Burn after peeling: what to do, how to treat the face, and does the chemical procedure remove pigmentation after sun exposure?

Reasons for appearance

In the process of removing the stratum corneum of the skin, the active substance has a negative effect on the healthy epidermis, resulting in a burn. There are several types of burns that appear after this procedure. They all have the same reasons for their origin, for example:

individual intolerance to certain components of the cosmetic composition;
cleaning in the presence of open wounds on the skin;
ignoring the safety rules specified in the instructions;
low qualifications of a cosmetologist;
high concentration of active components (more than 30%);
exceeding the recommended holding time;
using a cosmetic composition that is not suitable for a specific skin type.

Skin procedures require strict adherence to all recommendations, as well as the professionalism of the specialist, who is able to accurately assess the condition of the skin in order to select the appropriate composition.

Symptoms

The peeling procedure involves certain effects on the skin, after which it is possible that slight irritation may occur, which is considered normal. If side effects do not go away for a long time, you should immediately consult a specialist. Facial skin burns after cleaning are characterized by the following symptoms:

severe pain in areas treated with cosmetic composition;
swelling;
redness;
feeling of skin tightening;
itching;
blistering;
damage to the epidermis.

After a cosmetic procedure, red spots usually appear on the face due to the use of chemicals. However, if the peeling was performed according to all the rules, the negative consequences are not accompanied by acute pain and quickly pass.

Post-peeling burn: normal or side effect

Among all cosmetic procedures for rejuvenation, facial peeling is one of the most demanding. Especially when it comes to chemical effects on the skin with special preparations. Such exfoliation requires patience and discipline from the client, and high professionalism and attentiveness from the cosmetologist.

Any cleansing procedure can trigger a post-peeling reaction. What the response of the body’s immune system will be depends on the type of peeling and the depth of penetration of the active substances into the layers of the epidermis. For example, harmless manual or ultrasonic cleaning as well as cryotherapy can leave only a blush or dryness, and medium or deep treatment of the skin with acidic concentrates will result in extensive allergies: irritation, swelling, peeling, or even a chemical burn. All these manifestations after peeling are acceptable to a certain extent. And it’s not difficult to deal with them on your own, following the rules of home care.

The appearance of a post-peeling burn is typical only for chemical exfoliation of any type: superficial, middle and even deeper. The principle of operation of the procedures is based on this: various natural or synthesized acids in cosmetic compositions destroy the dead layer of the epidermis and trigger accelerated cell renewal.

Collagen and elastin fibers are restored naturally; as a result of regeneration, the skin on the face is smoothed, tightened, acquires a fresh, healthy shade, folds and age spots disappear. Thus, a controlled chemical burn is an unpleasant, but mandatory step in getting rid of aesthetic defects through peeling.

A burn after an acid peel is a protective reaction of the body to the external aggressive effects of a chemical substance. The correct concentration of acid, which forms the basis of the pilin composition, should not provoke a burn of more than I degree of severity. Outwardly, it looks like severe redness and hardening of the skin.

When deciding to peel, you need to be prepared for a subsequent burn. The absence of redness, slight swelling and flaking of the skin after chemical peeling, on the contrary, is a sign that the procedure was performed incorrectly and will not have a noticeable effect. It is important that the burn during exfoliation is “controlled”, that is, the product is kept by the cosmetologist strictly for the time specified in the annotation, and the concentration of acids does not exceed the maximum permissible norm of 30%. Otherwise, such radical peeling will result in deep wounds and scars on the skin, which only an experienced doctor and surgery can help get rid of.

An unprofessional peeling procedure using cosmetic chemicals may well result in sick leave. Therefore, before exfoliation, be sure to ask a specialist what concentration of acid is included in the product you have chosen. Make sure that this important indicator does not exceed 25-30%.

It makes no sense to hope that the more aggressive the treatment, the faster and better the cleansing effect will appear. In the best case, acid peeling at 70-80% concentration will provoke second-degree burns, in which redness will be accompanied by blisters and painful cracking of the skin. Subsequently, the skin will turn dark brown and then yellow. Deep violation of the integrity of the skin is dangerous:

development of a bacterial infection. The layers of the epidermis destroyed during peeling create favorable conditions for the instant spread of pathogenic microorganisms, which can only be stopped by antiseptic ointments with a high antibiotic content;
difficult to remove pigmentation. Severely affected skin is vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation. Free exposure to the sun without a protective cream with SPF of at least 50 is fraught with the appearance of bright pigment spots, which may take up to a year to eliminate;
the appearance of scars. Scars on the skin will remain in place of deep cracks, and only laser facial resurfacing will help get rid of them.

The appearance of second degree burns is a reason to seek qualified medical care at the emergency room. As a rule, in such cases, doctors prescribe complex drug therapy, consisting of the use of antihistamines that suppress the allergic reaction and itching, anti-burn ointments based on panthenol and local antibiotics for disinfection. Treatment can last about 3-5 weeks.

