How to Take Care of Your Skin after a Chemical Peel
Chemical peels are used to renew the skin surface and remove dead skin cells. Chemical peels can address issues such as fine lines, dry and dull skin, acne, acne marks, and blackheads. They use ingredients like retinol and acid ingredients to temporarily destroy the outer layer of the skin. This can be safely done by a professional.
After the new skin surfaces, it is important for you to take care of your skin. Here’s how:
Avoid direct sun exposure and wear SPF at all times
Your post-chemical-peel skin leaves you more sensitive to sun damage. Going out in the sun can cause melasma or dark spots. This is why it is best to stay at home for a few days. During this time, it’s important to wear SPF indoors or outdoors because the UV rays can damage your skin’s already-sensitive barrier and may prevent collagen-production. Sun exposure shortly after a chemical peel may also lead to skin irritation and redness.
Wash with a gentle cleanser
Washing your face with a gentle cleanser removes accumulated dirt and sebum in your pores. Make it a habit to wash your face with only water in the morning, so that you can remove residue that has built up overnight, but you won’t be stripping away the moisturizing and nourishing products you applied the night before. Avoid using an overly-drying cleanser in the morning, as this may lead to too much oil production. Use a mild, water-based cleanser so your post-chemical peel skin will not be dried up by harsh chemicals.
Use an alcohol-free toner
After washing your face with water, balance your skin’s PH with a toner. However, post-chemical peel skin is more sensitive, so select a K-beauty product that does not have alcohol or harsh fragrances. Choose a toner that does not strip your skin’s natural moisture. The toner should prepare the skin to absorb the nutrients that you will be applying through other skincare products. These nourishing products are important when taking care of your skin post-peel.
Use your favorite serum
Your post-peel face is now ready to absorb healthy ingredients that can maintain its glow and suppleness. Serums and ampoules are important to give your skin the nutrients needed for that youthful and healthy glow. These highly-concentrated products go a long way, so learn how to use just enough to avoid wasting the product.
Use a fragrance-free, gentle eye cream
Your skin is sensitive after a chemical peel. Even under normal circumstances, one particular part of your facial skin is already sensitive–those that are under your eyes. Because this is the thinnest skin on your face, it may be damaged easily, especially after a chemical peel, which causes it to be thinner before new skin grows back in a few days. Protect this part of your face by loading up on light eye creams and applying twice a day, at least. Ask your dermatologist for the best product and how often you should use it. Chemical peel is touted as an effective way to keep the skin looking young and radiant. However, before you get to the good skin, you first need to care for it after the peel. Make sure you’re not skipping your skincare during this time!