Chemical Peel Before and After Care

In order to provide you with the best possible service, we ask that you carefully review these general post-care instructions for a chemical peel treatment so that you fully understand them.  If you have any questions about these instructions, please discuss them with your medical esthetician.  To obtain maximum benefits from your treatment, it is crucial that you understand and adhere to these instructions.  Failure to comply with these instructions may affect your treatment outcome and increase the likelihood or severity of complications.  Depending on your individual needs, additional post-care treatment instructions may be given to you by your medical esthetician.

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing treatment which uses a liquid acidic solution to exfoliate the top layers of skin. Chemical peels may be light and superficial, or can go deeper, depending on the type of formula used.

Chemical peels commonly involve glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid or retinoic acid. These same ingredients are in many of your favorite skin care products. During a chemical peel treatment, stronger solutions are used.

Chemical peels are used to treat wrinkles, discolored skin, acne, and scars — usually on the face. They can be done alone or combined with other cosmetic procedures. And they can be done at different depths, from light to deep. Deeper chemical peels offer more-dramatic results but also take longer to recover from.

How should I prepare for the treatment?

One week prior to your peel, avoid the following products and procedures:

  • Electrolysis

  • Waxing

  • Depilatory Creams

  • Laser Hair Removal

  • Sun Exposure

  • Aspirin and Advil

  • Retin-A, Renova, Differin (Adapalene 0.1%), Tazorac or any product containing Retinol

72 hours before your peel avoid the following:

  • Any products containing AHA or BHA, or benzyl peroxide

  • Any exfoliating products that may be drying or irritating

  • If you are prone to cold sores, a peel can trigger an outbreak. We recommend that you obtain a prescription for Valcyclovir (Valtrex) and begin taking prophylactically according to your prescribing provider’s directions.

24 hours before your peel, begin hydrating by drinking plenty of water and avoid getting excessively hot or sweaty (i.e. intense gym workouts, sauna, etc.)

What should I expect during treatment?

A professional chemical peel (in contrast to a less powerful at-home peel) is performed in-office, and you’ll return home the same day. During your peel, you’ll lie face up and neutral gel or protectant may be applied around your eyes and lips to keep chemicals from reaching those areas. The liquid peel is then applied to your face using a brush, cotton applicator or spatula. Areas with the thickest skin, such as the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin are addressed first, then the liquid is spread to additional areas.

During your peel, you may experience the following sensations:

  • Tingling

Sensations of tingling and itching are completely normal during your peel.

  • Tightness

It’s normal to feel as though your skin is tightening or being slightly pulled.

  • Temperature Changes

Your skin may feel like it’s warming or cooling. People react to peels in different ways, but both sensations are normal.

If at any point, the sensation becomes too uncomfortable, communicate this to your medical esthetician.

What should I expect after treatment?

Chemical peels are one of the most misunderstood beauty treatments. The media tends to show us sensationalist photos of celebrities with peeling, flaking, irritated, painful-looking skin. But these images portray the results of old and outdated peel formulas, which used to have these unpleasant side effects. Today’s peels work in a different way. They contain multiple exfoliating, natural enzymes and acids that leave skin glowing rather than peeling or flaking.

At Dr. Constance Bradley Acupuncture, your peel will be performed by an experienced medical esthetician, using professional grade product. You can expect these results:

  • Immediate results: Professional grade, advanced peel blends exfoliate the top layers of the skin at a microscopic level. This action tightens the skin, unblocks clogged pores and improves fine lines. Skin is left feeling smoother and softer.

  • Usually no peeling, flaking or irritation: Most clients do not experience peeling or flaking skin after treatment. Of course, this will vary depending on the skin type and type of peel advised by your medical esthetician, but most peels no longer result in flaking skin. Depending on the depth of your peel, you may notice peeling on day 3.

  • No downtime: A well prescribed and blended peel will not trigger effects that cause the need to hide until they’re gone. You should be able to continue life as usual.

  • A slight increase in sensitivity: Your skin will likely feel sensitive, itchy, and/or tight for a few days after the treatment. This is when you can aid recovery following aftercare advice.

After your treatment, your medical esthetician will provide you with personalized recommendations for products and instructions on how to use them.

Deeper Chemical Peel Recovery Process

If your skin condition calls for a deeper peel, which exfoliates down to the lower levels of your skin, your recovery may be different.

