If you’ve been doing your homework, you’ve learned that a facial chemical peel can give your face new life. However, it also calls for some recovery time.
Chemical peels encourage the resurfacing of your skin by stimulating the development of new skin cells and getting rid of old tissue. In the process, chemical peels eliminate or reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. After a chemical peel, your skin is rejuvenated, with a lively glow and a smooth tone.
It’s important to note that while chemical peels do require recovery time, they’re much kinder today than they were during their development decades ago. In the past, it was widely believed that more pain led to more gain. But as techniques have developed, and we’ve learned to pinpoint specific outcomes, we’ve found ways to stimulate amazing results with less discomfort. The idea of a chemical peel is to coax the skin into more health and radiance, not to attack it.
Most people take about a week off of work after a chemical peel in order to allow the skin to fully heal before they have to be presentable again. However, the length of time you’ll need for recovery will depend on what kind of chemical peel you opt for. In any case, here are four important ways to take care of your skin after the procedure:
- We’ll prescribe you medication to reduce pain and swelling after the procedure. Take the medication as needed, and contact our office right away if you have any concerns following up on the procedure.
- Avoid sun exposure. While your skin is recovering from a facial peel, it’s highly sensitive to the sun. Most people stay inside for a few days after the procedure. In order to protect yourself when you venture outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and ask us for a recommendation for topical sunscreen that will protect your skin without irritating it.
- Reduce the risk of bacterial infection. Your skin’s defenses are down for the next little while. You don’t have layers to combat foreign bodies from getting beneath the surface of your skin. Antibacterial lotion will help with this. We’ll recommend a topical agent that will both eliminate the risk of infection, and moisturize your skin to help it heal faster. You can also reduce the risk of bacterial infection by staying indoors and cleaning your face once or twice a day.
- Don’t touch, scratch, or peel skin. As the name suggests, a chemical peel will often encourage the old top layer of skin to peel away, making room for vibrant new skin underneath. However, how much your skin actually peels will depend on your skin, along with the specific formula used. In any case, it can be very tempting to touch and scratch your skin when it’s itchy and peeling. However, doing so carries the risk of infection and scarring. So, resist the urge, and instead, only treat your skin using the lotions prescribed by our office. You can also use cold compresses to reduce swelling and irritability.
Here at Barr Aesthetics, we offer a variety of chemical peel formulas in order to accommodate our patients’ unique needs. Not all facial peels are the same. In order to give you the best results, we’ll consider your goals, your skin type, and your lifestyle. Call us today if you have more questions.
