Your skin care specialist will determine which peel is the best fit for you and your individual skin needs, including any medications you are currently taking. It is also important to disclose all medications being taken.
Before undergoing a chemical peel, it’s essential that patients refrain from electrolysis or any other depilatory hair removal methods, shave the areas to be treated, and refrain from using facial scrubs or exfoliants. Maintaining adequate hydration levels is also key for optimal results from this form of therapy.
1. Avoid Sun Exposure
Skin is our natural defense against infection and the elements. However, its integrity can be compromised through too much sun exposure; sun-damaged skin may not respond as effectively to chemical peels.
Patients with darker skin tones must take special care to limit sun exposure. Furthermore, they should begin using tyrosinase inhibitors such as hydroquinone or tretinoin 4-6 weeks before beginning a peel procedure.
Proper skin prep helps maximize peel effectiveness and ensure an even canvas for acid penetration. Patients should wear broad spectrum SPF daily and moisturize as necessary; any itching associated with peels is normal and should subside within a few hours, as your body responds by sending more blood and resources towards healing it from injury.
2. Moisturize
Chemical peels are a treatment in which a professional cleans the skin before applying one or more chemical solutions to dissolve dead surface skin cells, encouraging new, healthy tissue to form beneath.
Medium to deep peels may cause tingling or stinging sensations, as well as oozing and crusting of old, damaged skin shedding off. To minimize risk to healthy new skin cells, it’s crucial to moisturize frequently with a fragrance- and dye-free, gentle moisturizer such as the ones provided here.
Prior to your peel, prioritize hydration by drinking plenty of water and applying thick, neutral moisturizer each time you wash your skin. Furthermore, try to avoid electrolysis, waxing or depilatories, as well as sunburn.
3. Stop Any Prescription Medication
At your consultation, it is vitally important that you disclose any medical conditions you have or medications you’re currently taking or have recently taken. Your practitioner will examine the region that needs treating to determine which peel would provide maximum benefit.
Be sure to discontinue all topical acne treatments or exfoliating products a week before getting a peel, including medications with Retin-A, Differin or similar ingredients.
Additionally, it’s advisable to discontinue other cosmetic treatments like hair removal techniques, facial masks or chemical depilatory treatments for at least this duration. If you plan on getting a deep chemical peel done, plan for two weeks of absence from work so you can stay home as its effects develop further.
4. Wear Sunscreen
On the day of a peel, avoid rubbing the face and apply moisturizer and sunscreen liberally to protect new skin exposed too soon to UV rays from hyper-pigmentation or other damage.
Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to shield yourself from both UVA and UVB rays, especially when outdoors or sweating or exercising. Apply more often as necessary and after sweating or exercising.
On the day of a chemical peel, your skin will be carefully cleansed before being treated to an application of solution applied directly onto its surface. The depth and type of peel may differ depending on what would best meet your goals, so your physician will work closely with you to choose an ideal type for you.
5. Sleep Well
Chemical peels can quickly transform your complexion by shrinking pores, diminishing hyperpigmentation marks and evening out your skin tone. Plus, an hour- long treatment session could even soften lines and wrinkles! Just as with neuromodulators or microneedling, however, it is vital that you prepare your skin beforehand in order to reap its full benefits.
At your pre-procedure consultation, you’ll learn about all of the types of peels your doctor offers and will undergo a skin exam and help determine which one best fits your complexion. They may also review your medical history to prevent unsuitable peels being prescribed to you. If getting a deep peel done under anesthesia will need transportation home afterwards so be sure to plan for this ahead of time in order to reduce stress levels during recovery.