This is the general timeline for the chemical peel process day by day:

  • In the first few hours, you may notice redness, tingling or a burning sensation.

  • In the first 1 or 2 days, you may see some mild swelling/irritation or begin to notice dryness.

  • In 2 or 3 days after the treatment, your skin may begin to peel, and any hyperpigmentation or blemishes may be more noticeable.

  • In 5 to 7 days, any side effects will diminish, and your skin will return to normal.

  • In 7 to 14 days, you’ll see the healthy new skin formed but may notice some redness or skin that is darker or lighter for up to a month.

Remember, this timeline is for deeper chemical peels. Always discuss with your medical esthetician which type of peel is right for your skin type

Chemical Peel Aftercare

After a peel, there are some simple actions you can take to care for your skin and increase the effectiveness of the treatment. Your medical esthetician will have you use a post-peel recovery kit, and will instruct you on its use. Please use only the products provided in the kit for aftercare. We also ask you to adhere to the following aftercare instructions:

  • Cleanse with cool water – Your skin will most likely be sensitive after treatment, and hot water will probably feel uncomfortable. Wash your face with cool water, and remember to pat dry with a clean towel. DO NOT USE A WASHCLOTH on your face. Speaking of clean, ensure your pillow cases are clean and changed frequently.

  • Use a high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen – Using sunscreen is essential after a peel as your skin is more sensitive to sun damage. Your post-peel kit will include an appropriate sunscreen. Use an SPF 30+ for at least 6 weeks after treatment.

  • Don’t exfoliate – Your skin just had, probably, the deepest exfoliation it has ever had; it doesn’t need more. Avoid exfoliating for at least 3 to 5 days after a light peel and perhaps weeks after a medium or deep peel. Always follow your medical esthetician’s instructions. DO NOT USE A WASHCLOTH on your face.

  • No picking - Do NOT tweeze, pick, rub, exfoliate, wax, use a depilatory, undergo electrolysis, or schedule a facial or cosmetic service such as laser resurfacing, or IPL on a treated area(s) for 4 weeks after your treatment.  To reduce the risk of scarring, you do not want to remove the dry, rough, dead skin faster than your body wants to.

  • Avoid high temperatures – Avoid saunas, prolonged sun exposure, blow dryers, hot showers, or hot exercise classes, as these encourage inflammation.

  • Avoid strenuous exercise – Again, this might cause inflammation. You can return to your regular exercise routine after about 48 hours.

  • Moisturize – Applying a good quality moisturizer regularly will aid recovery. Your post-peel kit will include an appropriate moisturizer.

  • Avoid products containing retinol – We recommend avoiding products containing retinol for 7 days after the treatment.

  • Don’t have another skincare treatment too soon – Give your skin some time to heal and repair before rushing into another treatment, at least a minimum of 2 to 3 weeks.

  • Hold the hair dye - Do NOT get your hair dyed until a week after you have finished peeling, if your treatment was performed on the face or neck.  For most people, week 3 post-peel is the best time to have your hair color treated.

  • Your practitioner knows best – This is probably the most important aftercare tip. Always listen to your medical esthetician and follow their advice after a peel. They can give you personalized instructions and support, suited to your skin type and the type of peel you have had.

    If you have any questions regarding your before or aftercare, or about the post-peel process, please do not hesitate to call: 480.435.0560

If you have been instructed to purchase a post-peel kit please use the following instructions:

Morning Routine:

  1. Apply a dime-sized amount of Facial Wash to damp skin and massage into a light foaming lather. Rinse with cool water and pat dry.

  2. Apply a nickel-sized mixture of CliniCalm 1% and ReBalance onto skin to reduce itching and soothe skin.

  3. Apply a small amount of HydratorPlus SPF onto skin for UVA/UVB protection.

If you feel dry, itchy, or have any peeling during the day repeat steps 2 and 3 as necessary to keep the skin hydrated, protected, and comfortable throughout the day.

Evening Routine:

  1. Double cleanse: Apply a dime-sized amount of Facial Wash to damp skin and massage into a light foaming lather. Rinse with cool water. Repeat the wash and rinse process, then and pat dry. The first wash removes makeup/debris and the second cleanses the skin.

  2. Apply a nickel-sized mixture of CliniCalm 1% and ReBalance onto skin to reduce itching and soothe skin.

  3. Apply a small amount of Collagen Hydrator for hydration and to protect the skin’s barrier.