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CHNPost-procedure care
Flaking skin after treatment: can I pick it off?
Looking in the mirror, you see whitish dead skin flakes around your mouth and on your cheeks. It bothers you and you want to gently peel them off by hand, but you are not sure whether that is okay.
Flaking after treatment may appear as the outer layer of the skin recovers. Here we set out in order what to do and what not to do.
Why does skin flake after treatment?
When the skin receives heat or physical stimulation from a treatment, its outer layer is temporarily damaged, and as it recovers, old dead skin may fall away. If dryness is also present, the flaking may look more noticeable.
How much flaking appears, and when, depends on the type and intensity of the treatment and on your skin condition. Even with the same treatment, some people hardly notice any.
Why shouldn't I pick off the flakes?
If you forcibly remove dead skin that is not yet ready to come off, the new skin underneath may be irritated along with it. As a result, redness may last longer, or wounds or pigmentation may be left behind.
The table below shows the direction generally used as a reference when flaking is visible.
| Situation | General response |
|---|---|
| Fine, light flaking | Moisturize well and wait for it to fall off on its own |
| Large flakes that bother you | Do not pick them off yourself; if needed, get guidance at the clinic |
| Stinging and redness become severe along with the flaking | Cut back on the products you are using and contact the clinic |
| There is a scab, oozing, or blisters | Contact the clinic |
How should I care for it at home?
Wash your face briefly with lukewarm water and do not rub. After washing, it helps to apply a mild moisturizer in thin layers, several times, before the moisture dries.
If you wear makeup, keep it light and reduce friction when removing it. Use sun protection when you go out. For the specific timing and products, follow the guidance of the clinic where you were treated.
Frequently asked questions
Q. The flaking bothers me a lot. Can I cover it with makeup?
A. If there are no particular skin problems, light makeup is possible in many cases. However, covering the skin thickly or removing makeup often can be irritating, so it is advisable to avoid that.
Q. How many days does the flaking last?
A. It depends on the type of treatment and your skin condition, so it is hard to give one answer for everyone. If it does not lessen after several days or gets worse, please check with the clinic where you were treated.
Q. The spot where the flakes fell off is red. Is that okay?
A. Newly exposed skin may be temporarily red or sensitive. Keep moisturizing and using sun protection and watch it, but if the redness deepens or the stinging becomes severe, please contact us.
