How to Time Your Chemical Peel Right

A chemical peel rejuvenates the skin by speeding up the shedding process. However, exposing the newer layers of your skin before they’re fully ready can lead to redness, sensitivity, and other side effects. To avoid your downtime overlapping with a social gathering, it’s important to get your chemical peel early and treat your skin carefully in the days following. 

At New Image Medical Spa in Fremont, California, Dr. Surinder Sandhu provides chemical peels to refresh your skin and kickstart the rejuvenation process. However, every type of peel has its own downtime requirements, so plan the timing of your peel carefully for the most positive experience. 

Picking the right peel

The important thing to remember is that not all chemical peels are the same, and there are varying depths of treatment. A mild chemical peel might require little downtime, while a deeper peel will cause redness and peeling for much longer. 

Which peel is best for you depends largely on your preferences, along with which flaws you’re trying to correct. Chemical peels can alleviate the appearance of many cosmetic concerns, including: 

• Fine lines 
• Wrinkles 
• Sun damage
• Hyperpigmentation 
• Uneven texture and tone
• Acne and scarring 
• Enlarged pores 
• Dry or rough skin 

During your consultation, Dr. Sandhu goes over the different peels to determine which is best for you. Depending on what you want treated and what kind of results you’re expecting, you might require a mild to moderately deep peel. 

Timing your peel

Once you’ve determined which peel will best address your needs, you can begin discussing downtime. This is why it’s important to schedule a consultation ahead of time; chemical peels require planning and aren’t meant for last-minute impulse procedures. 

If you’re just looking to refresh your skin in the days leading up to an important event, consider a less invasive treatment like a facial. Otherwise, get educated about the type of peel you’re considering, and how long the aftereffects last. You’ll be happier if you don’t have to show up to work peeling like you just got a sunburn.

Shallow peels have a fast recovery rate, with your skin adjusting relatively quickly. You can get a peel at the start of a long weekend, and with proper aftercare, no-one will know you had a procedure. Deeper peels meant to treat wrinkles and scars will heal more slowly, sometimes continuing to peel for up to 10 days. 

Dr. Sandhu can give you an idea of how long each peel will take to heal. If you want stronger results but less downtime, she can space out a series of superficial peels to reduce side effects and speed up recovery while attaining the results you desire.

What to expect from your peel

Regardless of what kind of chemical peel you receive, it’s important that you care for your skin gently following your treatment. Expect some peeling, but resist the temptation to help things along by prying dead skin loose.

Redness, swelling, and tenderness are to be expected, especially at first. You can apply a cool cloth or compress to alleviate this, and a gentle moisturizer can help. If you have allergies or sensitive skin, mention this before your peel and ask about skin-safe products like Aquaphor®. 

Avoid using astringents or harsh cleansers, and skip your skincare and makeup routine until your skin has healed. In the meantime, make sure to apply sunscreen, even if you don’t plan on spending time outside. Fresh skin is vulnerable to the elements, including damage from UV light. 

To learn more about chemical peels and plan yours properly, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sandhu by calling New Image Medical Spa at 510-269-2324, or request an appointment online.