Cosmetic procedures have increased in popularity and are still quickly gaining momentum. But even with all of the hype and popularity, you may be hesitant to jump on the bandwagon. For those considering a chemical peel, a common question that arises is, “Can you wear makeup after a chemical peel?” We share the answer to this question below and offer information that will help you better understand the world of cosmetic enhancements.
Makeup After a Chemical Peel
Makeup has become an activity of daily life for many, but what about following a chemical peel? One of the most common questions those looking into a chemical peel have is whether you can wear makeup following the procedure. The answer is yes, you can. Many women even choose to apply makeup immediately after their procedure. While this is the case for many, we recommend waiting 48-72 hours to apply makeup after a chemical peel.
Why Wait to Apply Makeup After a Chemical Peel?
We recommend waiting 48-72 hours to apply makeup because of the potential sensitivity of your skin. Your skin will likely be tender and delicate. In addition, in the initial period after a chemical peel, the topmost layer of your facial skin is still being stripped away, so makeup tends to flake or sit poorly. You need to give your skin the time it needs to heal fully so you get the best results from your chemical peel.
What Do Chemical Peels Treat?
Facial chemical peels are used to treat wrinkles, discolored skin, dark spots, and scarring. Chemical peels that penetrate the deeper layers of skin will offer the most dramatic results, but do come with longer healing periods. If you are interested in other procedures in addition to a chemical peel, this is an option that can be done in tandem with others.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
To get a more thorough understanding of why makeup immediately after a chemical peel is ill-advised, you must have a complete understanding of how a chemical peel functions. A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure that utilizes a chemical solution to remove the top layers of skin. They come in three intensity variations or classifications. These classifications are light or superficial peels, medium-depth peels, and deep chemical peels. Each penetrates deeper layers of skin than the one before. If you opt for a light or medium chemical peel, you may require more than one treatment to get the results you desire.
Types of Chemical Peels
As previously stated, there are three intensity variations of chemical peels available. Each is designed to penetrate at different depths of the skin to remove imperfections in the least invasive way possible. Your cosmetic team will help you determine which you should use to achieve your desired results.
- Light Chemical Peel: A light peel can be done every two to five weeks and is used to treat fine wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone, and dryness. This is the least invasive option and only removes the outer layer of skin.
- Medium Chemical Peel: As with a light chemical peel, a medium peel may require more than one treatment. This procedure removes skin cells from the outer layer of skin and portions of the upper middle layer of your skin. This is a good option if you want to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin tone.
- Deep Chemical Peel: If you have deeper wrinkles, scars, or precancerous growths, your doctor may recommend a deep chemical peel. Patients typically do not need to repeat this procedure to achieve optimal results.
Getting Ready
There are necessary steps to take before your chemical peel. You will have to provide your medical history. It is important to inform your doctor of any medications you take or have taken recently or procedures you have already undergone.
Additionally, you should undergo a physical exam so your doctor can assess the area that needs treatment. This will help determine the depth of the peel recommended and plan for any foreseen complications. It is also important to have realistic expectations and understand any potential risks. Before scheduling your chemical peel at a medical spa, ensure you understand what to expect from the results and how long your healing period will be.
Key Takeaways on Chemical Peels and Makeup
When it comes to chemical peels, you can go about wearing makeup following the procedure. However, it is recommended that you wait 48-72 hours to apply anything to your skin to avoid the risk of irritating your skin and clogging your pores. Consult with a medical spa today to learn how they can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.