Chemical Peels Pre- & Post-Treatment
Important Chemical Peel Pre-Treatment Instructions
TWO WEEKS BEFORE PEEL: Avoid these products and/or procedures:
- Injectables (Botox®, Dysport, Dermal Fillers, Sculptra) should not be done for at least 2 weeks prior to laser treatments.
ONE WEEK BEFORE PEEL: Avoid these products and/or procedures:
- ELECTROLYSIS, WAXING
- DEPILATORY CREAMS
- LASER HAIR REMOVAL
- SUN EXPOSURE
- RETIN-A / DIFFERIN (Adapalene 0.1%) TO ZORAC or any RETINOL
- Any products containing AHA or BHA or Benzoyl Peroxide
- Any exfoliating products that are drying or irritating
5 DAYS BEFORE PEEL:
Avoid the following anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications for 5 days prior to your treatment:
- Omega 3 / Fish oil
- Aspirin
- NSAID Pain relievers – Ibuprofen/Naproxen/Advil/Aleve/Motrin (Tylenol OK)
- Blood Thinners (get primary physician approval first)
- Ginkgo Biloba / Ginseng / St. John’s Wort
- Vitamin E / Exotic or herbal supplements
After Care: Chemical Peel Post-Treatment
AFTER PEEL: It is crucial to the health of your skin and success of your peel that these guidelines are followed:
1. It is recommended to wait until the morning to wash your face, however if you should choose to wash it sooner, please wait at least 4 hours.
2. Cleanse using a gentle, soap free cleanser. Do not scrub or use a wash cloth.
3. It is imperative that you apply SPF 30+ in the AM and throughout the day. Avoid direct sun exposure for at least one week.
4. Your skin may be more red than usual for 2-3 days.
5. Please avoid strenuous exercise during this time.
6. Approximately 48 hours after the chemical peel, your skin will start to peel. This peeling will generally last 2 to 5 days. DO NOT PICK OR PULL YOUR SKIN.
7. When washing your face, do not scrub. Use a gentle cleanser.
8. Apply a moisturizer as often as needed to relieve dryness and tightness. Do not use a moisturizer that contains any anti-aging ingredients during the peeling process.
9. Do not have any other facial treatments for at least a week.
10. You may resume your regular skin care regimen, Retin-A, Alpha-hydroxy, or bleaching cream only after peeling is complete.
11. Avoid injectables, facials, facial hair removal, laser treatments, and microdermabrasion until peeling completely subsides.
12. Do not use Clarasonic brushes, scrubs, retinol, or any peeling agents for until peeling completely subsides.
13. A normal skin care regimen may be resumed after peeling process is complete.
14. If you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office right away, at 401-649-0320.
SPECIAL NOTE: Although most people experience peeling of their facial skin, not every patient notices visible peeling after a chemical peel treatment. Lack of peeling is NOT an indication that the peel did not work. If you do not notice actual peeling, please know that you are still receiving all the benefits of the peel, such as: stimulation of collagen, improvement of skin tone and texture, and diminishment of fine lines and pigmentation. Some reasons why patients may not have peeling or experience minimum peeling are: Having peels on a regular basis, frequent use of Retin-A, use of other peeling agents prior to peel treatment, or severe sun damage.
