How can I repair my skin after a chemical peel?

Author: Briana Ledner  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Chemical Peel Aftercare Tips
  1. Follow all of Dr. ...
  2. Wash the treated area with lukewarm water gently.
  3. Moisturize whenever your skin feels tight.
  4. Apply SPF every day.
  5. Allow your skin to peel on its own – do not pick at it.
  6. Avoid strenuous activities and sweating for the first couple of weeks.

How to heal skin after a chemical peel?

After the procedure. After a chemical peel of any depth, your skin will be red, tight, irritated or swollen. Follow your doctor's directions for sun protection, cleansing, moisturizing and applying protective ointments to your skin. And avoid picking, rubbing or scratching your skin.

How long does it take for skin to regenerate after a chemical peel?

Skin grows back about 10 to 14 days after a deep peel. The skin stays very red for 3 weeks, and up to 2 months for some people.

How can I speed up the healing of a chemical peel?

Making sure that skin is hydrated will enable faster recovery of the collagen in that area to make your skin look less inflamed and scaly. Another quick recovery method after an aggressive tissue reaction following a chemical peel would be to prevent any kind of sun damage.

How do you get rid of dead skin after a chemical peel?

Chemical Peel Aftercare Dos:

They are still attached to live cells, and you don't want to risk pulling anything off that isn't ready.Do be extra careful when the skin is wet. Water softens dead skin, so it's very easy to rub off both dead and live cells when the skin is moist.

WHAT TO USE AND DO AFTER YOU RECEIVE A CHEMICAL PEEL | SKIN PEEL AFTERCARE

How do you fix dead skin peeling?

If you have peeling skin, these actions may help:
  1. Apply fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizing cream or ointment (they're thicker than lotions). ...
  2. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin well hydrated.
  3. Seek help to quit smoking (nicotine damages your skin).
  4. Shower (don't bathe) in warm water (hot water is drying).

Does Vaseline help after a chemical peel?

After a light chemical peel, treated skin will be red, dry and mildly irritated-although these effects might be less noticeable with each repeat treatment. Please make sure you keep the skin moist for the next several days using a fragrance-free moisturizer (we recommend Cerave) and Aquaphor/Vaseline as needed.

What not to do after chemical peeling?

Your skin is more delicate after a peel, so avoid direct sun exposure, which can lead to even more visible signs of skin aging. If you must be exposed, use a Broad Spectrum physical sunscreen. Avoid strenuous workouts, dry saunas and steam rooms.

What is the best product to use after a chemical peel?

Here are some examples:
  • Dove Sensitive Skin Hypoallergenic Beauty Bar.
  • Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar or Face Wash by Cetaphil.
  • Pears Transparent Glycerin Bar Soap.
  • CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.
  • Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body and Face Cleanser.

How do you neutralize skin after a chemical peel?

[2][16] After applying the peel, glycolic acid should be neutralized using 5% sodium bicarbonate or cool saline compresses. During a phenol peel procedure, phenol is typically applied only on a small portion of the skin at a time.

Which moisturizer is best after a chemical peel?

When you start to peel, use a non-comedogenic moisturizer such as AveenoⓇ, VanicreamⓇ, CetaphilⓇ, or CeraVeⓇ, until the skin feels back to normal. This will promote the healing process by locking in moisture and reducing the chance of a bacterial infection, redness, and irritation.

Can I put vitamin C on my face after a chemical peel?

CHEMICAL PEEL: WHAT TO DO AFTER YOUR TREATMENT

recommended. Avoid using abrasive products such as scrubs or exfoliating sponges for 7 -10 days. Avoid products such as retinols and glycolic acid 10 days. Vitamin C Serums may be resumed after 48 hours.

Do dermatologists recommend chemical peels?

Dermatologists recommend superficial peels if skin issues only affect the top layer of the skin, the epidermis. Because superficial peels do not penetrate the deeper layers, they carry a lower risk of side effects and the skin tends to recover more quickly. Superficial peels take 1–7 days to heal.

Which serum is best after a chemical peel?

Vitamin C Serums for Brightening

Integrating a Vitamin C serum into the post-chemical peel routine plays a critical role in skin's recovery, as its potent antioxidant properties help to diminish the appearance of dark skin and encourage a radiant complexion.

How to heal peeling skin overnight?

Use a Soothing Cream

If your skin is raw and peeling, especially while recovering from a sunburn, try using a gentle, fragrance-free cream containing aloe. Oat-based products can also help soothe peeling skin. Products that contain cortisone may help reduce inflammation.

How do you reduce inflammation after a chemical peel?

To minimize the swelling, you should sleep with your head elevated for 3 weeks after the surgery. Within 24 hours, the top layer of the skin will blister and peel. The peeled areas will resemble a deep sunburn. It is not unusual to have some slight drainage for the first few days after surgery.

How can I make my skin heal faster after a chemical peel?

Call now to schedule an assessment with one of the best plastic surgeons in Dallas and see why our patients are raving about their results.
  1. Cleanse your skin carefully. ...
  2. Moisturize frequently. ...
  3. Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds. ...
  4. Don't pick at your skin. ...
  5. Follow up with your provider. ...
  6. Learn about chemical peel recovery.

What days are the worst after a chemical peel?

After your chemical peel, you will be in recovery for 1-2 weeks, with days 3 and 4 being the worst in terms of peeling.

What oil is good after chemical peel?

Post-Treatment Protocol:

Apply healing, soothing products such as: emu oil + copper serum or emu + Regenerate Epidermal Growth Factor, Hyaluronic Acid or another mild lotion such as Vitamin B Complex. Apply an SPF 30+ for sensitive skin prior to going outdoors.

Can I put ice on my face after a chemical peel?

If your face hurts, the best treatment is to apply cold compresses to the treated areas of the face. We recommend that you take a salad bowl and wash it well. Fill it with water and ice cubes and soak several wash cloths (or gauze) in the bowl and keep the bowl in the refrigerator.

How to remove dead skin after a chemical peel?

Peeling skin should be allowed to slough off naturally; picking or peeling of flaking skin is prohibited, as it may lead to scarring. Use of prescription topicals should be avoided for 3-5 days post-peel.

What are the best products to use after a chemical peel?

After a chemical peel, it's best to stick to a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Avoid retinol creams and heavier products with active ingredients and irritants. After a medium peel, wait about one week to resume your usual skincare routine.

How do you hydrate your skin after a chemical peel?

Many of our patients prefer using Aquaphor, a readily available moisturizer. Be gentle when applying moisturizer without scrubbing or rubbing it in. Use it several times throughout the day as necessary, applying a thin layer each time.

What does your face look like 3 days after a chemical peel?

Around the third day, you may start to see the initial signs of peeling. Your skin might appear dry and flaky, and small pieces may begin to shed. This is a normal part of the process as the old skin is being replaced by new skin underneath.

What not to put on your face after a chemical peel?

After a chemical peel, it is important to avoid certain products that can irritate your skin, such as toners, astringents and exfoliants. We recommend using gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers to help soothe your skin. Avoid Alcohol.

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