How long is the recovery after a chemical peel and what type of care is necessary?

Chemical peel agents restructure the skin by inducing a controlled wound and thus removing superficial layers of the skin. Therefore, chemical peels promote the growth of a new & healthy upper skin layer and improve skin problems such as hyperpigmentation, fine lines & wrinkles, uneven texture and skin impurities. Peeling basically lasts 3-5 days, depending on the actual peel treatment.

Use of gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen is important as it will enhance the healing process and results. Normal activity may be resumed after the peel, however strenuous exercise and strong sweating should be ignored for 2-3 days. Recovery times will vary depending on the type and strength of the peel. Immediately after the peel, your skin will feel tight and may have redness. Any visible peeling will be light, fluffy and can be easily subdued  with moisturizer. Peeling basically lasts 3-5 days, depending on the actual peel treatment. Normal activity may be resumed after the peel, however strenuous exercise and heavy sweating should be avoided for 2-3 days. Sun exposure should be avoided while skin is getting peeled off as well as a lot of heat should also be avoided as it may induce swelling, redness and for deeper peels blisters under the skin. Peeling skin should be allowed to slough off naturally; picking or peeling of flaking skin is prohibited, as it may lead to scarring. Use of prescribed topicals should be ignored for 3-5 days post peel off process. The success of the peel should not be judged by the quantity of peeling, but by the end results that the it will produce. The quantity of peeling may vary depending on individual skin condition at the time of the peel or the depth of the peel. Regardless of the degree of peeling, the skin will slough off at an accelerated rate, resulting in the development of skin tone and texture and an improvement of fine lines and uneven pigmentation.