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If you’ve grown tired of spending money on store bought products that claim to work wonders but end up doing nothing, a chemical peel might be the next step for you when it comes to achieving your ideal skin goals and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. A light chemical peel improves skin texture and tone, is less invasive, and generally requires minimal recovery time. Chemical peels are also great for diminishing old acne scars and pigmentation issues.

At Livingston Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX, we have multiple chemical peel systems to offer our patients from the gentlest to the strongest. We also offer treatments that can complement your chemical peel like dermal fillers, Botox®, or laser resurfacing treatments provided by skilled, knowledgeable skin experts. With this in mind, let’s go over some of the most important do’s and dont’s after having a chemical peel.

What Are Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels are a non-surgical solution to freshen and rejuvenate the texture of your skin by chemically exfoliating the damaged layer. The procedure can be performed with a light, medium, or deep penetration depending on your skin concerns and your skin’s condition. A deep chemical peel involves extensive recovery and dramatic improvements, a medium chemical peel offers noticeable smoothing with a healing time of seven to fourteen days, and superficial peels are less invasive with minimal recovery time. Chemical peels are relatively inexpensive and require very little discomfort or recovery time.

Benefits of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels offer a multitude of benefits for those looking to rejuvenate their skin. One of the primary advantages is the improvement in skin texture. By removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, chemical peels leave your skin feeling smoother and looking more radiant. Additionally, they are effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The chemical solution used in peels stimulates collagen production, which enhances skin elasticity and helps to treat wrinkles.

Another significant benefit is the enhancement of skin tone. Chemical peels can even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation, giving your skin a more balanced and refreshed appearance. If you struggle with large pores, chemical peels can help minimize their appearance, resulting in a more refined and polished look. Lastly, chemical peels can improve skin clarity by unclogging pores and reducing acne, leaving your skin clearer and more radiant.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels are versatile treatments suitable for a wide range of skin types and concerns. Ideal candidates include individuals with mild to moderate skin issues such as fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. If you have rough skin texture or uneven skin tone, a chemical peel can help smooth and balance your complexion. Those with acne or acne scars can also benefit from the clarifying effects of chemical peels.

However, not everyone is a perfect candidate for this treatment. Individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea or eczema may need to explore other options. If you have active cold sores or herpes simplex, it’s best to wait until these conditions are resolved. Additionally, certain medications, such as retinoids or antibiotics, can make your skin more sensitive to the chemical solution used in peels. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with a history of skin cancer or precancerous lesions should consult with their healthcare provider before considering a chemical peel.

Chemical Peels Do’s:

Some of the things you can do for your skin during the days and weeks after your chemical peel include:

• **Moisturize—**Keep your skin hydrated at all the times. Moisturizers also contain helpful antioxidants, that are important for post-peel recovery due to the increase in free radical production in the skin. Moisturizing will also keep your skin from becoming tight or uncomfortable during the healing process and aid in any peeling that might occur. Properly moisturizing treated skin is crucial to ensure optimal recovery and results.

• **Be Gentle with Your Skin—**For about a week after your peel, be very gentle with how you care for your skin. Change your washcloth to a soft baby cloth or just your fingers, and only use warm water as hot water can aggravate your healing skin. Avoid thick lotions, retinoids, or harsh exfoliants in your skincare routine as these can interfere with your chemical treatment.

• **Sun Exposure—**Just because you’ve had a chemical peel doesn’t mean that you need to avoid the sun all together, but do keep in mind that your skin is more vulnerable to sun damage. Use an SPF sunscreen of 30 or higher whenever you go outside. If you need a recommendation for a lightweight, non-irritating sunscreen, the staff at Livingston Plastic Surgery would be happy to help you find the perfect one to fit your routine.

• **Eat Healthy and Drink Plenty of Water—**It’s true that your body can only perform as well as the fuel you provide it. Your body can’t heal and produce important new cell growth if you’re not fueling it correctly. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and fiber to ensure that your body is working in top condition. In addition to feeding it well, make sure that you’re also hydrating your body from within by consuming plenty of water throughout the day.

Chemical Peel Don’ts:

• **Don’t Do Too Much—**Keeping your skin clean and moist are the most important things that you should focus on during your recovery unless otherwise specified by your provider. If your normal skincare routine involves 5 or 6 steps, simplify it to just a gentle cleanser and plenty of moisturizers until your skin is fully healed. For more intensive treatments like a deep peel, it is crucial to follow medical supervision and care during the healing process.

• **Don’t Exfoliate—**It can be tempting after a chemical peel to self-exfoliate, but it’s important that you resist this. The skin will shed itself naturally. Adding scrubs or more chemical acids can do more harm than good.

• **Picking or Peeling—**Again, we know how tempting it can be to peel and pick the dead flaking skin from off your face, but it’s important that you allow this layer to fall off naturally. Picking or peeling before the skin is ready to fall off can lead to scabbing and scarring.

Managing Side Effects

While chemical peels are generally safe, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and how to manage them. Common side effects include redness and irritation, which can be alleviated with topical creams or ointments. Dryness and flakiness are also typical, and using moisturizers and gentle skincare products can help keep your skin hydrated as it heals.

Itching and stinging may occur, but these can be managed with appropriate topical treatments. Although rare, infection is a potential side effect and can be treated with antibiotics if necessary. Scarring is another rare but possible outcome, and using topical creams can help minimize its appearance.

To reduce the risk of side effects, follow a diligent skincare routine and protect your skin from the sun. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wear protective clothing, and seek shade when outdoors. Avoid harsh skincare products and exfoliants, and keep your skin well-moisturized. Most importantly, resist the urge to pick or scratch your skin as it heals. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of your chemical peel while minimizing any potential complications.

Schedule Your Houston Chemical Peel at Livingston Plastic Surgery

Are you ready to start your journey toward healthy, radiant skin? To learn more about what a chemical peel at Livingston Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX can do for you, schedule your evaluation with Dr. Chris Livingston by calling (281) 501-1812 or contact us through our website portal today!