When can I apply moisturizer after a salicylic chemical peel done professionally? (photo)

Question

The mixture was kept on my face for four minutes. I didn't experience any unusual discomfort during the procedure - just the tingling/burning sensations which subsided when washed off. It has now been roughly five hours since the peel, and my cheeks have really flared up & are bright red. I have a few questions:- - will the affected areas get worse before settling down? when can I wash my face? - when can I start applying moisturiser? once peeling begins, how frequently can i moisturise?

Deborah M. Longwill, DO · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question.
Chemical peels remove the outermost surface of your skin to help reduce visible signs of skin aging, acne and discoloration. Also, they reveal brighter, smoother skin. Your skin is more delicate after a peel so avoid direct sun exposure.Wash your face with cool water. Peels can temporarily compromise your skin’s protective barrier, it’s important to apply a medium-to-thick moisturizer. Drink more water to help avoid dehydration, which could cause your skin to feel irritated. Try to avoid any type of intense workouts two days after peel. Do not remove the dead skin peeling, let it peel all by itself.
  Best of luck, Dr.Longwill

Douglas M. Stevens, MD · Answer

Typically you receive a post peel topical from the provider who performed the peel.  Light chemical peels generally respond well to light, therapeutic moisturizers.  Do not add any type of moisturizer with retinol, glycolic or harsh active ingredients.  Hydrocortisone is a good ointment to apply to any peel for 3-5 days.  Vaseline or Aquaphor can be applied if there is a lot of irritation.

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thanks for your questions and photo.  Hopefully you had excellent success with your chemical peel and are very happy by now with the results.  The best thing to do after a peel is to make sure you have proper  post-care instructions from your aesthetician or dermatologist before leaving the office.  They would ideally have gone over all those questions you had.  Some peel kits even have products patients can take home and use to hasten the healing and make the after effects more comfortable.  Please call the clinic that treated you and they should help with any questions you have.  Always see an expert, and best of luck!

Larissa Miller, MD · Answer

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Our apologies to patients, the doctor's contributions to this business are being deleted.  
Please, remember it's always safer to see your doctor for concerns.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

It is normal to experience some redness post chemical peel, this will resolve. In the days following the chemical peel a gentle cleanser, and moisturiser can be used to aid the exfoliation process of the skin. Moisturiser can be applied 2-3 times a day to minimise the peeling of the skin. Salicylic acid can be used as a peel, cream, lotion or a wash. Unlike glycolic and lactic acid (known as alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid does not require neutralization. Salicylic acid is the only member of the BHA or beta hydroxy acid family. 
Salicylic acid has both lipophilic and anti-inflammatory properties. This means this peel can penetrate into the oil glands and also reduce redness and inflammation secondary to acne, zits, whiteheads and blackheads. 
The concentration of salicylic acid peels will vary from 10% all the way to 30%. The ideal percentage will depend on the clinical picture, your previous experience, as well as your ethnic skin type. Most patients will benefit from salicylic acid peels every 2-4 weeks. Be guided by your therapist as to the correct type of peels, and the optimal concentration. 
All the best, Dr Davin S. Lim & the team at Clinic Cutis. Brisbane. Australia.

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