How to Treat Breakouts After a Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are a highly effective treatment that’s often used for anti-aging, discoloration, and the removal of acne scars. There are three different types of chemical peel: light, medium, and deep.

The latter is only carried out in very specific circumstances, such as removing precancerous growths, deep wrinkles, or scars. They can only be done once in a lifetime.

The most common types are light peels, although medium peels might be recommended in certain situations.

A skin breakout after a chemical peel is, while not common, a recognized side effect. There are specific ways that these should be treated, including staying out of the sun and not using any harsh creams or exfoliants. 

The following looks at the top dermatologist’s advice about what to do if you get a breakout post-treatment.

Everything You Need to Know about Breakouts After a Chemical Peel

• Why do they occur and how long does a typical breakout last?
• The must and must-nots of how to treat breakouts after a chemical peel

Why do they occur and how long does a typical breakout last?

It doesn’t take much digging to find evidence that breaking out in pimples and spots post-peel is a common occurrence. But why does it happen?

The reasons aren’t clear cut, but can be attributed to the following:

• An inexpertly applied peel.
• A peel that’s applied during an active acne outbreak.
• A peel that used too harsh chemicals.
• Too deep a peel.
• Using the wrong kind of moisturizer after treatment.

While all of these are very definite reasons why you should choose your chemical peel provider with care, it’s also true that some people suffer an outbreak for no reason whatsoever. It’s also a fact that the deeper the peel, the more susceptible the skin is to whiteheads and blackheads. This is because the trauma caused to the tissues increases the chances of infection.

Whatever the reason behind a breakout, most are minor and disappear within 14 days.

The must and must-nots of how to treat breakouts after a chemical peel

If you do notice spots and pimples appearing, treatment will vary and depend on the severity. If the outbreak is extensive, painful, or in combination with anything more than mild swelling, then you should contact your dermatologist for advice.

Minor breakouts can be addressed in the following ways:

• Leave it alone. Don’t poke, squeeze, push, or do anything that will further irritate the skin or introduce bacteria to the area.
• Stay out of the sun, perhaps using a wide-brim hat or staying inside during the heat of the day.
• Don’t apply any products that will dry out the skin—even if your skin begins to flake.
• Stick to the recommended sun protection products and moisturizers that your dermatologist has told you to use post-treatment. If you’re concerned, get in touch with them to see if they need to be changed.
• Don’t self-prescribe any treatments.

The key takeaway is that, with a little patience, any minor outbreak will clear up within a few days. This will be replaced with the increased radiance and youthfulness that such a treatment aims to produce.

Partner with Bayou City Dermatology for all Chemical Peel Needs

Chemical peels are an incredibly effective treatment and one that our dermatologist team specializes in. A key element in reducing the chance of a breakout after a chemical peel is the quality of your pre-treatment assessment.

This, in conjunction with the most advanced treatments and careful application—plus, of course, exemplary post-peel aftercare—is the key to a trouble-free recovery and the ultimate results.

That’s why chemical peels should only be performed by those with the expertise and qualifications to do so. In other words, a dermatologist that’s trained in their use. 

At Bayou City, our clients know they’re in the very best hands and it’s one of the reasons that pretty much all of our recommendations are word of mouth. Ready to find out what all the fuss is about?

Head to https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/cosmetic/chemical-peels for more information and call our team today to schedule a confidential consultation.