Still pretty red 1 month after a deep peri-oral chemical peel. Is it too early to worry? (Photo)

I had a peri-oral croton oil peel 1 month ago. Was given a medrol dose-pak a few days after for swelling (which resolved it). Two weeks into my recovery I was still bright red though & started 2.5% topical hydrocortisone 2 to 3x/day. This has only slightly improved the color. My ps says that I may want to go up to 5% if redness doesn't improve soon. Is this normal recovery? Do most people require hydrocortisone & stay this red this long? How long is hydrocortisone safe to use on this area?