Is there any downtime after a chemical peel?

Yes, there can be some downtime after a chemical peel, depending on the type and depth of the peel.

Superficial peels, such as those using alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), typically have minimal downtime. There may be some mild redness, peeling, and flaking for a few days, but most people can resume their normal activities immediately following the procedure.

Medium-depth peels using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can require a few days to a week of downtime. The skin will initially be red and swollen, and may blister or crust over before peeling. During this time, it's important to avoid sun exposure and follow proper aftercare instructions to minimize the risk of complications.

Deep peels using phenol are the most intense and require the most downtime, with recovery time ranging from several days to a few weeks. The skin will initially be red and swollen, and may blister or crust over before peeling. Pain medication and antiviral medication may be prescribed to manage discomfort and reduce the risk of complications.

It's important to discuss the expected downtime with your skincare professional and plan accordingly to ensure you have enough time to properly recover after the chemical peel.