A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that improves skin discoloration, wrinkles and acne scars. The procedure comes in varying depths, and makeup can interfere with the healing process.
During this time, your face should be kept clean to avoid infections. Makeup can also clog pores. You can use a primer with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and botanical oils to prepare your skin for makeup.
Wait for the Skin to Heal #
Chemical peels are an effective treatment for a variety of skin concerns including fine lines, hyperpigmentation and acne scarring. However, it is important to understand that the skin will go through an extreme sensitivity period following treatment which can prevent you from wearing makeup or even going out in the sun.
During this time, the skin will need to heal properly in order for you to be able to wear makeup and enjoy the benefits of your peel. Using harsh products or doing things that arenโt beneficial to the healing process can make your skin worse and delay the results you want from your treatment.
To help your skin heal properly, it is best to avoid any type of makeup for at least 14 days. Instead, focus on using mild cleansers and moisturizing. Make sure you use fragrance-free soaps and avoid any products that are drying or could irritate your skin. This may include deodorant soaps and antibacterial soaps that are harsh on the face. You should also avoid using any scrubbing products on your face as this can damage the delicate skin that is healing.
Your skin will also experience a bit of itching during this time, but you should resist the temptation to scratch. This can cause the skin to flake, which is not good for your skin. Instead, apply moisturizer frequently to hydrate the area and decrease itching.
It is also a good idea to wear loose cotton or linen clothing that will allow the skin to breathe and not cause irritation. If you are in the sun, wear a hat and apply aloe to soothe your skin.
Depending on the depth of your peel, you may see mild flaking for a few days after the treatment. The flakes should not be too noticeable and can be easily controlled with your moisturizers. If you do not experience any flaking, you should be able to start wearing makeup within a day or two of the treatment.
It is important to note that you should not use retinols (Vitamin A), alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, glycolic acid or salicylic acid for at least four weeks before and after your peel. You can resume the use of these products once your skin has fully healed.
Be Careful with the Products You Use #
A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that is used to improve the appearance of skin. It works by damaging the outer layer of skin, triggering your bodyโs natural healing processes. This can cause your skin to appear inflamed, red, and flaky. This is why it is important to wait until these symptoms subside before you begin wearing makeup. You should also use gentle formulations that wonโt clog your pores. If you decide to wear makeup, it is best to choose foundation or tinted moisturizers that offer added sun protection.
A light chemical peel may allow you to return to your regular makeup routine as soon as the irritation subsides. However, a medium-depth peel will require a longer timeframe before you can resume wearing camouflaging products. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), you should wait five to seven days after a medium peel before you start using concealer and other complexion products. A deep chemical peel will take even longer to heal. During this time, you should avoid resuming your regular makeup routine until your doctor advises it safe to do so.
In order to ensure that your skin heals properly after a chemical peel, you need to make sure that you do not use any products that can irritate it. It is also important to wash your face regularly and moisturize it frequently. This will help prevent the development of infection or scarring. You should also avoid picking at the flakes that develop as a result of the chemical peel. If you are unsure of the correct way to care for your skin after a chemical peel, ask your aesthetician for advice.
Chemical peels can be an effective treatment for fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and other skin concerns. They can give you a smoother, more even-toned complexion with improved skin texture and tone. To learn more about the different types of chemical peels and what your treatment options are, schedule a consultation with a board-certified provider at AIVI Aesthetics Skin Health Clinic. Our team of skilled estheticians can help you determine the best type of chemical peel for your specific needs and recommend guidelines for makeup application after a light, medium, or deep peel at our clinic in Agoura Hills.
Avoid Sun Exposure #
It is incredibly important to avoid sun exposure during the peeling process, and this goes for both tanning beds and direct sunlight. This is because your dark old skin will shed as part of the healing process, and it serves as a natural bandage to protect the fresh new skin underneath. If you must go outside, use a physical sunscreen with at least 30 SPF on the treated areas and reapply every two hours. Itโs also a good idea to wear a loose-brimmed hat for added protection.
In general, youโll want to avoid hair removal treatments, facial masks, and hair straightening or dying treatments beginning about a week before your peel, as these can be irritating to the skin. You should also avoid heavy exercise or any other activity that causes excessive sweating until after your peel has healed. Sweating can irritate the skin, which may lead to infection or other complications.
Light makeup can be worn after a chemical peel, but you should only apply it sparingly. A light coat of mascara and some eye makeup is fine, but you should refrain from applying a full face of foundation or blush. This is because the chemicals in these products can irritate the delicate skin of your face and make it look red.
If you receive a light chemical peel, like a VI Peel, your master esthetician might even say that it is safe for you to wear makeup the next day. However, it is still best to ask first.
For medium or deep peels, itโs a good idea to wait at least seven to ten days before you can wear makeup again, according to the AAD. This gives the skin time to heal and prevents any infections or pigmentation changes from occurring.
If you do decide to wear makeup, itโs important to only use high-quality products that are free of harsh chemicals or alcohol. You should also stay away from any products that can clog your pores, such as powdered makeup or heavy foundations. Instead, try using a liquid or cream-based foundation that provides light coverage and will help your skin look fresh and healthy.
Keep Your Skin Clean #
Itโs important to keep your skin clean, especially after a chemical peel. This will help speed up the healing process, and it will also keep your makeup from melting or smearing. For this reason, you should always wash your face with a gentle cleanser every time youโre going to apply makeup or other skincare products. Itโs also a good idea to avoid using any products that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances, as they can irritate your skin.
Depending on the type of peel you have, it may be safe to apply makeup after a few hours. However, itโs important to follow the instructions provided by your dermatologist or esthetician. Makeup should not be applied until the skin has healed sufficiently, as it can interfere with the natural process of skin regeneration.
While it is important to allow the skin time to heal, you should still wear a moisturizer on a regular basis. A moisturizer will prevent the skin from drying out, which can cause itching and flaking. Itโs also important to use a moisturizer that is labeled as hypoallergenic or noncomedogenic, as this will ensure that it does not clog the pores.
You should also be careful not to pick at the skin or try to remove any flakes of dead skin. This can lead to scarring and sensitivity. It is also important to avoid heavy exercise or any activities that cause excessive sweating, as this can irritate the skin and make it more sensitive.
When it comes to applying makeup after a chemical peel, the answer can vary from person to person. If you have a light peel, such as a โlunchtime peelโ with a low-strength glycolic acid peel, it is likely that you can begin wearing makeup the next day.
If youโve had a medium or deep peel, it will take longer for your skin to heal. You should wait at least five to seven days before you can apply makeup. In some cases, itโs best to wait until fourteen days have passed so that you donโt risk irritating your new skin and causing an infection.
Final Thoughts #
It’s generally recommended to minimize makeup use while your skin is actively peeling. Here’s why:
- Healing Priority: Allowing your skin to breathe and heal naturally is essential for optimal results.
- Irritation Risk: Makeup can potentially clog pores or cause irritation to already sensitive skin.
- Uneven Application: Makeup might apply unevenly or cake on peeling skin, which can draw unwanted attention.
If you absolutely need to wear makeup, choose mineral-based or gentle formulas. Apply it lightly, remove it thoroughly at the end of the day, and give your skin a break whenever possible. AIVI Aesthetics Agoura Hills will provide personalized guidance.
For more information about VI Peels, visit the main page.