Health Hazard

Burns resulting from peeling can lead to serious problems associated with the condition of the epidermis. Their danger is as follows:

Risk of infection. A burn contributes to the violation of the integrity of the skin, as a result of which harmful microorganisms begin to actively multiply in this place. Severe rashes and ulcers appear on the face, which can only be eliminated with the help of antibiotics.
Acid compounds are usually used to lighten the skin and remove freckles and various blemishes. In this case, you need to take into account that if sunburn occurs, pigmentation will spread throughout the entire face, and it will not be easy to remove it.
Skin restoration is often accompanied by the formation of scars. They usually appear in areas with cracks and deep creases. Getting rid of scars will require significant time and financial investment.

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How does salicylic peel work?

It has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.
Normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
Gently cleanses the skin and tightens pores.
Smoothes the surface of the skin.
Treats acne and comedones, prevents the formation of new foci of inflammation.
Stimulates the production of collagen-elastin complex.
Prevents premature skin aging and wrinkle formation.
Makes the contour clearer and pigmentation (freckles and age spots) less noticeable.

What to do?

If a burn occurs as a result of a cosmetic procedure, you must immediately use moisturizing creams, covering the affected areas with them. These products must contain panthenol, which can have an anti-inflammatory and regenerative effect. Processing is carried out several times a day.
When eliminating side effects, it does not matter which agent was used during the procedure. The use of glycolic, superficial or acid peels can cause burns. Chemical peeling often contributes to severe burns. In each case, it is necessary to limit skin contact with water and soap for some time.
Also, salty and fatty foods should be excluded from the diet. It is recommended to drink as much water as possible.
In addition to creams with panthenol, various anti-burn medications can be used to eliminate the problem.
If the skin does not return to normal for a long time, you need to seek help from your doctor.
If the skin is damaged, any thermal effects (sunlight, steam) can complicate the situation, so if possible, you should not leave the house for the first few days.
Experts do not recommend applying various oils to the skin in case of a burn, since these products form a film on the surface that prevents the skin from breathing.

Deep facial peeling: procedure

Deep chemical peeling is performed exclusively in a clinic equipped with anesthesia equipment. More often the procedure takes place under general anesthesia, less often - in a state of medicated sleep with intravenous administration of sedatives.

The duration of phenol peeling is from 15 to 60 minutes. The cosmetologist removes makeup, cleanses and degreases the skin, and then applies a deep peeling solution. After application is completed, the reagent is removed with special neutralizing agents, and an aseptic bandage is applied to the skin.

How and with what to treat the face after a chemical procedure?

After a burn appears, it is necessary to immediately begin taking measures to promote the regeneration of the epidermis. During the treatment process, you can resort to both pharmaceutical and traditional methods, which allow you to achieve effective results in the shortest possible time.

Medicines

To treat burns resulting from peeling, the following remedies are used:

“Panthenol” or “Despanthenol” - relieve inflammation of the skin, increase the density of collagen fibers, and accelerate the restoration of damaged tissues. The frequency of application of drugs is 2–4 times a day.
"Ekolom" is a hormonal drug that contains mometasone. Produced by the manufacturer in the form of an ointment or lotion, it perfectly relieves inflammation and swelling, and also eliminates itching. Treatment of affected areas is carried out no more than once a day.
“Olazol” is an anesthetic spray containing satin and sea buckthorn oil. Eliminates peeling and swelling, the frequency of its use is up to 2 times a day.
"Bepanthen Plus" is a cream made on the basis of dexpanthelone and chlorhexidine. Prevents the appearance of scars and infectious complications, restores the skin, has an antibacterial and moisturizing effect. It is permissible to use the drug no more than 2 times a day.

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For severe burns and blisters, treatment is carried out according to the following scheme prescribed by a specialist:

treating the skin with “Bepanten” or “Panthenol” to speed up the healing process;
the use of "Elokom" and "Diprosalik" to prevent the spread of the inflammatory process;
the use of antihistamines (Claritin, Zodak) to eliminate swelling, redness and itching.

If the infection spreads, it is necessary to take antibiotics (Amoxiclav, Sumamed).

A treatment regimen is prescribed by a doctor only if the degree of burn is precisely determined.

