Can going into the sun after a light chemical peel permanently damage my skin?

Question

I had a light chemical peel a few days ago and wasn't aware of how important sun protection is. The following day I walked outside for a minute or two with only SPF 15 makeup on. Am I at risk for permanently damaging my skin pigmentation? Or am I probably ok?

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

Light chemical peels can make you more sensitive to the sun and cause brown patches. If your sun exposure was very limited and you did wear some sun protection in your makeup, you may not have any problems.  Be sure to use SPF 50+ daily and you can apply makeup over it.  Speak to your dermatologist about certain fading preparations that may be appropriate for you.

Fredric Haberman, DO · Answer

You are asking whether sun exposure after a light chemical peel can cause permanent damage to your skin.A light chemical peel is only a superficial peel and usually peeling will begin a day or two afterwards. If your exposure was immediately after the peel I don't believe it will cause permanent damage to your skin. If your exposure was more than a few minutes during the mid day it could cause tanning and hyperpigmentation and age spots or sun spots. Limit your sun exposure until you stop peeling and use between an spf30-50 depending upon your sun exposure and skin type. I would also wear a hat.

Michael E. Ciaravino, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Your skin should be fine after only a few minutes of sun exposure. It is imperative to wear SPF protection following a chemical peel. If your skin is exposed to the sun following a chemical without SPF protection there is a good possibility brown spots and unwanted pigmentation will appear.

Can going into the sun after a light chemical peel permanently damage my skin?

Answers (3)

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