After a TCA peel, should I be moisturizing or using Aquaphor on my skin?

Dear Lily: The problem with a moisturizer after a TCA 20% peel is that the skin is often so dry that a moisturizer will not cut it. A little vaseline or aquaphor are exactly what you need. Recognize that these products are not compatible with make up and are comedogenic, meaning they cause pimple or millia. Showering twice a day is also helpful. Once you no longer need the vaseline, then the millia will clear up. Typically with the TCA 20% the skin is so very dry until the old skin sheds which can take up to a week to complete. Then you will find that the moisturizers which are compatible with make up will work just find. There is now a body of data indicating fairly clearly that moist skin heals much faster than dry skin. These observation guides how we treat the skin following a chemical peel or laser resurfacing. If in fact your doctor advised you to keep the skin dry after the peel, I am afraid that they must have missed something when they attended chemical peel class. This is a great type of peel and you will love the ultimate result. Remember to share your outcome with the Realself community. You can even add a comment at the end of this string to let others know how you did.

Thank you for your message! We definitely recommend using moisturizer to the area after a chemical peel. We generally recommend something very gentle, such as a Cerave/Cetaphil/Eucerin or Aquaphor. As soon as the skin begins to feel dry, we recommend reapplying. Make sure you do not peel the skin off as it can lead to scarring or further issues!

Opti-Ceramide creams are essential element of hydrating the superficial layers and in maintaining deep moisturization after a chemical peel. We recommend an Opti-Ceramide cream called Elevase Moisture Booster as it is oil free and non-comedogenic. Apply it 3-4 times daily after your chemical peel for optimal outcome. 

I always prescribe topical emollients to patients after the chemical peels.  I am not certain why you were advised against it since it is essential to the healing process.  Best, Dr. Green

I respectfully disagree with whoever instructed you not to apply moisturizer until you are done peeling. A 20% TCA peel basically inflicts a superficial wound. Wounds heal faster and better when they are kept moist. I instruct my patients to apply a bland moisturizer (e.g. Aveeno, Cetaphil, Cerave, Eucerin) frequently (3 times daily or more) following a medium-depth chemical peel for faster healing. Aquaphor can be applied to any open sores (I prefer not to have aquaphor applied to the whole face because clogged pores can develop. I also have my patients perform dilute vinegar compresses twice daily (1 teaspoon of vinegar to a cup of water) to decrease the risk of infection, the first 3 days after the peel and longer if there is continued oozing.

Hope that helps.