How to properly care for your skin after peeling

Almost any cosmetic procedure consists of three main stages: the first involves preparatory actions, examinations and identification of contraindications; the second stage is the procedure itself; finally, the third stage involves competent and thorough care aimed at shortening the rehabilitation period and eliminating complications. Speaking of peeling, it should be recalled that neglect of skin care recommendations can quickly reduce all your efforts to zero - instead of improving the condition of your skin, you will encounter unexpected pigmentation or scarring.

Exfoliation – also known as “peeling” – is a procedure during which dead skin cells are removed and the skin is cleansed. At the same time, the effect on the skin stimulates regeneration processes, activates blood circulation, and helps eliminate wrinkles. After completing the procedure, it is necessary to pay special attention to further moisturizing the skin, as well as restoring the full functioning of an important part of the epidermal barrier - the lipid barrier. This helps avoid side effects and achieve better results.

Possible consequences of peeling

When performing dry cleaning, natural regeneration processes are accelerated and cellular metabolism is stimulated. This explains the peeling of the skin after peeling. In fact, this is a normal and natural process. The drugs used for the procedure remove the top rough and dead layer of skin. Thanks to this, chemical peeling can:

• remove old epidermal cells and renew it;
• restore cell turnover, thereby stimulating skin rejuvenation;
• activate the production of your collagen;
• enhance the absorption of any active ingredients used after the procedure (humidifiers, emollients, anti-wrinkles, etc.).

Side effects: the face itches after peeling, flakes and redness appears. The severity of the reactions varies depending on:

• cleaning depths;
• the type of chemical exfoliant used;
• patient sensitivity to treatment.

Reviews

Elena, 24 years old:

“Ever since I was a teenager, I had a habit of picking pimples. She brought me enlarged pores and unevenness on my face. I had a complex about this. To get rid of the problem, I decided to undergo TCA peeling. The cosmetologist selected a composition for me with 15% acid, explaining that a higher concentration is suitable for those over 34. It didn’t hurt, but the skin burned, especially when the acid was applied again without washing off the first layer. Result: smooth skin, even color, pores are narrowed, acne has become significantly smaller, wrinkles are in place.”

Olga, 30 years old:

“I thought that TCA peeling would solve my problem of age spots. I did the procedure after the sea, when a lot of them appeared. But I was not prepared for such side effects. The skin was very tight, the face was swollen and covered with crusts. I had to apply ointment to my skin 10 times a day. Yes, the result is impressive, the skin is smooth and pink. But a year later the spots appeared again.”

Ekaterina, 28 years old:

“I ruined my skin by frequent use of foundation. They caused blackheads, wide pores and pimples. I decided to help my skin with TCA peeling. The cosmetologist approved my choice and suggested a drug with 25% acid. I expected more from the peeling, but the results are still there. I thought that the skin would be like a baby’s, but for this, apparently, you need to go through more than one procedure. But the skin began to look more well-groomed - that’s a fact.”

Common Consequences

However, among the main side effects that may occur, the most common are the following:

1. Redness of the skin. Peeling itself is a procedure that works by “melting” the epidermis. The skin gets a slight burn. First, a thin film forms, and after 3-4 days it turns into a crust that cannot be removed. Outwardly, it is very similar to the consequences of strong solar exposure. Most often, this effect appears immediately after the procedure, may be accompanied by itching and goes away after a few days.
2. Swelling. This reaction is typical for areas where the skin is very thin: neck, corners of the lips, lower eyelids. With proper care it goes away in 1-2 days. Otherwise, it is better to seek help from a specialist who will develop a treatment program.
3. Peeling . This is not a side effect, but rather a standard reaction. How long it will last depends on the individual characteristics of the skin and its type. The appearance is influenced by the type of chemicals used. As a rule, peeling is often accompanied by slight swelling.

The occurrence of the above-mentioned undesirable effects should be considered normal and, as a rule, they are mild and tend to resolve themselves within a short time. In addition, the possibility of allergic reactions in sensitive individuals cannot be ruled out.

