If this is your first chemical peel, you may be wondering what you can expect after your procedure:
- Will your skin be red and swollen?
- Can you still go out in public?
- Will there be pain?
- How much peeling should you expect?
- When can you wear makeup and use your favorite face products again?
We receive these types of questions all the time from our chemical peel patients. That’s why we wanted to consolidate the answers into one easy-to-find location.
Read on to learn more about the chemical peel process day by day and what to expect in terms of side effects and when you can return to a normal routine after the procedure.
5 Things to Expect After a Chemical Peel
Although the peel itself will only take about 30 minutes to an hour, you’ll notice the actual chemical peel process day by day after your procedure.
From the moment you arrive home after visiting Dr. Ramanadham’s office for your peel, you should expect the following:
1. Redness
Redness tends to show up after medium and deep chemical peels. In some cases, the redness can actually turn to slight scabbing. Most of the time, this redness will begin to dissipate after about one to two weeks, but in some cases, it may take longer. Following the aftercare instructions provided to you by Dr. Ramanadham can help to reduce this redness more quickly.
2. Tingling and burning sensations
Minor irritations usually show up for just the first few days after your peel. From then on, you shouldn’t have much additional discomfort. Sensations range from overall soreness to slight tingling feelings — a bit like light needle pricks. If you notice anything more painful than this, contact whoever performed your chemical peel to ensure the healing process is progressing well.
3. Peeling
Peeling will usually occur around two to three days after the procedure itself. Once it starts, it can last anywhere from two to five days.
Make sure that you never peel the skin off yourself — even if it’s started and you’re just helping it along. Just let it fall off naturally, and do not pick at your skin. Doing so can compromise your results. You may even end up with hyperpigmentation if you pick or peel off skin that isn’t ready to come off.
4. A slightly darker complexion
After the peeling stage, many patients notice that their skin looks slightly darker. This usually occurs as the skin is peeling off or around the third or fourth day.
This is perfectly normal and may last for several weeks. In some cases, the darker pigment coincides with some lingering redness. This simply indicates that new, healthier skin is forming.
5. Light acne breakouts
Slight breakouts of single blemishes or areas of acne may occur toward the end of the peeling process. Again, this is generally caused by general skin irritation during and right after the peel.
Unfortunately, many patients are particularly unhappy that breakouts occur after their peel because they may have gotten the peel in the first place to help handle acne and breakouts. The good news is, this acne is usually short-lived. It generally clears up within a few days, and after that, you’ll start to see your new, fresh, and beautiful skin.
The Chemical Peel Process Day by Day
Here’s what you can expect from the chemical peel process day by day:
- Day 1: Tingling and redness will be the first symptoms you experience, especially right after the procedure and for the first few hours.
- Days 2 and 3: Your skin will continue to be irritated and look red and dried out. Some mild swelling may occur. Peeling will begin, and you may notice some flaking and imperfections too.
- Day 4: Around this time, pimples may form, and your skin will appear slightly darker in color. Dryness and redness may also continue.
- Days 5 and 6: Your skin should start to “calm down” at this time. This is around the time when you’ll feel more comfortable going out in public if you wish.
- Day 7 and beyond: Finally, your new healthy skin will appear! You can usually go back to wearing makeup and using your regular skin care products if you wish (though check with your surgeon). Some redness may linger, but this should dissipate more and more each day.
Are You a Good Candidate for a Chemical Peel?
Most patients who are interested in chemical peels are looking to correct minor imperfections. A chemical peel (depending on which type you choose and how intense you want it to be) can improve the following skin conditions:
- Acne
- Acne scars
- Other types of scars
- Fine lines
- Wrinkles
- Uneven skin tone
- Sun spots
- Age spots
- Hyperpigmentation
- Bumpy skin
If any of these issues concern you, you may be a good candidate for a chemical peel.
Other considerations include:
- Your skin tone. Those with lighter skin tones tend to handle chemical peels better. Those with darker skin tones may experience uneven pigmentation after a chemical peel, though there are other procedures that can work better for these individuals.
- What products or medications you use. Certain topical products and oral medications can result in adverse effects if combined with a chemical peel.
- How severe your skin conditions are. If you have severe cystic acne, for example, a chemical peel may only irritate your skin further.
Schedule Your Chemical Peel Today!
Chemical peels can transform your skin — tackling scars, fine lines, and other signs of aging and environmental damage. If you would like smoother, fresher, younger looking skin, a chemical peel is a great place to start!
Dr. Ramanadham performs various types of chemical peels depending on the needs of her patients. Whether you’re struggling with dry patches, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, scarring, or other issues, we’re here to help!
To schedule your consultation appointment with Dr. Ramanadham, call today — your skin will thank you!
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemical-peel/about/pac-20393473
