?

Keep in mind all of the aftercare recommendations provided by your dermatologist, and don’t forget to always use SPF several times a day if you leave the house. It is recommended to avoid direct exposure to the sun for at least 6 weeks. Also, use gentle cleansers and cosmetics instead of ones that contain harsh chemicals.

Because your face will feel sensitive and uncomfortable, keep in mind to wash your skin with lukewarm water and to avoid picking at your skin until it has healed. Whenever your skin feels dry, apply a lotion without harsh ingredients to moisturize. You’ll get better quickly if you strictly follow these suggestions.