Do you have uneven texture or acne marks that you want to remove from your skin? Chemical peels can leave your skin fresh and rejuvenated with a healthy glow. After treatment, the skin will peel, however, leading many patients to think the skin is drying out. Some patients ask, should I moisturize after a chemical peel? We can help you with all your peel needs at River Region Dermatology and Laser in Montgomery, AL, starting with the answers to key questions about treatment.
Chemical Peels
The benefits of chemical peels are designed to make the skin on a patient’s face and neck have a smooth and radiant appearance. Chemical peels are some of the most popular facial treatments and provide results without any downtime. A chemical peel involves no invasive surgical procedures, anesthetic, or lasers. The peel can be customized for a patient’s skin condition to provide the desired results and uses a variety of natural ingredients. Peels are a simple and affordable way to maintain a patient’s skin with a luxurious and enjoyable treatment.
How Does It Work?
A chemical peel is designed to remove the top layer of a patient’s skin using natural ingredients and an acid, like glycolic acid. There are three main types of peels: deep peels that penetrate deep and have a long peel time, medium peels that penetrate less deep, and light peels that only penetrate the very surface of the skin for the shortest peel time.
The dead skin cells are removed, leaving the skin fresh and rejuvenated. Young skin is exposed on the face and neck, giving the face a glowing appearance after the chemical peel. Scars and discoloration can have a reduced appearance with regular chemical peels. The skin grows back over time and will eventually become dull.
What Can Be Treated?
Acne chemical peels provide patients with glowing and exfoliated skin. The skin appears tight and lifted for some time after the treatment. A specialist will determine if a light, medium, or deep chemical peel is needed. Patients will enjoy even tones and textures and a reduction in hyperpigmentation and dark spots on the skin. Acne can be treated, as well as acne scars, with different types of peel treatments. The skin can appear younger by removing sun damage and fine lines with treatment. Clogged pores and enlarged pores can also be treated.
Should I Moisturize After Chemical Peels?
It is important to moisturize after a chemical peel. The fresh skin is sensitive, and the skin may still be peeling following the treatment. Moisturizers will not prevent the peeling process, as it is part of the chemical peel process. Patients will want to avoid harsh moisturizers and go for a neutral moisturizer that is light on additives.
Patients should start with a minimal amount of moisturizer following their treatment and work their way up to their normal portion. Patients should spread the moisturizer thinly and avoid unnecessary scrubbing or rubbing of the skin. By the end of the week, a patient can comfortably follow their normal moisturizer routine.
What Other Care Should I Take After Chemical Peels?
Patients should avoid direct sun exposure after a chemical peel. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is a must for peel patients. Sunscreen should be worn any time a patient may come in contact with the sun, and this includes time spent driving in the car and on overcast days.
Patients should also avoid rubbing or massaging the treated skin for several days. The skin will peel, but patients should refrain from picking or peeling the skin manually. Patients with long hair should wear their hair back to avoid irritation. Patients should also follow any instructions given by their treatment specialist.
Can I Wear Makeup?
When a patient can begin wearing cosmetics will depend on the depth of the exfoliation. In general, patients should avoid most makeup products for at least seven days following their chemical peel treatment. The skin needs time to heal, so only moisturizer and sunscreen should be worn to protect the skin for several days.
Before Treatment
During the consultation, patients should inform their treatment specialist if they have a history of viral infections like cold sores. Patients with facial scarring should also discuss this during the consultation. Patients with a history of viral infections may be prescribed medication before the treatment session. A patient taking skin medications should inform the doctor, as they may be asked to avoid these medications for some time.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
Vibrant skin from chemical peels can be enjoyed by patients of any age, gender, and skin tone. The skin will look fresh and new, with an even tone and texture. While the treatment can provide benefits for everyone, it is most noticeable on fair skin. A chemical peel may not be recommended for patients who are pregnant or nursing. Patients who have had a recent procedure on the face or have an active infection should inform the specialist during the consultation.
Enjoy a Radiant Glow Today
If you are ready for your chemical peel, visit River Region Dermatology and Laser in Montgomery, AL today for an initial consultation. We can provide safe and effective chemical peel treatments and offer a host of cosmetic and medical treatments for your skincare needs.
