Many people wear makeup as part of their regular routines, and I’m one of them. But what about after a chemical peel? Can You Wear Makeup After a Chemical Peel? A chemical peel is an exfoliating facial treatment that uses a solution containing acids or alcohol to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. From this procedure, my primary goal is to give my skin a smoother texture and a brighter complexion by removing the top layers of my skin.
In this modern era, women and men want to look young, so a chemical peeling process may also be used as a preventative measure against future signs of aging, such as sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation (dark spots). However, from my experience of peeling, I recommend waiting for at least 48 to 72 hours after your peel to apply makeup.
Why wait to apply makeup after a chemical peel?
As I shared my experience with the peeling process, I recommend waiting because my skin was tender and sensitive for a few days. And yes, this process is time taking. It needs proper time to heal after a procedure because new skin revealed by the peel is susceptible to irritation, and makeup could clog the pores.
Note: If you choose to wear makeup after your peel, you may find it flakes or peels off because your topmost layer of skin is peeling away.
Is Makeup OK After a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels are a great way to refresh and rejuvenate the appearance. If this is your first time getting a peel, you may have some questions. It may be about how to prepare for it and what to do afterward.
One of the most common questions is, “Can I wear makeup after a chemical peel?”. In this article, I will give tips about wearing makeup after a chemical peel and some precautions you must remember after this process.
How Does it Work?
The acid or alcohol in the solution penetrates the outermost layer of the skin, where it dissolves the upper layers of the epidermis (outer layer), causing them to slough off. When I peel, this process takes from 10 to 20 minutes. During this time, the area of my skin was slightly red and swollen.
After the acid was applied, I felt like my skin was getting so tight and dry. I saw these results in two weeks. Using makeup with chemical peel serves right as makeup with cryotherapy.
What Can Chemical Peels Treat?
Chemical peels can treat many different conditions, including:
1. Acne
2. Fine lines and wrinkles
3. Hyperpigmentation
4. Rosacea
5. Sun damage
6. Stretchmarks
7. Uneven skin tone
I did a chemical peeling process to treat my Hyperpigmentation, Wrinkles, and stretch marks because these issues are directly proportional to age. Increasing age, these issues also increase.
How Long Do the Results of a Chemical Peel Last?
After a chemical peel, my skin looks much more even-toned, with fewer visible pores, stretch marks, and blemishes. It all depends on what kind of peel I get; its results can last several weeks to a few months. Results of superficial peels can last several weeks, while deep chemical peels may yield results that last several months.
Is There Any Risk Involved With a Chemical Peel?
At first, I was afraid about this; negative thoughts came to my mind that this is a risky process, no one knows what happens next, but there is always risk involved when performing any cosmetic surgery. I always recommended consulting with a plastic surgeon before any procedure.
Is It Safe OR Not?
Yes! A chemical peel is safe for all skin types. There are no known side effects associated with this type of facial treatment. However, certain precautions must be considered when a chemical peel is performed. These include:
Tip: Avoid direct sunlight exposure for at least two weeks following the procedure.
- Avoid retinol (Vitamin A derivatives), beta hydroxy acids, alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, sulfur, and other similar products for at least four weeks before and after the procedure.
- Avoid over-the-counter acne treatments for at least two weeks before and after your procedure.
- Using sunscreen every day after the chemical peel to protect the new skin.
How Often Can I Get a Chemical Peel?
It all depends on the strength of the peel I choose. If I’m getting a light peel, every six weeks is fine. I may need to schedule treatment every few months for a moderate peel. And powerful peels require less frequent maintenance.
Can Chemical Peels Be Combined With Other Treatments?
Yes, Of Course! A chemical peel you can combine with other procedures to achieve more dramatic results. For example, I can do a chemical peel and a microdermabrasion session to enhance the results. Or, a chemical peel can help prepare my skin for laser resurfacing.
Note: Dermaplaning and chemical peels also make a great combination.
