Pre & Post Care for Chemical Peels

As a facial/chemical peel patient of ours, we would like to kindly remind you of the following before your treatment:

 

5-7 DAYS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

  • Inform your provider if you have taken Accutane (oral acne medication) in the past year. If you use Accutane, discontinue for a year prior to the chemical peel.
  • Discontinue  retinol, tretinoin cream (Retin-A), waxing, electrolysis, masks, scrubs or exfoliants, tweezing, injections, microdermabrasion, the use of loofah or any products that may be drying or irritating or exfoliate the skin in any way for at least one week prior to treatment.
  • Avoid sun exposure without a sunscreen of SPF 40 or greater and avoid tanning beds for at least one week prior to treatment.
  • Avoid using any alpha hydroxy acid products (such as glycolic or lactic acid) or salicylic acid products for 72 hours before your peel.
  • Do not shave face the day of the peel.
  • If you have open lesions, active cold sores, facial dermatitis or facial irruption you are not a good candidate for the peel until after it has completely healed.

THE DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT

  • Allow 60 minutes for your appointment.
  • Pre-Treatment photos will be taken.
  • You will be given a cool compress to apply after treatment, if required.
  • Expect your skin to appear pink for a few hours after treatment.
  • Your skin may be temperature sensitive for a few days after treatment.
  • Expect your skin to appear pink for a few hours after treatment.
  • Slight peeling for 3-5 days.
  • Mild itching, irritation, redness, increased sensitivity.
  • Small whiteheads at the surface of the skin.
  • Crusting is rare; however if it does occur, a thin layer of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin.
  • Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin color) can occur in some skin types. Please call us if you experience this uncommon reaction. (626) 671-8202.

 

CHEMICAL PEEL: WHAT TO DO AFTER YOUR TREATMENT

Most patients who undergo these treatments have minimal redness for 1-12 hours. Due to the nature of these treatments, you may experience light flaking for a couple of days. Your skin may feel tight and dry. Apply moisturizer as frequently as needed. Keep your skin well hydrated with a protective moisturizer, Aveve Cicalfate or ZO Hydrating Crème is recommended.  

 

For the next 2 days:

  • Do not put the face directly into a hot shower spray. Do not use a steam room, Jacuzzi, or sauna.
  • Do not go swimming.
  • Do not participate in activities that would cause excessive perspiration or added heat to the area.
  • Unless recommended by your provider, do not apply topical medications, AHA or BHA products to the area for 5-7 days after your treatment or until fully healed, as they may be irritating. Avoid products such as retinols and glycolic acid for 10 days. 
  • Vitamin C serums may be resumed after 48 hours.
  • It is recommended that you do not apply makeup the day of your treatment. It is ideal to allow the skin to stabilize and rest overnight. Makeup can be applied if necessary.
  • Follow your appropriate home care regimen as directed by your provider. Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat for at least 7 days (getting overheated internally can cause hyperpigmentation). Always use sunscreen/sunblock for your protection. Do not pick or pull at any loose skin, as this can cause hyperpigmentation or scarring.
  • Avoid direct sunlight on the treated area and use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen of SPF 40 or greater for 1-2 weeks after your treatment.
  • Do not have electrolysis, use chemical depilatories or wax the treated area for at least 7 days.
  • Avoid using abrasive products such as scrubs or exfoliating sponges for 7 to 10 days.