Face Red and Burning During Exercise (Couple of Days After Getting a Chemical Peel)?

Your skin is very new and vulnerable after a peel. When you work out your body gets hot and produces sweat; both of these factors can cause a burning sensation and irritation to the skin. Heat in the skin can also cause post inflammatory hyper pigmentation (darkening of the skin) so it is best to avoid working out for a week after a deep peel or a few days if your peel is lighter. Make sure to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from further damage.

After a chemical peel your skin is vulnerable and should be treated gently until the skin heals; this process taking longer with stronger peels. Even with a lighter peel, patients are advised to not let water run directly over the area and to not submerge skin in water. Perspiration itself can sometimes irritate the skin more because of its water and mineral content.

 

I would suggest avoiding exercise until your skin is healed and when in doubt, give you’re treating physician a call to confirm. In addition, try to use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer during the healing process, especially avoiding those with fragrances as those can also be irritating. “Dr. D”

Sweat is acidic and irritates and burns the fragile skin after any type of chemical peel.  The deeper the peel, the longer you need to avaid exercise and sweating.