Are you trying to figure out how to speed up peeling after chemical peel application? Maybe you’ve already done one without realizing the effect it would have on your skin and now you’re in a panic because you don’t want to go out looking dry and sun burnt? Relax – I’ve got some solutions for you.
Chemical peels can be very effective for exfoliation, pigment irregularities in the skin like melasma or age spots, and even to smoothen wrinkles or to take care of skin problems that lie deeper in your skin’s layers.
However, you have to be ready to deal with the healing process, which can last anywhere from 5-10 days. The stronger the chemical peel you use, the more peeling and redness you will have to deal with during the healing process.
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Whether you’ve already applied your peel and need a quick fix to speed up the peeling process or you’re trying to figure out the best method for a chemical peel application to ensure a speedy recovery, I have got some excellent methods and tips to share with you today.
When I first tried a chemical peel, I didn’t realize how it would change the appearance of my skin until it was too late. I had to find a solution, and as always, I did. After that, I did some research before trying a second peel and found some great tricks for speeding up the healing process from the very start.
Today I’m sharing a quick fix to speed up the healing process after a chemical peel as well as a proper method of application that will ensure a speedy recovery based on how you prepare and apply the peel.
The Quick Fix Method for Speedy Peeling: What You’ll Need
Speeding up the healing process after a chemical peel requires a combination of treatments. You will need the following items:
- Vaseline
- Large clean bowl for ice water
- Several washcloths
- Gentle face cleanser like Neutrogena or Dove
- Bland moisturizer
- Anti-inflammatory ointment, 1% hydrocortisone
- High quality sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
It’s important to note that you should not use ice packs or frozen compresses in place of the ice water. You also need to avoid the sun for at least a week after the peel. This includes sunlight seeping into windows.
The Quick Fix Method
This method will ease any swelling, pain or discomfort you may experience after a chemical peel. It will keep your skin moisturized and protected as well so that the healing process goes smoothly and quickly.
1. Step One : Protect the Skin
Immediately after the peel, coat your face with a layer of Vaseline. Continue to apply this to your face for 5-7 days as your skin heals. This will act as a protective layer for your skin, warding off dust and germs and locking in moisture.
2. Step Two : Soothe the Skin
If you’re experiencing pain or swelling after your peel, fill a large clean bowl with ice water, soak several clean washcloths in it, and keep it in the refrigerator. You can apply the cold cloth to your face, which will reduce swelling and ease any discomfort.
You can replace the cloth with a new one as soon as it’s warm. Be sure that you only do this if you’re experiencing a significant amount of pain or swelling as the water will wash off the Vaseline and the excess moisture may cause additional peeling.
3. Step Three: Gentle Wash
You must wash your face two times per day with a gentle face cleanser. Simply lather a dab of the cleanser in your hands and pat it gently onto your face. Rinse it off by splashing lukewarm water onto your face. Then, pat it dry with a clean towel.
4. Step Four : Ointment and Moisturizer
Immediately after you wash your face, apply a combination of 1% hydrocortisone ointment and bland moisturizer. Be sure to apply this very gently without rubbing your skin too hard.
You can apply this ointment-moisturizer combination up to five times per day in order to keep your skin from drying out and cracking.
5. Step Five : Avoid Sunlight
For the first two weeks after your peel, take every precaution to avoid exposing your skin to sunlight. You must avoid direct sunlight for 4-6 weeks after the peel. Use a high quality sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher even if you won’t be outdoors.
Exposure to sunlight through windows can reduce the effects of the peel and even cause hyperpigmentation.
The Proper Application Method: What You’ll Need
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If you’re reading this tutorial a few weeks before you’re planning to do your chemical peel, there’s an awesome method that you can use to speed up the healing process. However, you must prepare your skin for 2-3 weeks in advance. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Retinoid cream, like Retino-A, Differin or Tazorac
Preparing your skin for a chemical peel by using retinoid cream speeds up the healing process by 36-48 hours.
The Proper Application
Begin the process of preparing your skin 2-3 weeks before applying the peel.
1. Step One: Apply the Retinoid Cream
Via doctoroz.com
You should apply the retinoid cream to your skin once every other day. After you wash your face, wait 2-3 hours. This will allow a natural layer of oil to develop under your skin. Apply a small amount of the cream to your skin. Applying a generous amount can result in irritation.
2. Step Two: Follow the Quick Fix Method
Do not apply retinoid cream to your skin immediately following the peel. Instead, follow the quick fix method outlined above to ensure a speedy recovery.
Pro Tips
There are some general rules that you need to follow after a chemical peel, regardless of whether you prepped your skin with retinoid cream or not.
- Wait at least two weeks before exfoliating
- Do not apply ice packs and try to avoid applying cold compresses
- Stay out of the sun at all costs for 2 weeks and avoid direct sunlight for 4-6 weeks
- Practice your poker face – facial movements cause premature cracking
- Do not run, scratch or pick at your skin during the healing process
Advice for a Speedy Recovery
Did you find my tutorial helpful? Although chemical peels can be beneficial for a number of reasons, the healing process can be uncomfortable and nerve wracking. You might start to feel like you made a mistake and your skin is never going to return to normal, but hang in there!
I learned the hard way that preparing your skin for the peel is super important. If you follow my quick fix method for how to speed up peeling after chemical peel, you should get through the healing process quickly with minimal discomfort.
Conclusion
Let me know how you made it through your chemical peel recovery. Did you follow my method or do you have one of your own? Leave a comment and let me know about your experiences. If you have any questions about the information here, feel free to ask – I’m always happy to help.
Good luck with your peel, and remember – the healing process will end eventually and you will be left with beautiful and healthy skin.
As a licensed, practicing Esthetician thos is a bit unnerving. I don’t advise taking this advice unless you’ve decided peeling quicker is favorable to receiving the full benefit of the treatment or that you want your skin to be unstable for the practitioner and having the peel lead to damage & hyperpigmentation. What I mean: Using Vaseline or anything with oils or even just plain water within the 1st 24-48 hrs will cause the peel to be much less effective and in fact can cause a much slower rate of peeling. What a waste of $150-$???Using a retinol prior to your peel can lead to damage &/or hyperpigmentation because the areas of application will be much more sensitive & reactive. This can lead to what’s called blanching, which can lead to hyperpigmentation…ESPECIALLY with complexions that are naturally darker or even have a little more naturally present unnoticeable melanin than average lighter skin. Be very careful with your protocols before & after peels to avoid damaging skin and/or not rcvg the benefits you paid for.
~karlee harris
This was not an article on how to speed up peeling! This is the same advice for care after a peel