You can support your skin after a chemical peel without using Aquaphor, petroleum, or mineral oil, but your peel provider should be the first person you ask about post-treatment products. Different peels create different levels of irritation and recovery, so there isn’t one universal aftercare routine. If you’re allergic to commonly recommended occlusives, tell your provider before the procedure so they can recommend alternatives that fit both the peel and your allergy.
What makes post-peel care different?
After a chemical peel, your skin can be temporarily more sensitive and vulnerable while it recovers. This isn’t the time to experiment with a cabinet full of new skincare. Retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs, fragrances, strong vitamin C formulas, and other potentially irritating products may need to be paused depending on the peel and your provider’s instructions. Even a product you’ve used for years can sting when your skin barrier is temporarily compromised.
So what can I actually use?
Follow the specific aftercare instructions you were given, and use only products your provider considers appropriate for your particular peel. In general, gentle cleansing, avoiding picking or peeling the skin, minimizing heat and sun exposure, and using appropriate sun protection are important during recovery. If your provider recommends a moisturizer but you cannot use petroleum-based products, ask for a specific alternative rather than guessing from ingredient lists online. Seek medical advice promptly if you develop significant swelling, blistering, severe pain, spreading redness, pus, or other symptoms that seem beyond normal peeling.
Where Glóavia fits
This is one of those times when Glóavia isn’t going to tell you to slap a product on freshly peeled skin just because we sell skincare. Your peel provider gets the first word on what your recovering skin can handle.
Once your skin has recovered enough for your provider to clear you for your regular skincare routine, a barrier-focused product such as Ceramide Barrier Reconstruction may have a place in your routine if its full ingredient list is compatible with your needs.
After a peel, boring is beautiful. Let your skin heal before you start throwing things at it.