Chemical Peel
Preparation
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Plan your social calendar accordingly! It is very important to let the skin go through its natural healing process. If it is disrupted by improper aftercare you will not achieve the best results possible, and run the risk of damaging your skin.
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Depending on which service is performed be prepared to experience very little to moderate peeling. This starts about 3-5 days after the service, and can last from 3-7 days. Peeling will first be noticed on the forehead, nose, and mouth area.
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Stop the use of retinol products for 7-10 days prior to service.
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Stop the use of high percentage alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) 5 days prior.
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Do not have any electrolysis, laser hair removal, or waxing done 7 days prior.
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If your skin type in a Fitzpartick 4 or higher (please see chart below for reference) it is required that you are using a melanin inhibiting product for at least 6-8 weeks prior to any medium/deep peels. Failure to do so greatly increases the risk for hyperpigmentation. For those that this applies to, the strongest peel you can do without preparing your skin is an “AHA + Microdermabrasion”. These can be done once every 2 weeks until your skin in ready for more intense treatments.
Aftercare
What to do:
Apply 30+ SPF throughout the day to protect your face for the next 2 weeks.
Drink plenty of water: this will enhance your results because it gives your skin its most vital tool to repair itself.
Take multivitamins &/or Emergen-C packets: do this for at least the first 3 days (including the day of the service). This paired with water will help you get the best results possible by nourishing your skin from the inside out
Moisturize with Vaseline at night (optional): this paired with drinking plenty of water keeps your skin nice & hydrated, and prevents and discomfort. If you chose to use Vaseline at night, it is very important to make sure to cleanse your face in the morning to prevent breakouts. (This option is not ideal for those with any active breakouts)
What not to do:
Picking/pulling the skin: If there is any dead skin peeling off it may be careful trimmed off with scissors. Please do not pull at any dead skin as it can cause irritation/scarring.
Exfoliating: Your skin has already gone through an intense exfoliation process, so any further exfoliation will cause unnecessary irritation to the skin. Wait at least 10 days before resuming regular exfoliation. Once you resume regular exfoliating regimen for the first week exfoliate gently as your skin is still healing.
Sun exposure: Your skin is extremely vulnerable to sun damage while your skin is healing. Please avoid direct sun exposure for at least 1 week after peel (2 weeks is ideal).
Saunas/hot showers/working out/hot tubs/drinking alcohol: please wait at least 48 hours before resuming these activities. These activities can cause an increase in your internal body temperature, which will cause hyperpigmentation (this is extremely important for those with olive to darker skin tones)
Do not apply ice directly to your skin even though it might feel good. You may wrap an ice pack in a dry wash cloth for 10-15 minutes if you would like
Apply makeup: please wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup so that your skin has time to stabilize. Tinted moisturizer is recommended, however if that is not possible please use plenty of moisturizer and sunscreen before applying makeup.
Hair removal: no waxing, electrolysis, or laser hair removal for 1 week.
Cleansers: do not use any products that contain retinol, glycolic acids, or salicylic acids for 10 days post-peel (you skin does not need more exfoliation).
Tanning beds: do not use tanning beds for at least 2 weeks.
Peels: do not have any other chemical peels until you have been advised to do another treatment.
Medication: delay use of tretinoin, Retin-A, Differin, Renova, Tazorac, Avage, EpiDuo, or Ziana 5 days post-procedure. It is fine to resume vitamin C serums 5 days after treatment.
You may notice small whiteheads but please note this is not a breakout. It is just your skin healing itself, so do NOT pick at your face as it can cause scarring.