Make up is not sterile and should be avoided on bare skin

A chemical peel can cause varying degrees of skin exfoliation. In some cases, a peel may result in compete exfoliation of the skin to the level of the dermis. 

In the recovery period, it is important to maximize the rate of reepithelialization of the skin, whereby new skin is formed.

There are two problems associated with using makeup on bare skin.  The first is that they may contain heavy minerals or metals, which may deposit in the dermis prior to reepithelialization and cause permanent discoloration in the future.

Second, makeup is generally non-sterile and may expose your skin to contaminants during the critical healing period.

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Lighter chemical peels such as the Vi-Peel, or lower-strength Glycolic Acid or TCA peels, cause minimal skin exfoliation.  After these types of chemical peels, patients may apply make-up, preferably with a sunscreen, as soon as the next day.

Deeper TCA Peels, or Phenol Peels, generally cause a greater degree and more prolonged exfoliation.  For these types of peels, it is important to allow the skin to exfoliate and regenerate more completely, before applying make-up.

Ask your surgeon or dermatologist when it is possible to begin using make-up again, and be sure that the make-up you choose contains a sunscreen as well.

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You can wear makeup after most chemical peels but be careful not to irritate the skin by rubbing the makeup on or taking it off too aggressively. The irritation can cause hyperpigmentation or discolorations which may need additional peels or bleaching creams to resolve it. You should always have a cortisone cream available after a chemical peel to calm down any irritated red skin and wear a sunscreen as well.

Sincerely,

David Hansen,MD

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