What Does Your Face Look Like 3 Days After A Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a popular skin care procedure that exfoliates the epidermis to smoothen the skin’s texture and provide a youthful appearance. Many people are worried about the healing period, even though the procedure has many benefits, such as lowering fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars. This blog will discuss what to expect and how to care for your skin three days after the treatment.
Understanding the Basics of Chemical Peel
A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing procedure that uses a chemical solution like salicylic acid or glycolic acid etc. to remove dead skin cells and promote cell regeneration. The level of exfoliation and healing time is determined by the peel’s depth, which can be superficial, medium, or deep. Most people get superficial or medium peels, which have a shorter healing time and are less invasive than deep peels.
Consult a certified dermatologist if you want a younger looking skin with no long-term commitments.
What to Expect on Day 3 After a Chemical Peel?
By the third day after your chemical peel, your skin will be in a critical state of recovery. Here’s a full breakdown of what you may experience.
Flaking and Peeling
Flaking and peeling of your skin is normal after the procedure. Your skin will start shedding its outermost layer, revealing new skin beneath. This process is normal. However, the strength of the peel determines how much peeling occurs.
Light Peel: Similar to dry skin, superficial peeling also known as light chemical peel is mild.
Medium Peel: Patches of moderate peeling are typical.
Deep Peel: Extensive shedding that can last several days. Avoid picking at or pulling the shedding skin.
Redness and Sensitivity
You can see redness on the treated area, especially if you have a medium peel. The redness looks like a sunburn and it is normal. You can also experience sensitivity to skincare products, heat, and sunlight.
Dryness and Tight Skin
After a chemical peel, it’s normal to experience dryness and tight skin as the treated layers shed and new skin forms. This happens because the peel removes dead skin cells, triggering cell turnover and temporary moisture loss. Your skin may feel rough, flaky, or slightly stiff, especially in the first few days. As healing progresses, your skin will become smoother, softer, and more radiant, revealing the fresh, rejuvenated layer underneath.
Possible Itching or Tingling Sensation
As your skin heals, you may feel moderate itching or tingling. This is a sign of renewal, but persistent itching may signify inflammation. To avoid irritation, use a calming, fragrance-free moisturizer and refrain from scratching.
Slight Swelling (In Rare Cases)
While light peels are safer, medium and deep chemical peels can cause minor edema around sensitive areas like the eyes. Consult your doctor if the swelling continues.
How to Care for Your Skin 3 Days After the Procedure?
Three days after a chemical peel, your skin is still in the healing phase, so gentle care is essential. Avoid harsh skincare products, including exfoliants, retinoids, and strong acids, as your skin is more sensitive. Keep your skin hydrated with a fragrance-free moisturizer, and drink plenty of water to support healing.
Sun protection is crucial, so apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen and avoid direct sun exposure to prevent irritation and hyperpigmentation. Let your skin shed naturally without picking or peeling to avoid scarring. With proper care, your skin will heal smoothly, revealing a fresh, glowing complexion.
To guarantee complete skin healing and the best results from your chemical peel, follow these post-treatment maintenance tips:
Don’t Scratch
You might experience some itching for a week after the procedure. This means your skin is renewing, but if itching does not reduce with time, it depicts inflammation. To avoid irritation, use a mild moisturizer and do not scratch the area.
Avoid Heat and Sun Exposure
After the chemical peel, your skin becomes very sensitive to UV radiation throughout the peeling process. If you must go outside, use a sunblock with SPF 40 or greater, and a hat, and try to stay in the shade as much as possible.
If you want skin rejuvenation without downtime, your doctor can recommend other treatments.
Don’t Pick or Peel the Skin
It may be tempting to speed up the shedding process by physically removing loose skin, but this might result in scars, infection, or discoloration. Allow your skin to shed naturally.
Use a Mild Cleanser
After a chemical peel, your skin is more sensitive and vulnerable, so it’s important to use a mild cleanser to keep it clean without causing irritation. Avoid exfoliating, scrubbing, or using harsh cleansers that contain strong acids, fragrances, or alcohol, as they can strip away moisture and further irritate the skin.
Instead, opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that removes dirt and excess oil without disrupting the healing process. Wash your face with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing. Keeping your cleansing routine gentle will help your skin heal faster and prevent unnecessary discomfort.
Avoid Makeup.
If your skin is actively peeling, makeup can worsen irritation. Avoid using makeup, especially new products, during this time.
When Do You Need to See the Doctor?
You should see a doctor or dermatologist after a chemical peel if you experience any unusual or severe reactions. While mild redness, dryness, and peeling are normal, seek medical attention if you notice:
- Excessive redness or swelling that worsens instead of improving
- Severe pain or burning beyond mild discomfort
- Signs of infection, such as pus, fever, or oozing
- Dark or light patches that don’t fade over time
- Scarring or prolonged sensitivity that lasts beyond the expected healing period
If you have concerns about your recovery, it’s always best to check with your doctor for proper guidance.
What’s Normal in the Next Several Days?
After day three, your skin will continue to peel for several days. Most peeling diminishes by the fifth to seventh day, revealing a brighter skin. Full-heavy peels vary depending on the type, but most superficial and medium chemical peels heal completely within 7-10 days.
Bottom Line
Within three days after a chemical peel, peeling, redness, and mild irritation are typical reactions. This is a usual step in rejuvenation and exfoliation, and taking good care of yourself afterward can significantly improve your results. You can recover more quickly and get the best benefits of your chemical peel by drinking plenty of water, avoiding too much sun, and resisting the urge to pick at your skin.
If you’re considering getting a chemical peel, understanding what to expect and how to care for your skin will help you get the greatest results. Consult a skincare professional to choose the ideal peel for your skin type and demands.
Look and Feel Beautiful With Jim Brantner M.D.
If you are considering chemical peel to rejuvenate your dream skin, consult with Jim Brantner, M.D., Johnson City, Tennessee’s best board-certified plastic surgeon. With decades of experience, we have helped thousands of people feel their best with successful chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and dermal fillers.
So if you are in Tennessee, visit us or call us at 423-328-9000 and book a consultation!
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