How to take care of your skin after a peel?
After a peel, the skin goes through a delicate period requiring specific care to maximize results and minimize discomfort. A well-executed post-peel treatment not only ensures brighter, smoother skin, but also a smooth recovery.
What is a peel and why does the skin need special care afterwards?
A peel is an aesthetic treatment that involves applying a solution to the skin to exfoliate the superficial layers of the epidermis. This process stimulates cell regeneration and improves skin texture, firmness and radiance. Depending on the intensity of the peel (superficial, medium or deep), the skin may look more or less sensitive and requires an adapted care plan to protect this new fragile layer.
Key steps in Peel Recovery
1. Protecting your skin from UV rays: an absolute must
Why? After a peel, the skin is vulnerable to the damaging effects of UV rays, which can cause pigmentation spots and slow down the healing process.
Advice :
- Avoid exposure to the sun during the 2 to 4 weeks following the peel. This reduces the risk of burns and hyperpigmentation.
- Apply a sun cream with a protection factor of 50 before each outing, even on overcast days, and reapply every two hours.
2. Maintain intense hydration
Why? The acid solution applied during the peel eliminates the superficial layers of the skin, making it more sensitive to oxidation. dehydration and tugging.
Advice :
- Moisturize your skin morning and evening with a cream rich in repairing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or vitamin E, which soothe and deeply nourish the skin.
- Drink enough water to promote hydration from within.
3. Soothing the skin: Gentle gestures and appropriate products
Why? The skin may react to the peel with rashestingling, even a sensation of heat.
Advice :
- Use thermal spring water, spray on your face several times a day. These waters are soothing and reduce feelings of discomfort.
- Cleanse your face with cold water to reduce heat and minimize irritation.
- Avoid using scrubs or other exfoliating products for at least 3 days after the peel. The peel itself is an intense exfoliation.
Follow the Natural Desquamation Process
After a medium or deep peel, the skin enters a desquamation phase: dead cells are shed to make way for new skin.
Advice :
- Don't scrape off dead skin and don't try to remove them by force, which could cause scarring.
- If heavy scaling appearsYou can cut them gently with small, clean scissors, but without pulling on the skin.
Avoid heat sources and covering make-up
Why? Excessive heat and certain types of make-up can further irritate fragile skin after peeling.
Advice :
- Avoid saunas, steam rooms and hair dryers too hot for three days after the peel.
- Choose moisturizing BB creams rather than covering foundations that dry out the skin or accentuate dandruff.
Monitoring and Responding to Potential Side Effects
Although rare, certain side effects can occur following a peel, such as redness, scabs, burns or, in some cases, outbreaks of herpes.
Advice :
- In case of persistent rednessApply a neutral soothing cream without perfume or alcohol.
- For burning sensationsIf the wound is not healed, use a healing cream recommended by a professional.
- Consult a doctor if you experience unusual symptoms or if redness and crusting persist.
Back to Beauty Routine: When and How ?
Once the skin is completely soothed and healed, it's time to resume a full beauty routine. This stage varies according to the depth of the peel and the healing speed of your skin, generally taking 7 to 10 days for an average peel.
Advice :
- Pay attention to your skin. If it is still sensitive, choose gentle, non-aggressive products.
- Incorporate antioxidant care such as vitamin C to protect the skin from external aggression.
Taking Care of Your Skin After a Peel, A Crucial Step
Peels are an effective way of improving skin quality, but their success depends to a large extent on the attention paid to post-treatment care. By following good sun protection, moisturizing and soothing practices, you'll optimize the results of the peel and ensure a long-lasting, harmonious glow for your skin.