For patients looking to renew the appearance of their faces, chemical peels can be a very effective treatment. As patients age, time and sun damage cause lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and often an uneven skin tone. Chemical peels treat these problems by stripping the outer layer of skin and allowing a new, fresher appearance to be revealed. However, the ultimate success of the treatment can depend on how the skin is cared for during recovery. As a patient, it is on you to follow your physician’s instructions in order to maximize your outcome.
The theme of your recovery should be to be gentle to your skin. You want to keep the old skin in place as long as possible, since it acts as a natural bandage for the new skin healing below. To do this, you should be very careful to keep the skin from drying out, including applying moisturizer many times throughout the day. Keeping the skin from drying out will also help avoid the tightness, cracking, and stinging that can occur during healing.
Your physician may give you a special cleanser to use to clean your face. Again, remember to be gentle, dab it on to your face instead of rubbing, and rinse by splashing water on your face. When you are showering, avoid standing with your face directly under the showerhead. Dry your face by patting carefully and gently with a towel.
Your skin will also be especially susceptible to sun during your recovery, and exposure should be avoided when possible. Your physician will tell you when it is safe to apply sunscreen. As long as the skin is peeling, however, it is best to stay out of the sun as much as possible. If you are outside, wearing a wide brimmed hat is advisable.
If you are interested in discussing a chemical peel for yourself, call Dr. Kulak at 703-481-0002 (VA) or 301-222-2020 (MD) for a consultation today.