Dermaplaning is a skincare procedure that removes dead cells and debris from the skin’s surface while leaving the natural oils intact. Dermal peels remove superficial layers of the epidermal skin and stimulate new cell growth. By combining these two procedures, I can have both an exfoliation and a rejuvenation effect.
You can also read about the fillers and makeup: Can I wear Makeup after under Eye fillers?
Can I wear makeup after a chemical peel?
The answer depends on the depth and strength of the chemical peel I received since my skin will peel to varying degrees after a chemical cosmetic treatment. My skin’s full and safe recovery and the effectiveness of my chemical peel need to be kept clean while old layers of skin are peeling away and bare skin is exposed as it heals.
Applying makeup too soon can cause infections and other complications like irritation. Again, it all depends on which type of chemical peel I get. If I have a light chemical peel, a ‘lunchtime peel’ with a low-strength glycolic acid, my doctor may say it’s okay to apply your makeup the next day. Always ask first, though.
My skin has extra sensitivity that the doctor saw during your treatment and perhaps advised me to wait a few days to be safe. My skin will need extra time to complete the treatment process with a medium or deep peel.
The treatment continues beneath the skin’s surface for some time after my procedure. I’ll need a few days for my skin to complete the peeling and recovering process, and applying makeup while the skin is peeling will hinder the effectiveness of the peel I just received.
Also, as skin is peeling, that bare skin starting to reveal beneath the old, dead layers the peel is removing must be kept ultra-clean and free of anything irritating. Furthermore, the discoloration, scarring, infection, and a delay in seeing those beautiful, fresh results of my chemical peel.
Each individual heals from a chemical peel at a different rate, given skin sensitivity, and the different chemical peel medications may be used as part of the treatment.
My doctor advised me to steer clear of cosmetics for 7 to 10 days after my chemical peel, and I might also be advised to wait even longer. My skin can only benefit from having extra time to heal and breathe. Makeup, after all, isn’t very sterile. If I’ve been using it for a few weeks or months, my foundation or face powder likely has some bacteria.
Exposing my bare skin to this bacteria can be an infection sure to happen. And makeup with minerals or metals in it also can harm healing skin. Even lip gloss which is harmless and essential to my ‘going out of the house’ face, can cause an infection in bare, treated skin around my lip line. Get quick tips on How Long After Lip Fillers Can I Wear Makeup?
And don’t forget that the rubbing and tugging of removing makeup from the face also can cause damage to healing skin post-chemical peel. So I am always extra-cautious and extra-adherent to my doctor’s orders to avoid the pain of inflamed skin and the need for additional peels or bleaching cream treatments to fix any discoloration, scarring, or damage caused by premature makeup application.
Bare skin is very vulnerable. I’ll always handle it with great care. That means using makeup with sunscreen in it, which my doctor recommends. My doctor suggests a high SPF factor to keep protecting my face and lengthen the time my chemical peel results will last.
I can make it through without makeup for a few days. Or even for some treatments for up to two weeks. Make room in my schedule for a good amount of healing time, and perhaps adjust my social schedule to allow me private time to heal. As long as my doctor prescribes, I must follow a no-makeup rule.
What happens if you wear makeup after a chemical peel?
Skin is vulnerable after peels and resurfacing, and applying makeup will delay healing and risk causing infection, pigmentation changes, or scarring. Therefore, at that time, the ability to wear makeup depends on the depth of the chemical peel. In addition, the rate at which my skin heals following the cosmetic procedure.
Here are the top ten things to avoid after a chemical peel:
1. Picking at the skin
2. Skipping sunscreen.
3. Letting the skin dry out.
4. Not applying moisturizer.
5. Applying too much moisturizer.
6. Being afraid of cold compresses.
7. Exfoliating.
8. Expecting immediate results.
9. Need to stay hydrated.
10. Drinking excessive alcohol.
Can you wear concealer after a chemical peel?
No, applying makeup like concealer on healing skin is not okay. It is much better to adopt a bare skin routine for a while to enhance the treatment.
