Chemical Peels Pre & Post Care

CHEMICAL PEELS PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

3 DAYS BEFORE treatment: AVOID topical products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A), Retinols, Retinoids, Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Salicylic Acid, or other “anti-aging”, “acne”, and “bleaching” products. Also AVOID waxing, bleaching, tweezing, shaving or the use of hair removal cream on the area to be treated.
Inform your provider if you have a history of Facial and/or Nasal Herpes to receive advice on antiviral therapy prior to treatment.
You may not have a chemical peel if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your provider if you have any allergies or have any questions about ingredients or recovery, prior to your appointment

Following your visit:

We apply SPF following your chemical peel.
Wait 4 hours before getting your skin wet. Skin can be cleansed gently with something like the IS Clinical Cleansing Complex or the Truth Treatments Honey Hyaluronic Cleanser. No exfoliating, acne or anti-aging cleansers.
If receiving the peel in the PM: You should leave the peel on overnight. Wash it off the following morning, using only your hands, no washcloths or towels. Gently cleanser is ok to use.
*If you experience extreme discomfort please contact our clinic immediately.

AVOID UV exposure.

SPF must be applied daily.
You may experience some tenderness of the face that can last for a few hours to a few days. During this time you should avoid all sun exposure. Sun exposure in passing (walking to the car, taking the trash out) is ok however, no direct sun exposure (heat on the skin) for an extended period of time (2-6 weeks).
Redness and swelling is normal.
AVOID exercise or strenuous activities (with the exception of light walking) for the first 24 to 48 hours following treatment. Workouts with repetitive motions of your head below your heart, sauna workout and spin classes may be uncomfortable for up to 7 days. If something is uncomfortable, refrain from doing this until your skin has completely healed, this may take up to 14 days.

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser using your hands only.
Gently pat dry skin after cleansing.
Starting this day we recommend using the Timeless Laser recovery pack for 7-10 days.
AVOID using a Clarisonic® or any facial exfoliation brushes or devices for a minimum of 7 days.
Apply a zinc SPF for 6 weeks post treatment.
You may apply makeup with a clean makeup brush on this day. Mineral makeup is prefered.

By the 3rd day this skin will be at its peak of pealing. Do not try to over hydrate and let the skin peel. You may gently cleanse with fingers to sluff off peeling skin. Do not peel the skin. Our favorite face wash to transition to at this point in the peeling process is Saturn’s Daughter Oil Cleanser. An oil cleaner will help the shedding skin sluff off more efficiently.
By day 5, skin is typically done peeling. We offer dermaplane facials at 20% off when done 7-10 days post chemical peel! Book your dermaplane in advance and we will assist in getting all of the necessary dead skin completely off.
After this peeling phase, your skin may look or feel like a mild wind burn for the next 2 to 3 days. This is normal. It is crucial to avoid sun exposure during this time.
Avoid acids, Vitamin C, exfoliators and scrubs, peel pads, Tretinoin (Retin-A), and Retinol creams for 10 days post peel
Wait a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks (or as directed by your provider) before receiving any additional skin care or laser treatments.
Call the office if you have questions or concerns.