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Recommendations for Facial Self-Tanner After Healing from TCA Chemical Peel?

What kind of natural-looking, facial self-tanner do you recommend after a TCA peel, once healing is fully completed? I am a 29-year old female and had a 10% TCA chemical peel (3 application layers) done almost 3 weeks ago. I am just now getting to the point where my peeling is beginning to subside somewhat(thank goodness!) and I am halfway presentable now!

I still have some lingering peeling around my mouth, and the corners of my eyes and nose, which I know is normal because of the movement of the face. I know my peeling has probably been prolonged somewhat due to my starting of the Obagi C line after my peel. My results have been remarkable...my skin texture, elasticity, and brightness have been drastically improved! Thanks to the peel and the Hydraquinone, I have literally had freckles disappear.

Here's the bad part...I was a tanning bed junkie for all of my 20's (even own a tanning bed at home now)...have a somewhat slightly olive complexion anyways. Obviously, I haven't tanned in the 3 weeks since my peel. I guess my question is what kind of facial self-tanner would you recommend for use after my peeling process is over? I mean, something natural-looking and not orange. I know, you all are gonna shout me down for having a tanning bed and probably tell me to sell it, right?

Let me say this though...I will never again let my face be exposed in the tanning bed b/c I would just reverse all of the hard work I have done; however, I am a woman who realistically likes to keep a color b/c it looks younger on me, sexier, et cetera. I know now that I will have to be extra careful b/c of the peel, but I am, after all, on the Obagi line and wear the Obagi 30 SPF sunscreen and mineral makeup with SPF 15 protection. Help me out here, guys! And no, spray tans do not look natural on me...

Asked 36 months ago by RdLlRose in Monroe, LA
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Self-tanners

Consider the following options: 1. Jergens Natural Glow - inexpensive, works slowly (over several days), but well. You need to match your skin color though to the three available shades - if you go too light, you will not notice the tan and if you go too dark, it will look orange. 2. Clarins self-tanning instant gel. The only draw-back to this tanner is it can be a bit more expensive than the other self tanners. Not all natural tanners work well for everyone. If you are concerned about... more
Bryan K. Chen, MD
San Diego Dermatologist
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