Call it biochemical, but you wouldn’t exactly be excited the next time you hear the terms chemical and peel in one sentence. It does sound a little bit frightening but in fact, chemical peels have numerous skin health and beautifying effects. There are many advantages of gel peeling, one of them is the fact that they are incredibly universal.
A good chemical peel makes skin lighter and tighter, treats chronic skin diseases and has several anti-ageing properties as well. In general, peels are inexpensive, yet efficient in the sphere of cosmetic dermatology. AAYNA clinic this blog will seek to expand on what you are likely to encounter once you have undergone the chemical peel.
What is Chemical Peel & Why Would I Get One?
Those who never administered chemical peels before may be asking what treatment this is all about. In their simplest definition, chemical peels are what their name implies.
Facial treatments involve the use of chemicals to remove one or more layers of the skin to expose the new and healthy skin. In common, let’s discuss the most common types of chemical peel which are the following ones.
There are several types of chemical peels depending on how deep they go, and the extent of your skin problem: from the outermost layer of your skin that may be treated for uneven skin tone, and other mild problems, to deeper layers that may be treated for fine lines and wrinkles, scarring – including acne, skin marks, and other signs of acne, sun damage, and other blemishes.
What are the Expected Outcomes of Chemical Peels?
People can be really scared when going for a chemical peel since they have heard of people who have had worse results. When done professionally, by a dermatologist and you have chosen the correct chemical peel solution for your skin type, you should have surprisingly good results and little pain and downtime. Given below are the ten things you should expect after the first chemical peel.
Day 1: Redness, similar to having sunburn
While the skin will be red following a chemical peel procedure, it will only resemble sunburn, mild. Well, this is normal especially because the peel’s function is to shed the dead and darker layer of the skin.
The redness may take a few hours or a couple of days depending on the intensity of the peel. In the process, you may feel a slight warmth in the skin or if touched, this is normal.
To fade the redness, it is advisable not to use irritating and harsh products while using natural products such as moisturizers or even cool rinsing. Skin also should avoid direct sunlight so that it will not become irritated.
Day 1-3 Mild discomfort that is usually resolved in the first three days
There might be some discomfort after the peel, for instance, itching or skin tightness but usually only mild. This is only temporary and typically resolves in a week as your skin rids itself of the toxins. To ease this, ensure you use products made for sensitive skin and do not touch or scratch the treated areas.
Nevertheless, if the sensation remains too irksome, using an ice cube will be beneficial. It is advisable to remain calm and follow a basic skincare regime that will see you through this phase as you get clearer skin.
Day 2-3 – Peeling or flaking skin
Initially, when the peel begins what it is supposed to do, your skin will begin to peel especially old and dry skin. This can manifest in the form of slight or almost light ‘flaking’, to a certain extent of actually visible peeling. Of course, one can feel the desire to open the peeling regions but the process should happen naturally.
Sometimes picking causes redness or bruising, respectively. For the peeling skin, use a sensitive skin moisturizer so that the skin does not become too dry and avoid using scrubs. After a few days, the skin layer will peel and from underneath you get a fresh and bright skin layer. This stage requires you to be patient while your skin slowly comes out to shine.
Day 2-4 – Mild tightness of the treated part
Post peels, it is possible to feel that skin feels extremely tight, similar to how it does after stretching. This is because during the peeling process of your skin, some of the layers and oils are eliminated for a while, and the remaining skin feels tighter. However, by replenishing the area with a gentle moisturizing spray, the tightness can be relieved. Do not take hot showers or use strong soaps to worsen the tightness that will be experienced during this time. If taken care of, this feeling will subside in 3-4 days making your skin look fresh and smooth.
Day 3-5 – Increased sensitivity to sunlight
After a chemical peel your skin becomes sensitive and so it is worse to be exposed to the sun’s rays. Excessive exposure to sunlight causes skin to become red or have an uneven colour so it has to be avoided. A wide-spectrum sunscreen with non-irritating ingredients should be applied, regardless of whether any time is to be spent indoors or outdoors. This is a delicate stage and it is very important to protect the skin while it regenerates. Sun exposure should therefore be avoided as this will help your skin to heal nicely.
Day 3 to 6 – Dry Skin for Some Time
After the peel, your skin can be a little dry or look like it has some mild patches of what we commonly call ‘flaky skin’. That is because the peel eliminates dead cells from the outer layer, and the new skin underneath may feel a little dry for a while. In this regard, use a moisturizer that is enriched and at the same time has no strong smell or chemicals.
Proper hydration also supports your skin from the inside, so you should ensure that you drink sufficient water. Do not apply any drying products such as cleaners or toners throughout this period. After a few days of the peel, your skin will start to normalize and become smooth again with genuine softness, thus eliminating the dry feeling.
Day 3-6 – Tingling or mild stinging sensation
Okay, maybe you feel a little tingle or sting on your skin after the peel, that is normal. This is because the peel is actively rejuvenating your skin which may leave your skin sensitive for some time. The feeling is commonly slight and rarely lasts for very long. Although, nothing should irritate your skin and to make sure that this does not happen you should avoid harsh products. If necessary you can put a towel soaked in cold water, to the affected area to reduce the sensation. When the skin’s reactions reduce the tingling sensation automatically goes away leaving your skin feeling rather clean.
Day 5-7 – Mild removal of hyperpigmentation or blemishes
One of the advantages of this treatment is that, concerning the face, a chemical peel can cause uneven darkness or patches of blemishes to fade gradually. While exfoliating, the extra pigment is peeled off along with the layers of skin and what remains is an even-toned skin. Of course, this change will not be instant; it will form a part of the gradual skin change that occurs after the treatment.
To retain this improvement, use sunscreen and do not scratch the skin where there is healing. Moisturizing your skin regularly will also complement the process and make your entire skin texture look much brighter and same toned.
Day 7-10 – Peeling and flakes are gone; Revealing a fresh skin layer
If you now observe your skin after the peeling process, it comes out soft and also becomes easy to touch. This is because the peel effectively sloughs off any tough or inappropriately textured outer skin, to expose the smoother skin that is below.
You could see in the mirror, that your skin looks brighter than it did before, or that the makeup applies more smoothly or that your skin just feels better throughout the day.
To maintain this skin feel, always continue using mild and moisturizing skincare products and avoid face scrubbing. It is good to enjoy the marvels of this stage because this indicates that the peel has done its job of enhancing the texture of the skin.
Day 7-14 – A Smooth, Brighter Skin Tone With Time
After some time the skin will peel and develop a healthier-looking tone. This is because the normal process of the peel has removed the outer layer of skin that has lost its natural luminosity and revealed a new and brighter layer of the skin. Such a glow usually begins to appear after one week or so after the procedure has been administered.
To sustain it, stick to sunscreen, moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers and skin care products that do not harm the skin. This is a sign of happy and healthy skin and means that the peel has worked on your skin and made it brighter.
Now that you are aware of what changes happen and what to expect day to day after a chemical peel, you can better prepare for the recovery process and enjoy the multitude of advantages of this wonderful skin treatment. By following the proper aftercare and consulting with AAYNA dermatologists, you can not only get but also maintain the best possible outcomes from your chemical peel facial.
When you’re ready to learn more about your chemical peel options, our team of aestheticians at AAYNA would love to hear from you. We’re happy to offer personalized consultation and aesthetic love that your skin needs. Come, experience the AAYNA magic!
