Sunblock and/or moisturizer after chemical peel?

Question

I just got a peel done 2 days ago and my face has started to peel today. Is it okay to only use a lotion with sunblock such as Cera ve AM? Would that be moisturizing and hydrating enough on its own (even at night) or do i need to use a lotion and sunblock separately to ensure i am not compromising on hydration?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your questions! YES 100% important to use SPF of at least 30 daily. While your skin is healing it is very at risk for damage from the sun and other UV light rays, so daily application repeated at least 4 times throughout the day is vital. As far as hydration to the skin, it would depend of the depth of your peel. For instance, if you had a superficial glycolic or salicylic peel, it is less important to moisturize as that can actually hinder the peeling process, but for deeper dermis TCA peels it is essential. I hope this helps!

Kristine Brecht, MD (license suspended) · Answer

It is very important to protect the skin with spf 30 or better while healing from a skin peel. Additional hydration will vary depending on the intensity of peel and skin type.Best. Dr Brecht

Sunblock and/or moisturizer after chemical peel?

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Sunblock and/or moisturizer after chemical peel?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.