How long does a chemical peel take to heal?
Treated areas take about 7 to 14 days to heal after a medium chemical peel, but redness might last for months. After a deep chemical peel, I experienced severe redness and swelling. I also feel burning and throbbing, and the swelling makes my eyelids swell shut.
How long will my face peel after a chemical peel?
Peeling generally starts 48-72 hours after treatment and can last 2-5 days. It is crucial not to pick off peeling skin; peeling is minimal and easily controlled with moisturizer. Premature peeling of the skin will result in dry, cracked, raw skin that may develop into hyperpigmentation.
What do you put on your face after a chemical peel?
The only two products I use on my skin immediately following a chemical peel are sunscreen and moisturizer.
How often should you get a chemical peel?
The frequency of chemical peels depends entirely on what kind of chemical peel I have done. I can repeat my treatment once a month for superficial or surface layer peels. By contrast, deep peels require additional healing time for my skin and should only be done once every two to three years.
Can you see results after 1 peel?
Yes! I saw an improvement after 1 peel. The appearance of my skin tone and texture became so glam in one peel treatment. It is because a peel function as an exfoliant, which can drastically improve the superficial quality of the skin.
How can I make my chemical peel heal faster?
I can make my chemical peel heal faster by keeping it moisturized. The more my skin is moisturized, the faster it will heal. I apply a thick layer of a gentle, unscented moisturizer all over my face before I go to bed at night. Not only will it help to speed up my recovery, but it will also soothe my skin so that it doesn’t feel so irritated.
What can I expect after my first chemical peel?
A typical recovery timeline may look like this: First few hours, I’ll notice some redness, tingling, or burning. During the first few days, I noticed some dryness, irritation, and mild swelling. Two to Three days – my skin becomes flaky or peeling.
How often should you get a chemical peel?
The frequency of chemical peels depends entirely on what kind of chemical peel you have done. I can repeat my treatment once a month for superficial or surface layer peels. By contrast, deep peels require additional healing time for my skin and should only be done once every two to three years.
Get an insight into using makeup with Hydra-facial. How Long After a Hydrafacial Can I Wear Makeup?
Is a chemical peel worth it?
Chemical peels can reduce skin damage, giving the skin a more youthful or unblemished appearance, and dermatologists will recommend the most appropriate chemical peel depending on a person’s concerns and skin type. Superficial peels are the safest for all skin types.
Can chemical peels help under eye bags?
New chemical peels are safe for the eye area. These are effective at illuminating and smoothing the eye area. They help to remove fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and brown spots under the eye.
What age should I get a chemical peel?
On average, 25 is a great age to start getting involved in a more professional-strength skincare regimen since your skin is transitioning.
Why is my face shiny after a chemical peel?
In the first few days after the peel, my skin looks tight and shiny as it prepares to shed itself. It then starts to look red/pink, flaky, crusty, and like sheets of skin are peeling off. Brown spots can also initially look darker before they start to look lighter.
Can you put makeup over peeling skin?
To prep the skin directly before applying makeup, a moisturizing gel can help smooth the skin and allow for a more even makeup application by acting as a humectant, attracting water and moisture to the top layer of the skin.
What does a chemical peel feel like?
During a chemical peel, I feel a burning sensation that lasts about five to ten minutes, followed by a stinging sensation. Putting cool compresses on the skin may ease that stinging. I need pain medication after a deep peel.
Can chemical peel remove dark spots?
As well as treating acne, fine lines, sun damage and scarring, chemical peels are effective in treating all types of dark spots. The extent to which dark spots are reduced depends on the concentration and type of peel being used and the severity of the dark spots.
Does a chemical peel tighten skin?
Some chemical face peels help tighten the skin by stimulating new, fresh collagen. It helps reduce the look of fine wrinkles, fine lines, and large pores.
Are chemical peels good for older skin?
