Sunscreen After Chemical Peels

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The Importance of Sunscreen for Your Skin After Using Chemical Peels

Now that the summer season is fast approaching, many of us will be outside spending time in the sun. This is a good time of the year to remind those of you using chemical peels that it’s very important to use a sunscreen following a peeling procedure. Many chemical peels contain Alpha Hydroxy acids (AHAs) and other ingredients that can increase skin sensitivity to the sun, resulting in sunburn.

With so much attention being paid to the negative effects of the sun’s rays on skin, you should already be using some type of a sunscreen when you’re outdoors. Your skin will be especially sensitive to the UV rays of the sun after a chemical peel so it’s very important to use a good quality sunscreen that provides both UVA and UVB protection with an SPF of 30 or more. Also be sure that the sunscreen you use is gentle enough for daily use.

Purchase Sunscreen Before You Do a Chemical Peel

While staying inside is best for your skin following a chemical peel, this is rarely a viable option. Therefore, it’s a good idea to purchase a quality sunscreen before you do a chemical peel so you have it on hand before you plan on heading outside. And remember, your skin is still vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun even if it’s overcast outside, so don’t let a few clouds fool you!

You should apply the sunscreen an hour before going outdoors and then reapply after swimming, exercising and every two hours or so if you’re spending the entire day outside. Apply the sunscreen evenly and thoroughly over all areas you applied the peel, which may include your face, neck, shoulders, and chest.

Choosing a Sunscreen

Look for a sunscreen that has one or both of the following ingredients: titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide. These ingredients do a good job of protecting the skin against both UVA and UVB sunrays. These ingredients are long-lasting physical filters that provide superior protection, making them ideal for protecting skin that is healing from a chemical peel.

Why Sunscreen is Important

Remember that you are doing a chemical peel to improve the health, feel and appearance of your skin so it only makes sense to take precautionary measures after your peel to protect your sensitive skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. If you neglect to apply a sunscreen after a peel and do spend time outside in the sun, you may end up with a serious sunburn that can leave unsightly white blotches on your skin or even scars, not to mention putting yourself at risk for developing skin cancer. With everything that has been said about chemical peels and sunburns, we hope you will have some safe fun in the sun this summer following any chemical peel regimens.

How Skin Peels Can Help With Acne

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Skin Peels Can Actively Alleviate Acne Appearances

Acne is a very common skin condition that affects millions of people. While many people think that acne is nothing more than pimples, a person with acne can have many blemishes on their skin including blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, cysts and nodules. In addition to the having visible blemishes, a person with acne can also develop dark spots and even scars on the skin when the acne heals. Fortunately, chemical peels/skin peels can help with acne as these peels have been found effective at keeping pores clean.

Most acne occurs due to dirt, debris and skin oils accumulating in the pores wherein they become clogged. When a chemical peel is applied to the skin, it works to clear the pores which can prevent, reduce or lessen the scarring to the skin.

Keratolytic therapy/treatment is a term used to describe a chemical skin peel. Through the use of chemicals such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid or lactic acid, keratolytic therapy can assist in removing dead skin cells by softening the clumps and causing them to shed from the skin. The results can be softer, smoother skin the looks and feels good.

In order to get the most out of a chemical/skin peel, it’s important that it has a strong exfoliating effect. That is why Dermalure’s uses pharmaceutical-grade products. Our peels are available in varying types of concentration because each person’s skin type is unique.

Choosing a Chemical Peel/Skin Peel

It is important to speak with your dermatologist to see what type of skin peel would be the most appropriate for your skin. Then, with that advice in mind, it is advisable to start out with a lower strength acid. Generally speaking, the stronger acids remove more layers of the skin.  These stronger acids may be appropriate if you have tougher skin that needs to be removed in order to get to the softer skin underneath. But it is important to start with a milder acid that does not peel away skin any deeper than necessary. This is why you should always consult with your dermatologist before choosing a chemical peel. Your dermatologist can tell you what level of acid you should begin with.

You do not have to live with the physical and emotional affects of acne as Dermalure offers several types of chemical peels that are effective at treating acne. Our friendly skin care professionals are always available to help you choose the right product so please do not hesitate to contact us if you need help choosing the best peel for you.