View

The 10 Things to Avoid After a Light to Medium Chemical Peel

Anti-Aging, Face, Medical Spa, Skincare

4 minute read

Share:

If you’ve just undergone a chemical peel, first, congratulations, aren’t they just awesome? If you’re my kind of weird, the controlled peeling that comes from having medical-grade acid painted onto your face is that OMG kind of rewarding. That baby soft, evenly textured and toned skin at the end stage of the peel is really something to celebrate. To ensure you get the best results, there are certain things you need to avoid.

Here, we cover the top ten things you should avoid for that oh-so-beautiful post-chemical peel goodness.

1. Refrain from Picking at the Skin

The most important and often the most difficult (the struggle is very real here, folks). When you undergo a chemical peel, the top layer of skin is essentially burned off (trust me, it sounds worse than it reads), removing damaged and dry skin cells. Let the skin shed naturally and avoid picking at it, as this can lead to scarring and additional redness. If the skin is not ready to say ‘goodbye’ just yet, leave the poor pieces of dead skin cells alone.

2. Do not Skip Sunscreen

You shouldn’t ever skip the SPF, now with that fresh layer of skin about to be exposed, this is even more crucial. Avoid direct sunlight for the first week if you can. Failure to use sunscreen can result in uneven skin color and blotchy patches. Essentially, everything you were hoping to get rid of in the first place.

3. Wash your face with COOL water

After a chemical peel, keeping your skin clean will ensure bacteria stays far away from your pores. Using cool water is key as your skin will be sensitive the first week after your peel. This means, avoiding hot showers as well.

4. Don’t let your skin get dry

After a chemical peel, keeping your skin clean and hydrated is vital. Use a gentle, fragrance-free, dye-free moisturizer immediately after washing your face every time.

5. Do not Over-Apply Moisturizer

Although it’s crucial to moisturize your skin regularly, be cautious about over-slathering on thick layers of moisturizer. The purpose of a chemical peel is to allow the dry surface layers to peel off naturally. If they’re over-moisturized, they may not peel properly.

6. Avoid Exfoliating

Despite the fact that your skin may be peeling, exfoliating is not recommended. It can cause the skin to shed too soon, resulting in insufficient results and potential scarring.

7. Skip the Hot and Long Shower

For the first week following your chemical peel, avoid washing your face or showering with hot water. This is because hot water can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. In addition to this, the steam will open up your pores which can significantly increase your risk of infection.

8. Skip the Gym

It is best to avoid any heavy sweating if your skin has not started to flake, yet. So keep your exercises to a minimum. Sweating through exercise may cause the skin to peel prematurely leaving you with red, sore areas that have not yet fully healed.

9. Don’t let yourself get dehydrated

Drinking plenty of water is one of the most effective ways to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. It’s particularly crucial after a chemical peel, but it should also be part of your daily routine.

10. Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption

While it’s okay to indulge in a glass of wine or a cocktail, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your skin to heal properly after a chemical peel.

Chemical peels can be incredibly beneficial for your skin, but it’s crucial to avoid the guidelines mentioned above to ensure you get the best results possible.

Bonus Tip:

Don’t schedule your next light to medium chemical peel (or any facial rejuvenation procedure) for at least four weeks after your initial peel. Let your skin fully heal and for new skin cells to form first before another procedure.

If you haven’t yet gotten your chemical peel and are wondering what it’s like, check out our series “So I Got This Done”, Chemical Peel edition for an inside look at the treatment from start to finish.

Share:

Further News & Insights

What are Medical Aesthetics & Medi Spa Services?

Over the past 20 years, Medical Aesthetic services have grown in popularity to the point where it is now a regular occurrence to see procedures trending online, word of mouth, and in mainstream media.

Injectables, Medical Spa, Skincare

5 minute read

What are Sun Spots & How Can They Be Treated?

Sun spots are flat brown spots that appear on skin areas that are frequently exposed to sunlight. They are also referred to as age spots or liver spots and commonly occur in people over the age of 40. However, sun spots can also develop on the skin of younger individuals who spend a significant amount […]

Skincare

10 minute read

So, I Got A Chemical Peel, This is What Happened.

The stigma of “Getting work done” is thankfully no longer In our series, So I Got This Done, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about getting a medical aesthetic procedure from injectables to skin treatments. Whether you decide to go under the needle or laser, you deserve a reputable Practitioner and honest information.” […]

Anti-Aging, Skincare, So I Got This Done

6 minute read

Exfoliation Benefits: How Exfoliating Your Face Can Benefit You

Gpoint Studio Via Canva Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered what happened to your skin’s youthful glow? As we age, our skin becomes less radiant because its natural renewal process takes longer than it used to. The good news is that this can be easily addressed with proper skincare and regular exfoliation. […]

Medical Spa

6 minute read

What to Expect Before, During & After Your Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is a treatment that aims to improve and smoothen the skin’s texture. The procedure uses a chemical solution to remove the top layers of the skin to allow healthier skin to grow back. Although a chemical peel can be used on the face, neck, and hands, it is most commonly applied on […]

Skincare

11 minute read

The Importance of Medical Grade Skincare

What is Medical Grade Skincare? Medical grade skincare is a term used to differentiate between skincare products that are clinically proven to improve skin conditions and concerns and the non-medical grade products that simply feel and smell good. The major difference between these lies in the name. Medical grade skincare is, in fact, medical grade. […]

Skincare

11 minute read

Popular Plastic Surgeries for Men

Although plastic surgery has historically been more common for women, more and more men are now turning towards plastic surgery for a variety of treatment options. In fact, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports a 29 percent increase in male cosmetic procedures between 2000 and 2018. According to Global News, “while Canadian statistics don’t […]

Body, Face

11 minute read

Your Guide to the Daddy Makeover

After the world witnessed a demand for mommy makeovers, allowing women to reconstruct certain parts of their body after childbirth, we are now noticing a boom in interest for daddy makeovers. A common question surrounding this topic is, what is daddy makeover? A daddy makeover is the make equivalent of a mommy makeover, and the […]

Anti-Aging, Body, Lose Weight

11 minute read

Under Eye Bags Explained: What Causes Under Eye Bags & How to Get Rid of Them

Eye bags are a common sign of aging, even among young adults. Eye bags appear over time as the tissue structure and muscles supporting your eyelids start to weaken, and strain the area underneath your eyes. Bags under the eyes often occur due to temporary conditions but can remain present long-term. Under eye bags generally […]

Face

10 minute read