Dead Skin Peeled After a Chemical Peel. What Can One Do Now?

Question

Peeled the dead skin off after a chemical peel putting the skin at risk of scarring. Please advise what one can do to help at this point.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

At this point the best thing to do is keep your skin very hydrated using a post peel balm or aquaphor. Return to your peel provider to have them asses your skin. Make sure to avoid the sun and wear your sunscreen to help protect from hyper pigmentation and scarring. In the future no more picking!

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

You should return to your doctor to be assessed.  Wash very gently and keep your skin moist with a product such as Aquaphor.  Avoid any sun exposure which can cause dark spots.  Hopefully, you have not caused any damage to your skin.

Dina D. Strachan, MD · Answer

It's important to avoid the temptation of pick at the skin as it is peeling after a chemical peel.  It is better to apply moisturizer which helps the scale come off.  Have the person who did the peel evaluate your skin.  The application of a rich moisturizer or a topical steroid will probably be recommended. Don't pick next time!  Good luck!

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Go to your physician who did the peel immediately and be evaluated.  If your skin is overly irritated then either a topical steroid or an oral steroid may be suggested to decrease inflammation.  The early care of your skin following a peel is essential.  Also the depth of the peel will also effect your result.  Hopefully there are no open sores on your face after picking at the peeling skin.

Dead Skin Peeled After a Chemical Peel. What Can One Do Now?

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Answer: Picked skin after a chemical peel

Answer: Picked skin after a chemical peel

Answer: Questions about picking at peeling skin following a chemical peel

Answer: Questions about picking at peeling skin following a chemical peel

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Dead Skin Peeled After a Chemical Peel. What Can One Do Now?

Answers (5)

Answer: Picked skin after a chemical peel

Answer: Picked skin after a chemical peel

Answer: Questions about picking at peeling skin following a chemical peel

Answer: Questions about picking at peeling skin following a chemical peel

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.