Chemical Peel Pre/Post Care

Stop using all retinol (Vitamin A) 5-7 days before unless instructed otherwise.
Stop using all AHA products (Latic & Glycolic) 5-7 days before unless instructed other wise.
Avoid the sun 2 weeks before your peel (this includes vacations) and for two weeks after.
You must be wearing SPF daily as a normal part of your skincare routine.
Schedule your peel knowing that you will have 2-7 days after with peeling unless you are doing a level 1 (surface) which has minimal or no flaking.
We will provide you with a SPF, post peel ointment to use, it is very important that you use this as instructed on Level 2-3 Peels.
If you have a skin infection or a cold sore before you come in for your peel we will need to re schedule your peel until resolved.
If you are prone to cold sores we can prescribe medication for you to start ahead of time. Please let us know if you get cold sores.
It is your responsibility to know what ingredients are in your home skincare products ahead of time. Please read your product labels and know what it is you are using on your skin.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns that you have.

Immediately After The Peel and Up To 24 Hours:

Skin may be tight and more red than usual.
Skin may feel tacky and have a yellow to orange tinge. This is temporary and will fade in a few hours.
Wait until bedtime before washing your face unless otherwise instructed.
Start applying moisturizer after washing your face at bedtime the same night of the peel unless otherwise instructed.
Avoid strenuous exercise starting the day of procedure and while the skin is peeling.

24 Hours After The Peel and Until The Peeling Is Complete:

Skin may be tight until it starts to peel.
Skin WILL be more sensitive to sunlight.
Peeling will generally start with level 2 peels (Mid Depth) between 48-72 hours after the procedure and can last 2 to 7 days and in some cases longer.
Some skin types do not peel much at all. This DOES NOT mean your treatment didn’t work. Regardless of peeling the treatment has benefit for the skin.
Level 1 Peels (Surface Peel) can have mild to no flaking. Level 3 peels ( Deep) can last anywhere to 7-10 days of peeling.
For the first 48 hours or before the skin starts to peel/flake, moisturizer can be applied twice a day.
When the skin is peeling, moisturizer should be reapplied more frequently to control the peeling.
SUNSCREEN SPF 30 or higher should be re applied with any level of peel every 2-3 hours.
SPF in your makeup does not count as SPF.
DO NOT PICK OR PULL THE SKIN. Allow the skin to peel at its own pace. Premature peeling of the skin will result in dry, cracked, raw skin that may develop into post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

After The Peeling Is Complete:

You may resume the regular use of retinol; alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) products or bleaching creams ONLY after the peeling process is completed.
Wait until peeling has completed before having ANY OTHER FACIAL PROCEDURES including facials, microdermabrasion, facial hair removal (including laser hair removal), injections or injectable fillers.

Post-Skin Care Regimen:

Cleanse: Use a gentle, soap free cleanser like Cosmedix Gentle Clean or Benefit Clean. Wash the face gently and avoid rubbing the skin. Do not use a facial cleansing device (Clarisonic) until het peeling process is complete. Do not scrub or use a washcloth while the skin is peeling.
Moisturize: While skin is peeling, apply Elta Intense Moisturizer as often as needed to relieve any dryness and control peeling. Apply all topical skin care products gently and avoid rubbing the skin.
Sun Protection: Apply Elta SPF sunscreen AM and throughout the day. AVOID direct sunlight. Wear wide brimmed hats while in the sun.

Series of Peels:

Peels can be applied every 2-4 weeks depending on depth of peel until desired results are achieved. Results are cumulative and maximum benefits are seen with a series of three or more peels.

CONTACT THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING REACTIONS AFTER YOUR PEEL, SUCH AS:

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