Is Vaseline good after a chemical peel?

Author: Elody Murazik  |  Last update: Saturday, February 14, 2026

After a light chemical peel, treated skin will be red, dry and mildly irritated-although these effects might be less noticeable with each repeat treatment. Please make sure you keep the skin moist for the next several days using a fragrance-free moisturizer (we recommend Cerave) and Aquaphor/Vaseline as needed.

Can you use petroleum jelly after a chemical peel?

Yes, Vaseline has been used as a skin savior after a chemical peel. However, avoid the eye area and do not slug on nights that using other active ingredients like alpha and beta hydroxy acids and retinoids.

What is best to use on skin after a chemical peel?

We definitely recommend using moisturizer to the area after a chemical peel. We generally recommend something very gentle, such as a Cerave/Cetaphil/Eucerin or Aquaphor. As soon as the skin begins to feel dry, we recommend reapplying. Make sure you do not peel the skin off as it can lead to scarring or further issues!

What moisturizer is best after a chemical peel?

We definitely recommend using moisturizer to the area after a chemical peel. We generally recommend something very gentle, such as a Cerave/Cetaphil/Eucerin or Aquaphor. As soon as the skin begins to feel dry, we recommend reapplying. Make sure you do not peel the skin off as it can lead to scarring or further issues!

Can I put vaseline on my peeling face?

Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes patches of dry, flaky, and itchy skin. Dermatologists often recommend petroleum jelly and similar ointments as a treatment for atopic dermatitis. These ointments seal in moisture, thereby reducing the skin dryness and flakiness that contribute to itching.

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Do and don'ts after chemical peeling?

Avoid Touching or Picking.

After the chemical peel, you should expect your skin to dry out and peel, similar to a sunburn. While it may be very tempting to pick and peel this dry skin, you definitely shouldn't, as peeling away dead layers or picking at your skin can lead to infection and scarring.

How to make skin heal faster after a chemical peel?

Try overdoing the hydration that you would normally do every two hours of a ceramide based moisturizer, such as First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Cream or CeraVe. Making sure that skin is hydrated will enable faster recovery of the collagen in that area to make your skin look less inflamed and scaly.

What days are the worst after a chemical peel?

Day Three After Chemical Peel

The severe peeling and flaking are most likely to occur on days three and four.

What does your face look like 3 days after a chemical peel?

First few days – you may notice some dryness, irritation, and mild swelling. Two to Three days – your skin may look flaky or peel, and discolorations or imperfections may temporarily be more noticeable. Three to four days – you may breakout or notice skin looks tan or slightly darker than usual.

How do you maximize chemical peel results?

Protect your skin Pre and Post-treatment
  1. Wearing SPF of at least 30 every day.
  2. Avoid spending too much time unprotected in the sun.
  3. Not taking medication such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
  4. Discontinuing the use of retinol, exfoliating acids or scrubs unless under professional guidance.
  5. Avoiding waxing or shaving your face.

How to heal peeling skin overnight?

Post-shower, apply a layer of soothing, emollient lotion. If your skin is very dry or even scaly, try a luxuriously thick body butter loaded with non-fragrant, plant-based oils and butters. Don't use bar soap or bar cleansers, even on your body. Rather, switch to a hydrating cream or oil cleanser.

How can I repair my skin after a chemical peel?

Proper post-peel skin care
  1. Wash your face with cool water. Warm or hot water might not feel as good as cool or cold water, which can help soothe post-peel sensations.
  2. Moisturize and hydrate. ...
  3. Apply sunscreen with SPF30 or more. ...
  4. Avoid strenuous workouts, dry saunas and steam rooms. ...
  5. Don't over-exfoliate.

Should I put anything on my face after a chemical peel?

Do: Moisturize And Hydrate. After a chemical peel treatment, your skin may feel tight, dry, and itchy. Since your skin's protective barrier is temporarily compromised until the healing process is complete, applying a hydrating moisturizer or serum can help alleviate the dry and itchy feeling.

Should I apply petroleum jelly after moisturizer?

You'll layer whichever occlusive you use, such as petroleum jelly, over thinner skin care ingredients, including serums and other moisturizers. This allows products like toners, serums and lotions to penetrate the skin before you apply a thick occlusive.

How long to use Aquaphor after a chemical peel?

Best practice recommendations include: Keep the area moist with a thin layer of Aquaphor at all times for the first 10 to 14 days. This may need to be applied every few hours.

Which moisturizer is best after a chemical peel?

When you start to peel, use a non-comedogenic moisturizer such as AveenoⓇ, VanicreamⓇ, CetaphilⓇ, or CeraVeⓇ, until the skin feels back to normal. This will promote the healing process by locking in moisture and reducing the chance of a bacterial infection, redness, and irritation.

How long does it take for a chemical peel to look good?

Treated areas will develop new skin within about two weeks after a deep chemical peel, although redness might last for months. Treated skin might become darker or lighter than normal or lose the ability to tan. You might prefer to remain at home while you're healing from a chemical peel.

What is the purging after a chemical peel?

Timeline of a Typical Purge:

Days 1-3: Initial redness and slight peeling. Days 4-7: Increased breakouts and more noticeable peeling. Days 8-14: Gradual clearing of skin as new, healthier cells emerge.

How can I speed up healing after peeling?

Some general aftercare tips you should follow during your chemical peel recovery include:
  1. Follow all of Dr. ...
  2. Wash the treated area with lukewarm water gently.
  3. Moisturize whenever your skin feels tight.
  4. Apply SPF every day.
  5. Allow your skin to peel on its own – do not pick at it.

Why is my skin so bad after a chemical peel?

Stronger peels or those containing certain ingredients may be more likely to cause irritation and subsequent breakouts. While it might seem counterintuitive, these breakouts are often a sign that the peel is working to clear out your pores.

Can I wash my face with water after a chemical peel?

1) Leave the peel on for 4-6 hours, then gently wash it off with warm water ONLY. 2) For the first 2 days, wash your face/body with warm water only, TWICE a day. Then apply moisturizer with sunscreen to face/body (AT LEAST SPF 44), as many times a day as needed.

How do I get the best results after a chemical peel?

Here are a few great tips on how to care for your skin after a chemical peel:
  1. Hands Off‍ A chemical peel eliminates layers of damaged skin, allowing the skin underneath to glow. ...
  2. Pull It Back. ...
  3. Moisturize - But Just Enough to Be Comfortable. ...
  4. Use Sunscreen. ...
  5. Let It Peel. ...
  6. Lighten Up. ...
  7. Don't Worry.

What happens if you don't moisturize after a chemical peel?

After a chemical peel, your skin will likely be dry and sensitive. Make sure you're moisturizing your skin regularly with a neutral, unscented cream or lotion. By keeping your skin moist, you'll minimize itchiness and irritation and speed up the healing process. When you're applying moisturizer, remember to be gentle.

Can I put aloe vera on my face after a chemical peel?

Post-peel, your skin will crave hydration. Reach for a soothing, non-comedogenic moisturizer to replenish lost moisture and aid healing. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera can work wonders in keeping your skin supple and hydrated.

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