Chemical peels improve the appearance of aging skin by using a chemical solution to remove the outer layer of old skin. The new skin that replaces it is usually smoother and less wrinkled in appearance. I experienced a burning sensation lasting five to 10 minutes during the procedure.
Does a chemical peel help with wrinkles?
Chemical peels can reduce or improve fine lines, wrinkles, acne, scars, uneven skin coloring, and other imperfections. Different chemicals determine the depth of my peel and the type of skin condition treated.
Which is better: laser or chemical peel?
Laser treatments are superior to chemical peels because they are controllable and precise. It’s easier to target an acne scar or a few spots on the skin with a laser. The laser is also better for deep collagen remodeling. Lasers will be a better option if you are trying to address wrinkles or sagging skin.
When can I shower after a chemical peel?
No, it would help if you waited for 12 to 24 hours to shower after a chemical peel. Your skin should be kept as dry as possible in the immediate aftermath. That means no sweating, no water, and no moisture.
Why is my face not peeling after chemical peel?
Different acids can penetrate different depths during the treatment. Over the following week, the cells separate away, showing visible flaking or peeling signs. Sometimes this may only happen when I wash my skin, so I may need to be made aware of the ‘peeling.’
What happens if you wear makeup after a chemical peel?
Skin is vulnerable after peels and resurfacing, and applying makeup prematurely will delay healing and risk causing infection, pigmentation changes, or scarring. Therefore, my skin’s ability to wear makeup depends on the depth of the chemical peel and the rate at which my skin heals.
What are the worst days of a chemical peel?
I was likely to experience the worst peeling and flaking on days three and four. My skin is most likely to feel uncomfortable these days and is also at its most vulnerable.
Why do my wrinkles look worse after chemical peel?
The more you peel your skin, the better it looks, but sometimes the swelling from a peel can distort the creases or skin for the 1st 3-4 months, so be patient. The results from peels are usually seen 3-4 months later as they tighten skin and build collagen with time.
Why does my face peel when I put makeup on?
Skin Preparation Dehydrated or dry skin can cause makeup to clump and cling into dry patches. Your face can look like it’s peeling when you put on foundation. Oily skin can also cause makeup to split on the face.
Will a chemical peel make me look younger?
Chemical peels are effective for erasing signs of aging from your skin. This safe and successful cosmetic treatment can leave you with fewer lines and wrinkles, smoother, brighter skin, and a more even complexion, all the requisites for looking younger. Chemical peels are popular skin rejuvenation procedures.
Can I use Vaseline after chemical peel?
After peeling, I use petroleum jelly for the first few days or as needed on sensitive peeling areas. When I start peeling, I use a non-comedogenic moisturizer such as Aveeno, Vanicream, Cetaphil, or CeraVe until the skin feels normal.
Read also: Can You Put Makeup Over a Pimple Patch?
What is the strongest chemical peel?
The deep peel contains high concentrations of trichloroacetic acid, and it’s the most powerful of the chemical peels. While it produces more dramatic results than superficial or medium peels, it also requires a longer recovery, and the procedure takes longer.
When can I start wearing makeup after peeling?
If you receive a light peel, you can usually wear makeup immediately following the treatment, but sometimes you must wait until the next day. Before applying makeup, you should wait five to seven days for a medium peel. A deep peel requires waiting at least two weeks before wearing makeup.
How long after a chemical peel can I wash my face?
It is recommended to wait until the evening to wash your face. However, if I wash it sooner, I must wait at least 2 hours. I must avoid direct sunlight for at least 1 week and use sunscreen with at least SPF40, a long-term part of my daily routine.
Can I wear mascara after a chemical peel?
Yes, you can wear makeup like mascara after a chemical peel. I wear makeup immediately after my peel because I don’t want to wait until the skin heals completely. However, I recommend waiting 48 to 72 hours after your peel to apply makeup.
Final Thoughts:
Now you know you can wear makeup after a chemical peeling but with great care and precautions. I thoroughly elaborate that what happens if you wear makeup after a chemical peel; I described some additional queries for your better understanding.