Arizona Esthetics State Board Practice Exam

After undergoing a chemical peel, direct sun exposure should be avoided for how long?

1. Two weeks

2. One month

3. Three months

4. One week

The correct answer is: One month

After a chemical peel, the skin undergoes a period of healing and regeneration that makes it particularly sensitive to sunlight. Direct sun exposure can lead to complications such as hyperpigmentation, irritation, and even sunburn, which can negatively affect the results of the procedure. Generally, avoiding direct sun exposure for at least one month is recommended after a chemical peel. This timeframe allows the new skin to properly heal and reduces the risk of damaging the rejuvenated skin layers. Using broad-spectrum sunscreen and protective clothing is also crucial for any sun exposure, but the one-month guideline provides a solid rule for optimal healing. While some may argue for shorter durations, one month is often seen as a safer and more effective approach to prevent adverse effects that could arise from sun exposure on freshly treated skin. Thus, a one-month period is appropriate to ensure proper recovery and protection of the skin post-peel.