Can I start wearing makeup a day after a chemical peel?

After a chemical peel, can I start wearing makeup the next day? If not, how long do I have to wait?

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9 answers to “Can I start wearing makeup a day...”

A: It depends on the strength and depth of the chemical peel

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD

For mild peels such as 15% glycolic or salicylic acis, mineral makeup if fine.Mineral makeup desn't have any chemicals or preservatives and won't cause any irritation to the skin. Most of the mineral makeup brands also have SPF 15-18.That will give you some extra protection but you should still have you... more

A: Largely depends on chemical peel depth and skin healing rate

Houtan Chaboki, MD

This is a common question with chemical peels, or any laser resurfacing procedure for wrinkle reduction. The answer largely depends on the depth of the chemical peel and the rate at which your skin heals following the cosmetic procedure. You want to minimize skin irritation after any peel or... more

A: Consider medium and deep peels as wounds

Steven H. Williams, MD

Medium and deep depth peels are great ways to treat skin discoloration and fine wrinkles.  They work by removing the outer layers of skin.  It is important that you give your skin time to heal.  In my San Francisco practice we typically wait 7-10 days before allowing make-up to minimize the risk... more

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

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

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... more

A: It depends upon the Strength of the Peel.

John P. Di Saia, MD

Hello, Stronger chemical or laser peels damage the skin more deeply clearing away the wrinkles and pigment more completely and requiring more healing time. Very light chemical peels allow the patients to wear make-up within a few hours, but do less to change the skin. With peels it is usually a question of... more

A: It depends on the depth of the chemical peel.

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD

The "lunchtime peel" usually presents no problem.  After any peel, you want to minimize irritation to the skin, so tread lightly.  With more aggressive or deeper peels, your provider will usually provide or recommend a suitable topical designed to optimize your outcome.   This is... more

A: It is best to ask your physician when to wear make up

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD

There are many different types of chemical peels.   All peels are irritating to the skin.  You do not want to cause excessive irritation as it may deepen the level of the peel or cause adverse effects such as hyperpigmentation. or delayed healing.   Ask you physician for advise and follow... more

A: Depends On The Peel

Athleo Louis Cambre, MD

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... more

A: Yes you can but be gentle with putting it on and taking it off.

David Hansen, MD

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... more

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Comments

sschultz
25 posts
19 Nov 2008

If you had a mild peel like a low glycolic or TCA peel you should be able to apply makeup the next day.  There are 2 types of makeup I recommend to my clients: Mineral makeup, (Jane Iredale is the best), or Lycolgel liquid makeup which offers great coverage without occluding the skin, allowing oxygen molecules to aid in healing.  Your physician or skin care specialist should advise you on post procedure tips and skin care protocol..above all else, sunscreen is a must!

quinnmd
38 posts
19 Nov 2008

I agree with the other responses.  If your skin is intact, than makeup can be worn.  But contact the provider who performed the peel for clarification.  Also, please switch to a mineral based makeup if you haven't already.   Good luck!

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