Indications and contraindications

Cosmetologists recommend the procedure for specific skin problems. In some cases, acid peeling cannot be used.

Indications

• uneven skin surface;
• wide pores;
• black dots;
• acne;
• expression wrinkles;
• dark spots;
• acne marks;
• striae;
• decreased skin elasticity;
• dull complexion.

Contraindications

TCA peeling is not recommended in the following cases:

• sunny season;
• viral and fungal dermatological diseases (it is recommended to carry out a preventive course of therapy and take antiviral drugs);
• the presence of keloid scars;
• thyroid diseases;
• pregnancy;
• lactation;
• the presence of malignant tumors;
• wounds, cuts, scratches on the treated areas;
• progressive acne;
• epilepsy;
• high blood pressure;
• vascular network.

If you have one or more of the listed problems, the cosmetologist will select other more gentle types of peelings or their alternatives.

Important! TCA peeling cannot be done at home. The compositions are developed for specialists; they will determine the desired percentage of acid content and the number of layers that should be applied.

Skin renewal time

As already mentioned, peeling off the epidermis during cleansing is a natural process that should not scare you. But on what day after milk, almond or other peeling does the skin begin to peel? The duration of the reaction depends on the type of product used, its intensity and individual characteristics:

• after superficial peeling, cleansing occurs after 2-3 days;
• acidic and moderate lead to peeling within 7-10 days.

Please note: the skin will peel off after cleaning in any case, but it cannot be removed. Most often, the process begins only after 1-2 days.

Result

Efficiency directly depends on the percentage of acid in the solution.

15% peeling can even out the face and clear it of blackheads. More concentrated formulations rejuvenate, tighten the oval of the face, and get rid of shallow wrinkles.

Before and after

In some cases, patients noted that after peeling they did not notice any positive changes. This happens if the skin condition is very advanced. To see the result, you need to carry out more than one procedure.

How to speed up peeling

In order for the process of skin regeneration and elimination of dead cells to proceed faster, it is necessary to provide proper skin care, consisting of procedures for moisturizing and increasing protective functions.

• Washing. For these purposes, it is necessary to use mineral (non-carbonated) or thermal water. Under no circumstances should you use abrasive exfoliants, tonics, lotions, balms or any cosmetics that may have a drying effect. Do not use soap.
• Moisturizing and protection. The exfoliation process begins due to severe dehydration of the epidermis. For this reason, in order for regeneration to proceed faster, it is necessary to provide additional nutrition and restore water balance. For the skin, experts recommend using fatty creams, as well as foams with a healing effect.

It is better to avoid any exposure to natural factors for 1-2 days: sun, wind, rain.

There are a number of recommendations that must be followed:

1. For 24 hours after peeling, you should not touch your face, much less rub the skin, as this can lead to complications.
2. At the end of the procedure, a thin layer of a special product is applied to the epidermis, which accelerates the peeling process and stimulates tissue regeneration. Do not wash off this composition for 1 day. You can wash your face only when there is a feeling of tightness and flaking.
3. Do not peel the skin during the peeling process; it should recover naturally.
4. Do not use decorative cosmetics (1-2 days).
5. You should not stay in the sun for a long time and visit the solarium for 4-5 days. If the skin is exposed to strong UV exposure, it will be impossible to avoid hyperpigmentation and irritation.

Peeling: before and after

Before starting the procedure itself, it is strongly recommended to carry out a set of preparatory measures: consult a doctor and identify possible allergies; to avoid the occurrence of herpes, undergo a course of treatment with immunomodulators; prepare the skin by washing for two weeks with diluted lemon juice (only natural!) in a ratio of one teaspoon per glass of warm boiled water.

After the procedure is over, you may be alerted by strange sensations: the skin seems to be tight. Cosmetic products will help cope with excessive dry skin - primarily moisturizing and nourishing creams, which contain hyaluronic acid, amino acids, proteins, urea, hydrogels, alginates. However, be careful in your choice. Only a doctor can accurately determine the remedy that is right for you.

