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Patient information — Chemical peel

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Time off

People generally look worse than they feel after a chemical peel but you could frighten those of a nervous disposition for the next week or so, so either take time off work or be brave and tell everyone what you are doing.

Looking after yourself

Use ice packs to minimise any stinging or burning sensation for the first 48 hours.
Petroleum jelly may initially be applied as a dressing – you may be told to apply it several times a day for some days, to prevent cracking.
You may be given an antibiotic ointment to apply twice a day for the first four days.
Do not wash your face and avoid getting soap onto it.
Keep your skin well moisturised with the cream or ointment recommended by Mr Malhotra.
There may be yellow seepage from day four after the peel – this should be soaked off using cotton wool a white vinegar solution made of half a tablespoon of white vinegar in a cup of cooled, boiled water.
Your skin will peel patchily, just like a sunburn, until it has all been shed, exposing bright pinkish-red skin underneath.
Do not pull off peeling skin, no matter how tempting it is – you could cause scarring.
Use a dry cotton bud to rub off crusts and sloughing skin – you can start this two to four days after the procedure but be gentle.
If you get a cold sore, apply acyclovir ointment as soon as possible – you may wish to contact your GP.

When you have recovered

Your skin will take three to four weeks to heal and will look paler and tighter.
You must use high factor sun protection every day for at least three months, or you could suffer uneven pigmentation and further sun damage.
A peel can be repeated safely after three months but this is not usually necessary.

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