What Not To Do After Your Chemical Peel Treatment

Chemical peel treatments are done to resurface the skin by removing the superficial layers resulting in the promotion and growth of new, healthy skin. Chemical peels improve the skin’s appearance by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, sun damage and uneven texture. If you’re about to undergo a chemical peel treatment, your doctor will provide a list of what not to do, which you must follow because your skin will be incredibly red and sensitive. If you avoid any of the aftercare instructions provided by your doctor you run the risk of reversing the affects of your treatment.

Here’s what your doctor will tell you not to do after a chemical peel:

1. Don’t pick at your skin Because of the techniques used in chemical peel treatments, your skin will be left red and raw immediately afterwards. Do not pick at your skin while you are healing. The red and rawness of the skin will disappear within days and is a necessary part of your body’s natural healing process. If you pick at your skin, you will delay healing and possibly cause scarring. Moreover, any dry, flaky skin that appears in the days following your chemical peel should be left to fall off on its own.
2. Don’t over-moisturize As you heal from your chemical peel, your skin will be quite dry. Do not over-moisturize, as it could reverse the effects of the treatment. The whole point of chemical peel treatments is to peel off old skin to reveal the fresh new layer underneath. When you over-moisturize, the skin will have a hard time peeling effectively. Instead, use a light moisturizer recommended by your doctor.
3. Don’t exfoliate Exfoliation may be part of your regular facial cleansing routine; however, after a chemical peel you cannot exfoliate. Like picking, scrubbing your face with an exfoliator after a chemical peel will irritate and scar your skin.
4. Don’t forget the sunscreen If you leave the house in the days following your chemical peel, sunscreen is an absolute must. You can even go further and wear a sun hat because after a chemical peel your skin cells are vulnerable to the sun’s harsh UV rays.
5. Don’t use any painkiller that was not approved by your doctor Chemical peel treatments can leave lingering pain in the days that follow. For the most part, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) and naproxen (Aleve) will reduce the pain, but always check with your doctor first.

Besides adhering to the aforementioned list, it’s important to stay hydrated after receiving chemical peel treatments. Your skin will be thirsty, so make sure you’re drinking enough water.