Active consumption of still water will help restore the lipid barrier, as well as the use of cosmetics containing antioxidants, ceramides and phospholipids, lanolin and wax, panthenol and natural oils - it will have a healing effect.

Post-procedure care

Peeling has a strong effect on the epidermis, so the procedure requires careful aftercare. Experts recommend:

• wash with thermal water (when the peeling goes away);
• apply rich cream daily.
• use special products that accelerate regeneration - panthenol or retinol. They help increase the natural protection of the skin and rapid healing of wounds;
• After washing, do not wipe your face with a towel, but gently blot it.

For 4-7 days, it is better to give up your usual skin care products. Do not forget about constant hydration and nutrition for rapid healing and restoration of damaged tissue.

Tips from cosmetologists:

• Before the procedure, review photos online that show common complications to prepare for possible body reactions.
• It is not recommended to sunbathe on the beach or in a solarium for 1 month (ideally).
• Wash your face with water without chlorine.
• Give up your favorite homemade masks for 30 days to prevent the development of an allergic reaction.
• You should not visit baths, saunas or expose your skin to any thermal effects for 2-3 weeks.
• Limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages and fatty foods for at least 7-10 days.

Recommendations and possible complications after peeling

In order not to get confused in the recommendations, we decided to arrange them for you according to the time criterion. So:

• on the first day, washing, using cosmetics and creams, physical touching, and leaving the room are contraindicated;
• From the 2nd to the 14th day, experiments with cosmetics, exposure to ultraviolet rays (both solar and artificial), visiting saunas and baths, hot baths, walking without protective cream, stressful situations, active physical activity, and drinking alcohol are not allowed. and scrub procedures;
• The general rule is not to forcefully exfoliate your skin. It is necessary to wait for complete healing, after which all problems will disappear on their own. Do-it-yourself activities in the early stages can lead to scars!

Swelling, redness, dehydration, burns and peeling are natural side effects of peeling. The solution is to use protective, moisturizing and nourishing creams, medications high in antioxidants, drinking water, and physical and emotional rest.

However, complications are possible that require specific therapy: for example, in the event of herpes, antiherpetic drugs are prescribed in combination with pulse therapy; the active appearance of acne is blocked by zinc-containing products and antiseptics for external use; in case of pigmentation disorders, drug treatment is determined by the doctor, and allergic reactions will be avoided by preliminary examination and the use of antihistamines and hypoallergenic drugs.

Side effects disappear on their own within a few days (with proper care). It is impossible to predict their appearance, since each person’s body has its own individual characteristics. If we talk about complications, they usually do not arise on their own, which means that the prerequisites for their occurrence were violations of the rules of the procedure or care during the rehabilitation period.

Conclusion

If you notice that your skin is very flaky after peeling, do not panic - this is a natural reaction to the action of the chemicals included in the product. However, it is also not recommended to let the process take its course, unless, of course, you are tempted by the prospect of going to work for a week with a flaky and swollen face.

Therefore, if you have undergone peeling, take the advice of experienced cosmetologists and select the right care program for quick recovery in order to enjoy the amazing effect of the popular procedure.

How TCA works on the skin

To understand the effect of peeling with trichloroacetic acid, it is important to know how it affects the skin:

• Cleansing from impurities. Makes the complexion even, eliminates blackheads.
• Acceleration of regeneration. The acid contains substances that affect the activity of cells, causing them to divide faster. This way, scars and scars heal faster.
• Elimination of foci of inflammation. Viruses and bacteria actively reproduce in dirty environments. Cleansing the pores of sebum and dust eliminates inflammation.
• Improving metabolic processes. TCA stimulates the production of collagen, which makes the skin more elastic and also helps smooth out existing wrinkles.
• Antimicrobial action. Trichloroacetic acid destroys microorganisms that cause acne and acne.