If you experience skin texture issues such as rough skin, lines, sun damage, areas of hyperpigmentation or mild scarring, you may benefit from a chemical peel. Chemical peels are a skin treatment that involves applying a thin layer of chemicals to the skin and then peeling off old and/or dead skin cells to encourage new skin cell growth. Because chemical peels range in terms of the depth at which they penetrate, it may be necessary to take special precautions after undergoing a chemical peel -- such as refraining from exercise until your skin has healed.
Peel Types
The type of peel you undergo determines how quickly you can return to exercising after a chemical peel. For example, a superficial chemical peel, such as a glycolic or lactic acid peel, does not penetrate to deeper layers of skin. However, a medium-depth peel, such as a trichloracetic acid peel, may require a longer time period for healing. This typically takes up to a week to heal. Deep chemical peels that involve the use of the chemical phenol typically are performed under sedation and may take several weeks to properly heal.
Considerations
The reason why exercise should sometimes be avoided following a chemical peel is because you should avoid trauma to the face, such as rubbing or itching. When you exercise strenuously, sweat can make the skin feel itchy and it can be difficult to resist the temptation to touch post-peel skin. Also, if you play contact sports that require you to wear a helmet or could involve trauma to the face, this increases the likelihood that your skin could be disturbed while you are playing. For these reasons, your physician may caution you against strenuous exercise.
Sun Sensitivity
Even if you have undergone a mild chemical peel, it is not uncommon to experience some degree of sun sensitivity. If you exercise outdoors, such as rollerblading, walking or biking, always wear a sunscreen to protect your skin. Because a chemical peel reveals new skin, this skin may be more prone to redness and sunburn. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher to prevent burning from occurring.
Discuss With Your Physician/Aesthetician
Before undergoing a chemical peel, establish guidelines and recommendations with your physician or aesthetician for exercise post-peel. Identify signs you are ready to return to exercise, such as after your skin has stopped peeling or when swelling or redness has ceased. If you do begin exercising and experience symptoms such as uncontrollable itching, unexplained swelling or difficulty breathing, cease exercising and see your physician.
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