Can I use a vitamin C serum while I have a chemical peel?

Question

I’ve been getting TCA peels at my dermatologist for a few months now and I know when you have a chemical peel to be gentle with your skin and use gentle products, but I was wondering if I could use a vitamin C serum (L-absorbic acid) in the mornings while I have the peel going on?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Adam E. Singleton, MD · Answer

Hi! 
I recommend to all my patients to resume their normal skin care regimens around 5-7 days post-peel, depending on the peeling agent used. During the initial healing process, a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen should be used. This also includes not using Vitamin C products and chemical exfoliants like retinol and tretinoin. For more superficial peels like Jessner's peels and low-percentage TCA peels, 5 days is usually sufficient. Higher levels of TCA (up to 30%) may require 7 days. 
Best - Dr. Singleton

Alex Khadavi, MD · Answer

Hello there!You are absolutely right about using gentle skin care products after receiving a chemical peel. I recommend to not use any vitamin C, retinol or other anti-aging products for at least a week after receiving a peel. It is important to avoid any chemical exfoliants or anything too harsh that may be harmful to your skin during this time. Stick to a gentle cleanser and hydrate your skin with a moisturizer suitable for your skin type as much as you need to. It is important to wear SPF every day, stay out of the sun, and do not peel off any of the dead skin as it can cause scarring and pigmentation. I hope this information helps!
Best, Dr. Khadavi

Lichun (Li) Huo, MD · Answer

HI!  While I LOVE vitamin C for the face and recommend it to basically everyone, the time to NOT use it is the day of your peel and for about 3 days afterwards.  Hope that helps.

Can I use a vitamin C serum while I have a chemical peel?

Answers (4)

Answer: Vit C

Answer: Vit C

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.

Can I use a vitamin C serum while I have a chemical peel?

Answers (4)

Answer: Vit C

Answer: Vit C

Browse related questions

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.