Yes, you should use moisturizer after any chemical peel, including The Ordinary Peeling Solution.
In this post, I’ll explain:
- What chemical peels are
- The Ordinary Peeling Solution
- Moisturizing with chemical peels
- How often you should moisturize
What are chemical peels?
Studies show that chemical peels are effective to exfoliate off dead skin cells and the top layer of your skin.
They’re used to:
- Prevent discoloration
- Reduce clogged pores or enlarged pores
- Even out skin tone
A popular at-home skincare routine option is The Ordinary Peeling Solution.
Active Ingredients
The actives in chemical peels are known as chemical exfoliants, and they fall into two categories:
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): glycolic acid and lactic acid
- Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs): salicylic acid
AHAs
Common types of AHAs include glycolic acid and lactic acid. These acids are a great addition to any skin care routine to help with dull skin and dark spots.
AHAs are most suitable for dull and mature skin types. In fact, AHAs are effective at anti-aging.
Plus, they’re also good at binding water (think aloe vera) and can help with stubborn skin texture.
BHAs
The most common BHA is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is helpful for oily skin types like:
- Acne prone skin
- Blemish prone skin
They help even out the texture of your skin’s surface.
BHAs work best for a blemish prone skin type.
The Ordinary Peeling Solution
The Ordinary Peeling Solution is an at-home chemical peel that is not suitable for more skin types or users.
It is formulated with a high concentration of exfoliating acids that can disrupt your skin barrier if you are not careful.
However, it can also help with fine lines and wrinkles.
Concerns
The Ordinary Peeling Solution should not be used on extremely dry skin or without the right moisturizer.
It also should not be used too frequently to avoid irritation.
Moisturizing with Chemical Peels
While the active ingredients in chemical peels can leave you with smoother skin, they can also disrupt your skin barrier.
Be sure to apply moisturizer to reduce irritation afterwards. To this end, you could use facial moisturizer and a soothing serum, like a hydrating serum.
Water Based Moisturizer
If you’re looking for a lightweight moisturizer with soothing ingredients for your skincare routine, check out the Neutrogena Hydro Boost line.
The entire line is formulated with nourishing ingredients that help your skin bind to environmental water molecules and hold onto moisture.
How often should I use moisturizer?
You should moisturize twice a day to prevent moisture loss and premature aging, like fine lines.
If you oily or acne prone skin, you may be better off using face cream just once a day because you don’t need the extra moisture.
How much moisturizer to use?
A quarter sized amount should be enough for most people’s face. However, the skin on other body parts may need more, so experiment with what works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you should avoid sun damage throughout the peeling process even if you don’t normally have sensitive skin or dry skin types.
Chemical peels induce photo sensitive skin and disrupt your skin barrier. Therefore, your skin’s surface will be more prone to burning and other types of UV damage.
To be extra careful, try a broad spectrum sunscreen or use a physical barrier like a wide brimmed hat.
Popular hydrating products in skin care include hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.
Also, any thick moisturizer will include fatty acids, plant oils, and shea butter to prevent moisture loss.
You’ll also often see petroleum jelly to prevent moisture loss. However, for some people, Vaseline might clog pores though!
Yes, a few drops of a hydrating serum and a thin layer of a good non comedogenic moisturizer are suitable for your face and body.
