Are you tired of feeling like your skin has seen better days? Chemical peels might just be the answer to your skincare woes. A type of treatment that can be done at home or in-clinic, chemical peels come with a plethora of benefits: from rejuvenating sun-damaged skin and reducing signs of aging, to preventing acne and brightening your complexion. 

Of course, getting a chemical peel is only half the battle. Because chemical exfoliation leaves skin more sensitive to sun damage, it's equally important to have a solid after-treatment plan to maximize your results. Not to forget the most critical post-care product of all: sunscreen! Here are a few tips to keep your skin glowing, and how to choose the best sunscreen to use with exfoliation.

Keep your hands off

One of the goals of a chemical peel is to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. As the dead skin starts to shed, it's important to avoid touching, picking, or scratching it with your fingers. Doing so can damage the new skin underneath and potentially lead to scarring. Instead, let the dead skin shed off naturally.

Pull your hair back

During the peeling process, your skin may feel sensitive and delicate. To avoid accidentally touching or irritating it, it's a good idea to pull your hair back away from your face with a hair band. This will also help prevent breakouts caused by oils from your hair or dirty hands.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize

After receiving a chemical peel, your skin may feel dry and sensitive. It's important to moisturize to keep it hydrated, but be careful not to overdo it. Your aesthetician may provide you with a specific post-care moisturizer to use, which is safe for use during the peeling process. You can also use a neutral moisturizer like Aquaphor, which is easily available over the counter. When applying moisturizer, be gentle and avoid rubbing or scrubbing it in.

Protect your skin with SPF

What products you use can dramatically impact your healing. It’s safe to say that after a peel, the only other product you should use other than moisturizer is sunscreen. Like we said, one of the most important things you should do after a chemical peel is to protect your skin from the sun. The new skin underneath will be more vulnerable to damage from UV rays, which can cause hyper-pigmentation and other issues. 

Now, when it comes to choosing the best sunscreen, be sure to use a physical sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher whenever you're exposed to the sun. After a chemical peel, your skin has suffered an intentional trauma of sorts. Our Rose From Above SPF35 Mineral Sunscreen Base contains rose oil and ceramides to help soothe and nourish sensitive skin. Derived from steam-distilled rose petals, rose extract supports skin with soothing and pH-balancing properties. Meanwhile, ceramides are known to support skin barrier health, making Rose From Above the perfect gentle sunscreen formulation to use after a chemical peel (and beyond!).

Following these tips can help you maintain the best results from your chemical peel and keep your skin looking healthy and radiant.