How to Care for Your Skin Post-Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are a popular way to refresh your complexion and rejuvenate your skin. This procedure is noninvasive and promotes natural healing through boosted collagen production. Removing the dull, sun-damaged, outermost layer of your skin unveils radiant skin.

Today’s professional chemical peels provide you with an opportunity to turn back the clock on fine lines, wrinkles, and even superficial scars caused by acne. The chemical peel process varies according to your goals, and Melanie L. Adams, MD, PA, designs a customized treatment to address your individual skin issues.

At your initial consultation, Dr. Adams explains the entire chemical peel process, addresses your concerns, and advises you about what to expect. Some temporary redness and sensitivity is normal. If your goals require a deep peel, you could experience some redness, crusting, and peeling for several days.

After-care plays a big role in your results — for example, you need to fully protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays. You receive detailed and specific care instructions post-chemical peel.

How to care for your new complexion

Your skin continues to heal and improve over several weeks following your chemical peel. With proper care and maintenance, your new and improved complexion can last for many months, or even years, to come. Here are some important tips on how to care for your skin after your chemical peel.

• Hands off: Avoid touching your face unnecessarily. Your skin may itch a bit as the healing continues, and you can expect flaking and peeling as the old skin sloughs off, but resist touching your skin excessively. Let the healing process occur naturally for optimal results.
  
  

• Drink up: Increase your intake of water while you’re healing. Drinking water — at least the recommended eight glasses per day — is excellent for your skin anyway. While your body is building new skin, you can help it along by ensuring you stay hydrated.
  
  

• Moisturize: Dr. Adams can advise you as to the ideal moisturizer for you based on your skin type and needs, but a thick moisturizer is usually best post-procedure.  
  
  

• Wear sunscreen: Avoid sun exposure as much as you can, especially in the weeks immediately following your procedure. If you must go out in the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30+. Never assume the sun’s rays aren’t present on a cloudy or overcast day. If the sun is up, cover up.

• Avoid strenuous workouts while healing: Increased blood circulation to your face can intensify your post-procedure symptoms of itching and tenderness. Put the strenuous gym activity on hold for a few weeks, along with saunas — both dry and steam.
  
  

• Pause your usual skin care regimen: Nothing besides moisturizer and sunscreen should touch your face post-chemical peel. Dr. Adams lets you know when you may resume your normal skin care routine. Once you do, your deeply exfoliated skin responds more thoroughly to your regimen.

Proper healing improves results

A chemical peel can give you a more radiant complexion, including a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, mild wrinkles, and surface scarring. As skin continues to slough off, newer skin takes its place, and boosted collagen production helps improve tone as well. Taking care of your skin following the procedure helps ensure you enjoy the best results of this noninvasive anti-aging treatment.

For more information on obtaining fresher, younger-looking, and renewed skin through a customized chemical peel and to schedule your consultation, contact Melanie L. Adams, MD, PA, in Columbia, Maryland, today.