How to Recover From a Chemical Peel

Among the types of facial skin rejuvenation techniques available are chemical peels. As the name implies, a chemical solution peels off the outer layer of skin, revealing fresh skin underneath. Most peels use either alpha hydroxy acid, retinoic acid, trichloroacetic acid or phenol, which can correct blotches and remove pre-cancerous blemishes. It's important to take adequate care of your skin after the procedure for a comfortable recovery.

Instructions

1. Warn family members, co-workers and friends about the chemical peel, since even the lightest peels cause an immediate change in your appearance. Make arrangements to have someone drive you home after a phenol or deep TCA peel. Lighter peels such as an AHA or a lighter TCA probably won't affect you to the point that you need extra assistance.

2. Make arrangements to take time off work to recover from your TCA or phenol peel. You often need to get more than one TCA peel and your dermatologist may perform these over several months. Your surgeon or dermatologist may apply petroleum jelly over the treated area or cover your face with tape if you receive a phenol peel.

3. Expect to experience some redness, dryness and flaking of your skin after an AHA peel. These symptoms are normal and gradually disappear.

4. Resume your normal activities, and go back to work, by the next day after an AHA peel. Ask your doctor about the advisability of applying makeup and ask also for a sunblock. Your doctor may provide you with at-home treatment products.

5. Prepare yourself for some discomfort and swelling that could last up to a week if you have a TCA peel. Within 10 days, you should see fresh, new skin, and you should be healed enough to go back to your regular activities. Stay out of the sun, if possible, and always wear sun protection.

6. Expect your new skin to gradually form over the next week or 10 days after a phenol peel. Don't be alarmed if your face is red in the beginning. The redness gradually fades to a pink that may last several weeks or even months. As with all peels, be vigilant about using sunblock when outdoors.

7. Hands off. Keep your hands off your new sensitive skin as much as possible during recovery. Watch out for any signs of complications, such as infection, acne or scarring and report them to your surgeon or dermatologist at once.