Do you recommend any weekly skincare treatments like a mask or face peel?


Good question, this is confusing for many people! Think of it like this. When you perform a light peel, a scrub or certain peel-off masks/masques, you are essentially exfoliating off some of the outer dead layer of the skin (stratum corneum) and, if slightly deeper, a little bit of the outer barrier layer of the skin (the epidermis).


When you do that, the cells underneath begin to activate a bit more to repair what they perceive as damage. So it’s a bit tricky in that a little peeling or exfoliating keeps skin cells active and turning over, but too much can temporarily harm the outer barrier layer of the skin and cause irritation and increased sensitivity to UV rays. For example, after some deeper lasers or peels you need to be out of any sunlight for a full 30 days, which is how long it takes for the epidermis to completely repair itself.


If you are using Renova/Retin A/tretinoin or retinol, they create a slight natural exfoliation such that most people don’t need more exfoliation or not much at any rate (a Clarisonic cleanser is fine with these). If you can, try to find an experienced aesthetician or your dermatologist who can advise you on how to customize peels or masks for your skin type. Or, just start very cautiously and watch carefully. The first sign of irritation is often an increase in dryness and very fine wrinkles.


Hope this helps,  Dr. I


Learn more about Dr. Irwin’s Skin Care Regimen and her cleanser recommendations.   



Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

Ask me your skincare question!


  • All our content is written and researched by myself.
Ask Me Something
SkinTour Skincare