Redness and Dryness After Chemical Peel?

Strong glycolic acid peels can dry the skin, but will ultimately make your skin more vibrant.  I would recommend avoidance of Tretinoin and Vitamin C based creams, and commencement of a gentle moisturizer. 

You should dry and at this point a moisturizer should be very helpful.  However, I recommend call your treating physician and asking for their input.  If there is no treating physician, please let this be a warning to you that these are serious treatments and should only be applied by appropriately licensed individuals.

Thank you for your question! Chemical peel can cause redness and dryness. This is a normal reaction to a 50% glycolic acid peel.  You must treat your skin very gently and avoid sun exposure. Strong glycolic acid peels can dry the skin, but will ultimately make your skin more vibrant. It may persist for a week or so. I would suggest Aquaphor ointment at least twice daily for 3-5 days until the skin is no longer irritated. Best of luck! 

A 50% glycolic acid peel can cause redness and dryness for 7+ days.  The most important thing you can do is treat your skin with the utmost care over the next few weeks.  Avoid exposure to the sun, harsh products such as RetinA, and skip any skin creams containing Vitamin C.  Use an extremely gentle moisturizer on your face, 2-3 times a day, to keep your skin hydrated.  If the redness and dryness continue after 2 weeks, contact your physician, who may want to add a steroid cream.  

 

While all of this babying of your skin may seem like a big undertaking, the results of your 50% glycolic acid peel can be exceptional.  Winkles, sun damage, and even acne, can be almost erased, leaving smooth, youthful skin behind.  Be sure to always seek the care of a board certified, experienced physician (with chemical peels/aesthetic/cosmetic surgery), as they will be able to steer you towards the most appropriate procedure for you, as well as provide the best pre, during, and post treatment possible. 

 

This is a normal reaction to a 50% glycolic acid peel.  You must treat your skin very gently and avoid sun exposure.  Use CeraVe cleanser and lotion and avoid any other irritating products on your skin until it has returned to normal.  If you continue to have problems, see your dermatologist who may recommend a mild cortisone cream.

Even after a glycolic 50% peel, redness and dryness can persist for a week or so. I recommend you avoid the sun entirely and use a bland moisturizer several times a day. If the redness persists, a light cortisone lotion may be helpful.  Avoid harsh products with things like tretinoin (RetinA) and glycolic until the redness and dryness has resolved.  If it persists despite these efforts, you should follow up with your physician.