The Dos And Don'ts After A Chemical Peel: Our Top 8
Updated on 30/09/2024
A chemical peel, also called ‘chemical exfoliation’, is a restorative treatment that has gained traction in the industry over the years.
Whether you’re looking for a solution to minimise the appearance of hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, acne, or other skin problems, chemical peels can be an effective treatment to rejuvenate the skin for a more youthful complexion.
If you’re looking for some dos and don’ts after a chemical, this guide is for you.
The 8 dos and don’ts after a chemical peel include:
- Do reconsider your skincare products
- Do moisturise your skin
- Do protect your skin from the sun
- Do stay hydrated
- Don’t pick the treated area
- Don’t break a sweat
- Don't overwash your face
- Don’t use retinol
1. Do Reconsider Your Skincare Products
After a chemical peel, you should reconsider your skincare products.
Whether you usually have a 3-step- or 10-step skincare routine, it’s best to strip it back while your skin is healing.
Generally speaking, you should use a soap-free cleanser and a simple moisturiser to allow the treatment to work its magic.
Once your skin has healed, you can reintroduce your other skincare products back into your routine.
2. Do Moisturise Your Skin
Following a chemical peel, it’s normal for your skin to become very dry and flake off in the days following your treatment.
That said, it’s important to regularly moisturise your skin to hydrate it until it’s completely healed from the treatment.
To aid healing, choose a gentle moisturiser that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals and won’t dry out your skin for the best aftercare.
Chemical peels can minimise the appearance of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and more.
3. Do Protect Your Skin From The Sun
It’s essential to stay out of the sun post-peel and protect your skin.
The new skin is particularly sensitive to harsh UV rays, so be mindful to stick to shaded areas when possible.
When you’re out and about, it’s essential to protect your skin with an SPF of 50+, which should already be a staple in your skincare routine.
At You Can Clinic, we’ve recently become a stockist for AlumierMD, a medical-grade skincare brand exclusively available through professionals.
Whether you’re looking for a medical-grade SPF or an array of other skincare products, we’ve got you covered.
To place an order, simply email pharmacy@youcanclinic.com or call 02922747543.
4. Do Stay Hydrated
5. Don’t Pick The Treated Area
You mustn’t pick the treated area after a chemical peel.
Although it may be tempting to pick or scratch your skin when it's peeling, flaking, or feeling itchy, it’s important not to give in to temptation.
Your skin is highly sensitive after a chemical peel, and picking the shedding skin will only exacerbate this and increase the chances of infection.
Instead, you should use a cold compress and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate to alleviate any itching.
There are numerous types of chemical peels, each with a unique PH level, application method, time, and associated risks and complications.
6. Don’t Break A Sweat
You also shouldn’t break a sweat after a chemical peel treatment.
This means you should avoid sunbathing, the sauna, and high-intensity workouts until your skin is healed, as sweat can irritate it.
Can You Exercise After A Chemical Peel?
You can exercise after a chemical peel, but keep it light.
To protect your skin and maximise the benefits of your chemical peel, you’ll want to stick to gentle exercise to avoid getting too sweaty for the first couple of days following your treatment.
7. Don't Overwash Your Face
8. Don’t Use Retinol
Lastly, don’t use retinol after a chemical peel.
Retinol is an exfoliant form of vitamin A and can cause many side effects, including irritation, burning and redness that can hinder your skin’s healing process after a chemical peel.
How Soon After A Chemical Peel Can I Use Retinol?
This depends on the chemical peel you get, as they can be done at different depths, from light to deep.
Generally speaking, you should wait 10 days before reintroducing retinol into your skincare routine after a chemical peel.
However, after a deep chemical peel, the skin takes longer to heal, and you should wait at least six weeks before using retinol again.
Interested in a chemical peel training course? Look no further than You Can Clinic.
Our AlumierMD Chemical Peel Training Course
Are you interested in advancing your skills as an aesthetic practitioner? You Can Clinic’s AlumierMD chemical peel training course is perfect.
In this course, you’ll receive expert-led training from professionals who are passionate about skin health.
You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of AlumierMD’s cutting-edge chemical peels, which are designed to address various skin concerns, including blemishes, discolouration, and signs of ageing.
To book a space on our aesthetics training courses, please email courses@youcanclinic.com or call us on 02921678740.
You Can Clinic is one of the UK's leading providers of aesthetic training courses and pharmaceutical supplies. Over 1000 individuals have progressed through our affordable programmes, which provide comprehensive coverage of all relevant aesthetic procedures.
Written by Jemima for You Can Clinic.
