Chemical peels are incredibly popular in Australia. In-fact, at CQ Skin, they are one of our most requested services due to their excellent rejuvenation results in combating sun damage, acne scarring and skin discolouration as well as fine line & wrinkles.

By removing the surface layer of the skin, the chemical peel can reveal the brighter and smoother layer underneath. However, without correct peel preparation and aftercare, you may encounter undesireable side effects that can vary depending on the depth and intensity of the chemical peel.

Here are 8 after care tips that you can use to avoid post peel discomfort and see visible results.

1. Don’t pick & Peel

   Rule 1: Let your skin peel on its own. It might be tempting to help the process along, but resist the urge! Picking or peeling the layers of skin can actually damage the layers underneath. Be patient and wait the process out, allowing your skin to fully heal before using any type of exfoliator.

2. Minimise your products

   Rule 2: Always use a hyrdating sunscreen after a peel to protect your skin (We use and recommend the Ultraceuticals Daily Protective Moisturiser range). You should not, however, jump straight back into your usual skin care routine. While your skin is healing, using too many products could irritate or damage your skin. Resume your usual routine once your skin has fully healed, but ensure that you are applying your protective moisturiser regularly throughout the entire process.

3. Shun hot water

   Rule 3: Cold or warm water is your best friend while your skin in healing after a chemical peel. Using hot water to wash your face can cause irritation and damage to your skin. Cold water, on the other hand, will not only feel better on your skin but will help to calm and soothe any irritation or discomfort while your skin heals. If a cleanser is required, a gentle and sensitive cleanser such as the Ultraceuticals Hydrating Milk Cleanser should be used to reduce any tightness or irritation.

4. Light workouts only

   Rule 4: Strenuous workouts can increase blood circulation to the face and increase the intensity of post peel symptoms and discomfort. Heavy workouts should be avoided for around four days after a peel, along with saunas and steam rooms.

5. Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise

   Rule 5: Following a peel, the natural protective barrier of your skin will be weakened. To reduce redness and re-enforce your skin’s protective barrier, a quality moisturiser should be used. As part of your peel service, CQ Skin will provide you with a tube of post procedure recovery cream for the first day or so to be used in conjunction with your daily protective moisturiser. Ensure that you stay well hydrated during the healing process to avoid you or your skin becoming dehydrated and delaying your healing or impacting your results.

6. Avoid exfoliation

   Rule 6: Chemical peels are essentially exfoliators in themselves. During the first week following a peel, you should avoid any exfoliant, even light ones as these can be harsh on your skin and result in sensitivity, redness and irritation and impact the results of your treatment. Ideally, no exfoliators should be used until your skin is completely healed.

7. Let sunscreen be your friend

   Rule 7: Harsh UV rays can damage your skin at any time. However, after a peel your skin is sensitive and has a weakened natural barrier and unprotected sun exposure following a peel can be incredibly damaging. Try to avoid direct sun exposure and always ensure that you step out with an SPF product applied of at least SPF 30 rating. The Ultraceuticals Protective Daily Mosituriser range overs your needs in a single tube, so you don’t have to use multiple products and offers both SPF 30 and 50, in a range of formulas to suit all skin types. Fast absorbing, and non-whitening, the range is ideal of daily use.

8. Look after yourself

   While not an official rule, we encourage our clients to take some time for self-care following a peel. Sip water regularly, aiming to drink 8 glasses of water daily and engage in calming and relaxing activities to help soothe the senses and give your skin a chance to heal.

While after care following a peel is important, to ensure the best results pre care is equally as important. Prepare your skin for a chemical peel and get your after care sorted easily by purchasing a CQ Skin Chemical Peel Pack.

Importantly, when undertaking or applying any skin care treatment it is important to remember that each individual’s skin reacts differently. Before a peel is undertaken, your treatment professional should undertake a full assessment of your skin and list your concerns as well as your desired result before recommending a treatment plan. Finally, a single peel may not achieve the desired outcome and therefore multiple applications may be required, however this form part of your overall treatment plan.