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Going on a Vacation After Peeling from Chemical Peel?

Do you think it's okay for me to go on my vacation to Miami? I had a Chemical peel and you were right; the spots peeled off and they were pink under, but the color came back in days, my face is clearer but I still have blemishes, but now am wondering about my trip because it wil be hot in Miami and I will be under the sun for most of the time. I read about the hyperpigmentation, and I dont want that. Or am I safely away from that stage by now?

Doctor Answers 5

July 11th, 2016

Chemical Peels

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With all peels, skin can become sun sensitive afterward, why we always recommend that patients, after having a peel, avoid the sun and wear daily broad-spectrum sun protection. For lighter peels, an over-the-counter topical broad-spectrum sunscreen works best. For deeper, more intense peels, we recommend that patients avoid direct sun exposure for several days to two weeks.

Learn more: http://www.dennisgrossmd.com/services/treatment/chemical-peels/

Dennis Gross, MD


New York Dermatologist
4.7 out of 5 stars 11 reviews

August 25th, 2013

Going on a Vacation After Peeling from Chemical Peel?

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No, this is not a good idea as the sun can affect healing with darkening and hyperpigmentation. Protect your face as much as possible from the sun and use a fading cream while healing.

Kurtis Martin, MD

Kurtis Martin, MD
Cincinnati Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 72 reviews

August 18th, 2012

Topical maintenance after chemical peel with Melarase cream

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Sun exposure, with or without a chemical peel, especially in humid tropical climates can exacerbate hyperpigmentation.  I would recommend a daily maintenance with Melarase AM cream.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 95 reviews

July 14th, 2012

Chemical peel and sun avoidance

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Even if your skin appears to have returned to normal, you must protect your skin from the sun, especially between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm.  You will develop brown pigmentation after sun exposure on fresh skin, so be very careful.  If you do develop brown spots, visit your dermatologist who can recommend a fading cream.

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC
Toronto Dermatologist

June 18th, 2009

Post-peel skincare

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If your skin has fully healed from the peel, you are less prone to sun-related post-peeling problems. I would still advise you to bring plenty of sun block with you for sun protection. If you are going to be in the water, re-apply the sunscreen/block every 90 minutes. Neutrogena incidentally recently came out with a "Sport" sunscreen that is touted to stay on longer with sweating and exposure to water. A wide-brimmed hat would also be helpful.

Have a wonderful trip.

Bryan K. Chen, MD
San Diego Dermatologist

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.