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If flawless skin is your goal, there are multiple types of treatment you can explore, but the one that seems to be a client favorite is chemical peels. While this noninvasive procedure can help you regain your youthful glow, you may experience extreme sensitivity to the sun as a result for a short time after treatment. This causes many to wonder: can you wear makeup after a chemical peel?
So what do you think? Is it alright to wear makeup after getting a chemical skin peel? Let’s find that out in this article and other important information about chemical peel treatment.
Can I Wear Makeup After A Chemical Peel?
The correct answer will depend on the depth and quality of the peel you get because your skin will peel differently after each treatment. But to be sure, when you get a chemical peel treatment for your skin, ask your skin care professional when you can resume wearing makeup or other products.
Moreover, for your skin to heal completely and safely, it's important to keep it clean while the old layers are peeling off. Putting on makeup too soon can cause problems, like irritation.
How Long After A Chemical Peel Can I Wear Makeup?
After the treatment, your new skin is still fragile or sensitive, so you cannot apply makeup immediately to the healing skin. It helps to keep a bare face after treatment. However, depending on the type of chemical peel, you may be able to wear makeup immediately after receiving treatment.
It is safe to wear makeup the day after the treatment for light chemical peels or superficial peels because the skin heals immediately.
For Medium peel, you can wear makeup only after five to seven days.
For Deep peel, you need to wait fourteen days before you can apply makeup on the treated skin or until your skin care specialist approves it because the healing process is essential.
Why Should I Wait to Apply Makeup After a Chemical Peel?
It is essential to wait before applying makeup, as your skin will be tender and prone to skin irritation for several days following a peel; hence it requires time to heal. Moreover, the newly exposed skin is susceptible to irritation, and putting on makeup after this treatment can clog your pores.
So, if you wear makeup, you should take a break from your routine during the Chemical Peel aftercare period. Products such as mascara are fine, but topical makeup for your skin, such as a mineral-free foundation, may clog your newly exposed pores.
You may be able to apply makeup 1-2 days after a light peel, but your skin care professional will likely recommend allowing your skin to heal and breathe.
How Is A Chemical Peel Performed?
Chemical peels are usually performed on the face, hands, and neck to remove acne scars and dead skin cells, and improve your skin's health. This procedure is done by a dermatologist, licensed esthetician, skin specialist, or trained skin care provider. The chemical peel treatment involves applying a chemical solution on the affected skin surface that will result in exfoliation and peeling, eventually revealing a skin layer with less damage.
During the Procedure
You may experience some burning or stinging, but the intensity will depend on the type of chemical peel. Depending on the severity of the discomfort, you will receive a cool compress and pain relief medication.
Chemical peel solutions include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid (phenol), which causes the peeling. The solution is applied after thoroughly cleansing the skin surface and protecting the areas not included in the chemical treatment, such as the eyes and the hair.
After cleaning, your dermatologist will apply the solution to the treatment areas. The chemical peel solution will cause a controlled injury to the skin, thereby revealing a new layer of skin that is smoother and less damaged. After the solution has been applied, it is neutralized or washed off using a neutralizing solution or wash.
Preparations and After Care
Here are some things to consider when having a chemical peel performed:
Things To Do Before the Chemical Peel Treatment
Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and tanning two weeks before each session.
Prepare your skin by applying topical products.
Affected areas of the skin must be free from any open wound, sores, or infection.
Refrain from using any products that contain retinoids one or two weeks before the treatment. However, your skin care specialist may instruct otherwise, depending on your case.
Take oral or anti-viral antibiotics at least 24 hours before the treatment.
Inform your skin care specialist if you are under medication.
Use glycolic acid lotion to improve skin healing.
Avoid hair removal and bleaching products the week before the treatment.
Stop using skin scrubs and exfoliating products before the treatment.
Arrange a ride home if you will undergo a medium or deep chemical peel treatment
Things To Do After the Treatment
Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun since the new skin is sensitive and fragile.
Avoid tanning while you are in the healing process.
Apply sunscreen after the skin heals. It is advised to use zinc oxide sunscreen moisturizer to provide superior sun protection.
As directed by your skin care specialist, apply skin moisturizer daily to prevent your skin from scarring.
Do not apply makeup until approved by your skin care professional.
What Should Be Expected After Treatment?
Expectations after the treatment may vary depending on the type of chemical peel treatment.
If you've had superficial chemical peels…
You will see redness and scaling three to seven days after the treatment, and you are expected to apply lotion or cream to the affected area. After your skin heals, you will need to apply sunscreen every day.
If you've had a medium or deep peel…
You will see redness, flaking, and swelling. Your skin will be swelling for 48 hours and peeling for seven to fourteen days after a medium or VI Peel. Do not directly expose your skin to sunlight because the newly exposed skin is fragile. Apply lotion or cream daily until your skin completely heals. Depending on your skin specialist's prescription, you will take medication, and additional medium peels may be necessary to maintain the results.
If you've had deep chemical peels…
If you've had a deeper peel treatment, your skin must be bandaged and removed after a few days. Your skin is expected to heal in two weeks to one month, but you will be advised to stay out of the sun for three to six months. Your skin care specialist may also prescribe anti-viral drugs for two weeks. Deep peeling can only be done once on your skin, so there will be no additional chemical peel sessions.
Think you want a chemical peel or have questions about getting one? Our licensed aestheticians at Low Country Skin Revision can create a custom skin treatment plan that includes home care routines and medical-grade products to deliver the desired results.
Call us today at (843) 384-1645 for your bookings and appointment!