It can be frustrating to notice new blemishes after investing in a chemical peel, especially when clearer skin is the goal. While a breakout may feel alarming, post-peel reactions are common and typically temporary as the skin renews itself.
At Millefiori Aesthetics, care is guided by Iris Graham, MMS, PA-C, a NCCPA board-certified physician assistant specializing in aesthetic medicine with over a decade of advanced certification in cosmetic treatments. Her medically driven approach helps ensure that post-peel changes are properly assessed and supported, preventing temporary breakouts from being mistaken for treatment failure.
Why A Chemical Peel Can Cause Breakouts
A chemical peel works by accelerating cell turnover, helping old, damaged skin shed more quickly. As this happens, impurities trapped beneath the surface can rise to the surface all at once. This is often referred to as purging and can look like acne.
A chemical peel breakout may be more likely if:
- The skin is acne-prone or congested
- The peel penetrates deeper layers of the skin
- Pores contain buildup that has not surfaced yet
This phase is usually short-lived and often followed by clearer, smoother skin.
How Long Do Post-Peel Breakouts Last?
For most people, breakouts appear within the first week after treatment and resolve within one to two weeks. The exact timeline depends on factors like skin type, the strength of the chemical peel, and how closely post-treatment care instructions are followed. Improvement typically becomes noticeable as the skin finishes healing.
What To Do If You Break Out After A Chemical Peel
Proper aftercare can make a big difference during this stage. The goal is to support healing without further irritating the skin.
Helpful steps include:
- Keeping the routine simple with gentle cleansers and moisturizers
- Avoiding picking, scrubbing, or exfoliating the skin
- Using only products approved by a skincare professional
- Wearing sunscreen daily to protect newly revealed skin
Trying to treat breakouts aggressively can slow healing and increase irritation.
When Professional Guidance Matters
If breakouts feel severe, painful, or last longer than expected, reaching out to a licensed provider is important. A professional can determine whether the reaction is normal purging or something that needs adjustment. Personalized advice helps protect results and prevent long-term issues.
Skin Care Support In Melbourne, FL
Clear, healthy skin is still within reach after a chemical peel, even when temporary breakouts appear. With the right guidance, the skin can calm, heal, and reveal the smoother texture and brighter tone the treatment is designed to deliver. For those in Melbourne, FL, expert support can help answer questions, ease concerns, and tailor care to individual skin needs.
To schedule a consultation and get personalized guidance, call 321-821-4778 and take the next step toward feeling confident in your skin.