Anyone who's seen Sex and the City [1] can understand that the thought of a chemical peel can be, well, intimidating. But peels don't have to be scary. In fact, they can actually work wonders for your skin.
The perfect cocktails of exfoliating acids can obliterate acne, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation, but before you hit up your dermatologist (or esthetician) for a treatment, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Below, we asked dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum [2], MD, to break down all the basics to know before a peel so you can put your best face forward.
What to Do Before Your Peel
Once you've made your appointment, Nussbaum recommended laying off retinol, acne treatments, and prescription topicals for up to seven days before your peel. "Stay away from irritating products because you don't want to aggravate your skin further," she said.
Make sure your skin is clean and free of makeup before getting a peel. "We don't want sebum or oil to prevent the peel from penetrating the skin," Nussbaum said.
Right After the Procedure
Don't worry: your face won't fall off. Not all peels will cause visible shedding of the skin. "Peels come in different strengths and types," Nussbaum said, adding that not all of them are created equal. Retinol peels are more likely to cause physical flaking, whereas glycolic peels are more gentle and won't.
However, if you do experience peeling following the procedure, don't fret. It's totally normal; exfoliation can happen gradually over the course of a few days, and shouldn't last than more than four to five days.
The Number 1 Thing to Do After
Sunscreen is arguably the most important part of any skin care routine, but especially so after a peel. "You don't want to cause burning or hyperpigmentation, so sunscreen is important," Nussbaum said. But not just any sunscreen should be used post-peel: "Mineral-based formulas are great because it won't penetrate or clog the pores; it'll just block UV rays from the skin," she said.
We love Supergoop! Skin Soothing Mineral Sunscreen [3] (£25). It has olive oil and polyphenols that will also keep your skin soothed after your treatment.
How to Keep Skin in the Clear
When it comes to at-home upkeep after your peel, the more gentle the face products the better. "You don't want to use anything too harsh, so I always recommend a gentle cleanser to wash your face." Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser [4] (£9) will cleanse your skin without stripping its natural oils.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
It's normal for your skin to feel drier than usual after a peel, so make sure you moisturise day and night. Dr. Nussbaum recommended using a gentle moisturiser like Neutrogena Oil-Free Daily Sensitive Skin Facial Moisturiser [5] (£14) to keep hydrated.