If you’ve just gotten a chemical peel (or are planning to get one), congratulations—you’re on your way to having newer, silkier skin. Woo hoo! But first, you need to heal from having the top layer of your skin removed. If you’ve gotten deep chemical peels, you even had part of the layer beneath your epidermis removed too. That means extra sensitivity and healing time, and better results. You should know which elements to avoid while using skincare after chemical peels.

When it comes to skincare following a chemical peel, less is more. Using too many products or the wrong skincare products can slow down the healing process and potentially cause further damaged skin cells. If you’re preparing to heal from a chemical peel, these are the six skincare products you need to know about—and why being selective is important.

Why Being Choosy About Products After a Chemical Peel Is Crucial

Your skin is ultra-sensitive after a chemical peel. After all, you’ve just gotten one or more layers of your skin removed, and your skin barrier is essentially non-existent at this point. That implies you’re in charge of protecting your skin as it heals.

After the chemical peel routine, be selective about which products you allow to touch your skin for your skincare. You don’t want to use many products, and you absolutely want to avoid potentially harsh or irritating ingredients such as acids, enzymes, and retinol. 

In addition to following your esthetician‘s instructions for healing skin and recommendations for products, you want to look for products that are:

• Designed for sensitive skin
• Fragrance-free
• Free of chemical and physical exfoliants
• Free of retinol and retinol alternatives

While it would be simpler to just follow your regular skincare routine after a chemical peel, this isn’t an option unless you already use an uber-gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen, and nothing else. As long as your skin is healing, you’ll want to stick with these primary products and leave your other products.

Consider These 6 Skincare Products

The skincare after chemical peel products listed here is not only designed for sensitive skin—such as those who suffer from rosacea, eczema, or breakouts—but are also free of fragrance and can help minimize discomfort while taking care of your face post-procedure. Here are six products to consider for your post- chemical peel skincare.

1. Cleansing Balm: Evolve Gentle Cleansing Melt

For a gentle cleanse, this cleansing balm from Evolve combines glycerin with sunflower seed, sweet almonds, and baobab seed oil. Orange fruit water gives this balm a discreet scent without essential oils that won’t irritate the skin. Gently massage onto the face with lukewarm water before rinsing.

2. Cleanser: DELIKATE® SOOTHING CLEANSER

Clinically formulated to cleanse & soothe while supporting a healthy skin barrier. A non-stripping face wash designed to soothe stressed, dry, tight, itchy, irritated skin, and relieve visible redness. Helps boost hydration, supports a healthy skin barrier and leaves skin soft and smooth.

Hollywood Esthetician, Kate Somerville in her own words “I use this cleanser in the clinic when a client’s skin is completely stressed or we’ve done a peel. If you’ve got compromised skin, this will help improve your skin barrier while cleansing.”

3. Moisturizer: DELIKATE® RECOVERY CREAM

For stressed or sensitized skin, this non-irritating, clinical recovery cream provides immediate and long-lasting relief for dry, tight, irritated skin while helping to reduce visible redness and support a healthy skin barrier. You’ll see lasting hydration with continued use.

4. Moisturizer: Biossance Squalene + Omega Repair Cream

Restore moisture and protect your skin with lipids in this moisturizing cream from Biossance. Lipids are a type of fat molecule present in the skin barrier that helps nourish and protect the skin. In skincare products, lipids can include omega-3s, ceramides, and squalene.

This formula from Biossance also contains hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and glycerin to combat skin dryness. Apply after cleansing and leave on overnight for best results.

5. Balm-Type Moisturizer: Eminence Calm Skin Chamomile Moisturizer

If you’re seeking a natural moisturizer that will help soothe irritation after a chemical peel procedure, consider this moisturizing balm. Shea butter, chamomile, calendula, and aloe vera make for a moisturizing and calming formula. You can apply it to the face and neck or mix a tiny amount of water for a lighter layer on the skin.

6. Sunscreen: Mad Hippie Daily Protective Serum

Sunscreen is an absolute must for your skincare after chemical peel routine. If you’re not leaving the house (and staying away from windows where natural light comes in), you don’t need sunscreen. However, even if you’re just stepping out for a few minutes, you need to protect your skin.

This serum from Mad Hippie contains broad-spectrum SPF 30 with non-nano zinc oxide. Aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, squalene, and glycerin help hydrate skin while protecting it from direct sunlight. 

Additional Tips for Post-Chemical Peel Healing

When using any skincare product or taking care of your skin after a chemical peel treatment, follow these tips to reduce discomfort and help your skin heal faster:

• Always use cool or lukewarm water when cleansing your face; never hot.

• Don’t wash your face in the shower, as the water stream may be too harsh.

• Avoid applying too much moisturizer.

• Don’t attempt to remove flakes or pick at the skin.

• Avoid wearing makeup.

Don’t hesitate to contact the esthetician who performed the procedure if you have any questions when healing from a chemical peel.

Remember Everyone’s Skin Is Unique

Chemical peels range in depth from superficial to deep. So it’s crucial to know what sort of peel you’re planning and your skin type so you can plan your post-chemical peel skincare routine. Your esthetician will let you know what to expect based on the level and type of chemical peel you’re getting as well as product recommendations.

The best things you can do is use super-gentle products, stay out of the sun and stick to moisturizer and cleanser (and, of course, sunscreen). Depending on the type of peel you received, you should be able to return to normalcy within a week. However, it may take another week or two to fully heal.

Download the List of No-No Skincare Ingredients

Do you know which ingredients you should avoid when it comes to skincare after chemical peels? If not, download the list of no-no skincare ingredients you should avoid all the time, especially during your chemical peel aftercare process.