New skin after chemical peel is sore and red. Why?

Question

I didnt pull or tug my skin when it was peeling after a chemical peel, i let it come off naturally but the new skin underneath is still very red and sore, ive been using sun screem spf 60 and was very careful, but why is my new skin so sore and red, i can only use petroleum jelly every thing else stings. It was a 25% 14 n butyl resorcinol peel and i think there was a mixture of other stuff too. Im a skin type 4

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It would be helpful to see photos. Please follow the recovery instructions provided by your board certified facial plastic surgeon.
Best wishes,

Amy Klein, DO · Answer

It is common after a peel for the newly exposed skin to be red, sensitive and very delicate.  It may take a few weeks for your skin to tolerate a mild moisturizer and/or cleanser, depending on the depth and strength of your peel.  We perform the VI PEEL in my office and generally by two weeks, patients can tolerate their usual professional skin care products.  You may consider following up with the facility that performed your peel to be further evaluate.  Do not pick, rub, scratch, use any abrasives or exfoliating products (retinol, salicylic acid, glycolic acid) at this time on your fragile skin.

New skin after chemical peel is sore and red. Why?

Answers (2)