I did a chemical peel a week ago, and my skin is peeling all over and looks terrible. They said it would go away, but it looks like it's been burned. When will this end and do I need to apply anything special?
Flaking is definitely normal, but a week isn't the end of the process. Depending on how deep the peel was, your skin can keep flaking for another week or even two, so be prepared for that. The main thing is don't pick at the flaky bits with your hands - it'll slow down healing and could leave scars.
Make sure to use a gentle moisturizer without acids and retinols, apply it 2-3 times a day to damp skin. Sunscreen is a must - even if it's cloudy outside. While active flaking is going on, avoid hot water, scrubs, alcohol-based toners, and any irritating products.
That's completely normal - after a chemical peel your skin is renewing itself and shedding the dead layer, so the flaking is expected. The process can last another week or two depending on how deep the peel was, so just bear with it. The key thing during this time is to use moisturizing creams without acids or alcohol, wear sunscreen (your skin is vulnerable right now), and don't pick at the flakes, even if it's itchy. If after a couple of weeks things haven't improved or you get intense redness and pain, then go see the aesthetician who did the peel.
After a chemical peel, the dead layer of skin sheds over 7 to 14 days, and this is a completely normal healing process. The main thing is not to pick at or rub the flaking pieces, even if you really want to, because you can damage the new skin underneath and end up with scars. Use a gentle moisturizing cream without active ingredients (no acids, retinols, or vitamin C for now) and definitely use sunscreen, since your skin is especially sensitive to UV after a peel. If the process lasts longer than two weeks or you get severe redness and swelling, check in with a specialist.
Chemical peeling literally destroys the top layer of your skin, so peeling isn't a side effect - it's the main sign that the process is working right. Intense peeling usually lasts 7-10 days, but it can stretch out to two weeks depending on how deep the peel was and your skin type.
Apply moisturizer or oil a few times a day - it's not just more comfortable, it actually speeds up healing. The key trick: while you're peeling, try gently wiping your face with a damp towel before applying cream to remove dead skin flakes naturally instead of walking around with them all day. Avoid the sun and active treatments (scrubs, other peels) - just let your skin recover.
Actually, a week isn't the end of it - more like the middle of the process, especially if it was a deep peel. Along with moisturizing creams, try putting a damp compress on your face for 15-20 minutes before bed - it calms the skin down and helps the flaking come off more evenly, without those crusty bits and the whole "looking terrible" thing. And the main thing: no scrubs, acids, or aggressive treatments for at least another two weeks, even if you're tempted to do something about how it looks.
As an extra tip - apply a good moisturizing cream to your face several times a day. It'll help your skin bounce back faster and won't look as rough. And don't forget sunscreen either, even indoors - your skin is super sensitive right now.
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