We’ll try just about anything to turn back the time on the too many days spent in the sunshine or rid our faces of acne scars. Although the fountain of youth may be fictitious, the chemical peel is the real deal. The words “chemical” and “peel” may sound scary at first, but this FDA-approved treatment literally gives you a fresh face of skin—and it’s been growing in popularity, with approximately 1.36 million treatments received in 2016.
The type and depth of the solution will dictate how long the skin will peel. The traditional medium-depth chemical peels take three to five days for the skin to peel off before the new pink skin underneath arises. Deeper peels that contain phenol can take seven to ten days to recuperate from. Dr. Sabini notes that the peeling should start on or around the third day after a peel, not immediately after.
Dr. Sabini recommends the “use of a gentle cleanser and a hydrating serum or gel, such as Aquaphor or Elta MD post-peel cream” to help soothe the skin in the days following a chemical peel. You may also want to treat the new skin right away with a combination of stem cell and light therapy. Integrating potent aftercare solutions such as colloidal silver, Botaniceutical and marine algae extracts will help hydrate, stabilize and protect the new skin. “These ingredients will boost the skin’s ability to fight free-radical damage at this early stage, which is so important and often overlooked.” Be sure to consult your doctor before using any skin care products after your procedure. Dr. Sabini also recommends avoiding using products such as glycolics, exfoliants, or retinols after your procedure.
The chemical peel is used to accelerate the exfoliation of dead skin cells to reveal fresh, new skin. The biggest risk during this process is sun exposure. Sabini highly recommends using a high, broad-spectrum SPF to keep the skin safe during the delicate time following the procedure.
Dr. Sabini also explains the importance of keeping the skin cool, “You shouldn’t let hot water touch your face as any inflammation can spike post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).” He urges you not to take hot showers and keep your water at room temperature or colder.
We hope our tips help you better prepare for your chemical peel procedure! Contact us today to schedule your next appointment!