Utah Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

How long should one wait to perform a chemical peel after laser resurfacing?

1. 1 week

2. 2 weeks

3. 3 weeks

4. 4 weeks

The correct answer is: 3 weeks

After laser resurfacing, it is crucial to allow adequate time for the skin to heal before proceeding with a chemical peel. Generally, a waiting period of about three weeks is recommended to ensure that the skin has sufficiently recovered. During the healing process, the skin may experience redness, swelling, and sensitivity, which requires time to subside. Performing a chemical peel too soon can increase the risk of adverse reactions, such as prolonged irritation, inflammation, or even scarring. The three-week timeframe provides a balance between allowing the skin to heal and preparing it for the additional exfoliation and treatment benefits that a chemical peel can offer. Waiting longer than three weeks is often unnecessary for patients who have healed properly, while waiting shorter durations could compromise the skin’s integrity, making three weeks the optimal waiting period.