Folk remedies and recipes

If burns occur on your face after cosmetic procedures, you can resort to folk remedies. At home, it is possible to make various masks and compositions that promote regeneration. The most popular of them include:

Vegetable mask. Grate ½ peeled cucumber and a small potato on a fine grater.
Then combine them with chopped parsley, 2 tsp. aloe juice, 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp. l. olive oils. Stir the resulting mixture thoroughly and apply an even layer on the face. After 15 minutes, remove with warm water. Treatment frequency is once every 4 days, duration is up to 5 weeks. The vegetable remedy will not only eliminate swelling and itching, but also give the skin a whitening effect.
Oatmeal decoction. Prepare a decoction of 100 g of oatmeal, add 2 tbsp. l. potato starch. Apply the composition to the skin of the face and leave for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. The procedure should be carried out 3 times every 7 days until the affected epidermis is completely restored. Using oatmeal remedy you can get rid of burns and redness in a short time.
Avocado mask. To prepare, you need to combine 2 tbsp. l. grated avocado and 1 tsp. liquid honey. Apply the mixture heated in a steam bath to the affected areas of the skin, rinse after 30 minutes.

Before using any folk remedy, you should consult a specialist.

Skin care rules

Recommendations for skin care after peeling:

The burn after glycolic or salicylic peeling is treated several times a day with healing agents based on panthenol. These ointments accelerate the regeneration process and promote skin renewal at the cellular level. Damaged skin should be treated at least 3 times a day.
The burned epidermis is restored with the help of disinfectants and antiseptics. If there is extensive redness, a specialist may prescribe antihistamines.
If there is a risk of developing skin diseases, the doctor may prescribe oral antibacterial medications.
To moisturize your face, you need to regularly apply moisturizing and soothing professional products.
When going outside, it is imperative to use high-protection sunscreens.
The skin is protected from sudden temperature changes; it is also necessary to refrain from using scrubbing products, visiting the pool, sauna or solarium.
The crusts that appear on the face cannot be removed on their own; after washing, the face is wiped with cosmetic wipes - rubbing with a towel will aggravate the existing problems. In case of severe itching, you should treat your face with Elok lotion daily.
Avoid excessive physical activity, which causes excessive sweating and increases the risk of spreading infection.
For the entire recovery period, you must avoid using drying cosmetics, as well as foams or wash gels that contain sulfates.
You should drink at least two liters of water per day - this will help restore water balance and speed up recovery.
Fatty and salty foods are excluded from the diet.

The average duration of skin restoration is a month. During the entire rehabilitation period, the use of decorative cosmetics, scrubbing and drying agents should be avoided.

Preventive actions

To avoid side effects after peeling, you need to properly prepare for this procedure. The cosmetologist should correctly calculate the concentration of the composition, and also foresee at what depth damage is possible. Before cleaning, you need to familiarize yourself with all the methods of skin restoration; having such information will reduce the risk of serious complications.

If the burn does not go away after all the steps taken, an urgent consultation with a dermatologist will be required.

Complications and consequences

A chemical burn to the face after peeling is often not as bad from a health point of view as it is aesthetically unpleasant. Typically, such burns do not affect the skin deeper than the granular layer of the epidermis.

However, not all complications appear immediately. There are early and late consequences of skin burns after peeling. In the first days after the procedure, the following are possible:

exacerbation of herpes;
increased skin sensitivity;
allergic reactions;
swelling;
exacerbation of chronic pathologies;
development of white cysts on the surface of the skin.

Late consequences include:

development of persistent erythema (persistent redness);
skin atrophy;
hyperpigmentation or loss of pigment;
scar formation;
too noticeable border between the “polished” area of skin during the procedure and the natural relief, for example, on the neck;
development of hyperkeratosis.

To remove burns after peeling with minimal losses, begin treatment as soon as the open wound has healed. This way you will return your skin to its healthy appearance as quickly as possible and protect yourself from possible consequences that did not have time to appear.

Advice from cosmetology experts

After cleansing, the skin becomes especially sensitive and therefore requires the most gentle care. During the rehabilitation period, experts advise adhering to a number of rules:

wash only with boiled water;
at the end of the water procedures, do not wipe your face, but gently blot with a napkin;
avoid facial skin massage;
During the first 5 days, use foams and gels instead of cream.

During the rehabilitation period, the use of tonics, scrubs, alcohol-containing lotions and decorative cosmetics is prohibited.

To avoid negative consequences and complications after peeling, you must strictly adhere to all the recommendations of the cosmetologist. If a burn occurs, do not self-medicate, but consult a doctor immediately.

Symptoms of a burn after peeling

After the session, the skin needs some time to recover - this is a natural process that is inevitable with any type of peeling. How to distinguish a burn from a normal skin reaction to external influences?

Redness, swelling and peeling will certainly occur, but within the time limits previously agreed upon by the cosmetologist. If time has passed, but the consequences remain, then you have received a chemical burn and you need to see a doctor to eliminate the consequences.

When to sound the alarm?

Healing time generally depends on the type of peel. They are divided into superficial, middle and deep. The second and third ones require a longer period of rehabilitation and in the hands of a would-be cosmetologist can cause a serious aesthetic defect.

Completely negative reactions after superficial and medium peeling with proper care disappear within 5-10 days.

Deep peeling is performed after 40 years of age and only under anesthesia; the skin restoration period with this effect is up to six months.