Retinol peels are an investment in you, and maintaining a proper aftercare routine can help that investment pay off. Like any chemical peel, retinol peels work by penetrating into several layers of skin, spurring healing and rejuvenation from within. Protecting your skin from the environment in the days following your peel ensures that this process is safe and effective.
Why Retinol?
Retinol peels are designed to enhance collagen and promote your skin’s natural ability to produce younger cells. The NeoStrata Retinol Peel is a high potency peel, containing 3% retinol, along with:
• NeoCitriate® – Targets collagen for antiaging smoothing effects
• Aminofil® – A novel amino acid derivative that helps enhance collagen and hyaluronic acid to smooth lines and wrinkles
• Bisabolol – A botanical derived from chamomile that helps calm skin
• Vitamin E – Gives skin an antioxidant boost and protects from free radicals
It is designed to help with acne, the appearance of aging, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and an overall boost to your complexion. While results are visible after just one treatment, a series of up to six peels once every six weeks is recommended for optimal results.
What to Expect After Your Peel
In the days following your NeoStrata Retinol Peel, you may experience redness, a light burning sensation, swelling, flaking, and peeling.
All of these symptoms are normal. Retinol peels work by deeply exfoliating the skin, removing layers of dead and dying skin cells and prompting the production of new skin cells as your skin heals. This healing process takes place over 4-7 days.
Caring for Your Skin
Immediately following treatment, your dermatologist will advise you to wash the peel off in 4-8 hours, depending on the sensitivity of your skin. During that time, it is critical that you avoid direct sunlight as much as possible, as your skin will be incredibly sensitive.
In the week following treatment, broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is required to avoid hyperpigmentation. When outdoors, wearing a sunhat and sunglasses can help protect your skin from direct sunlight.
When washing your face, avoid any washes containing salicylic and glycolic acid, as these can further irritate your sensitive skin.
Perhaps most importantly, you must not pick at or peel the dry skin. This can lead to breaks in the skin, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. Doing so is counterproductive to the retinol treatment.
If at any point you experience blistering, fever, or a large increase in redness/swelling, you must contact your dermatologist. These may be signs of infection. While chances of infection are very, very low, it is better to be safe by maintaining contact with your doctor if concerns arise.
