Chemical Peel Pre & Post Treatment

Medically Reviewed by Mark Youssef, MD 5 stars from 103 reviews

Before Treatment

Treatments to avoid one week before your appointment

1. Electrolysis
2. Waxing
3. Depilatory Creams
4. Laser Hair Removal

If you have a history of oral herpes, you must pre-treat with an anti-viral three days before your scheduled visit.

Products to avoid three days before your appointment

• Any products containing retinol, alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), or benzoyl peroxide.
• Any exfoliating products that may be drying or irritating.

*Note: The use of the above products/treatments prior to your peel may increase skin sensitivity and cause a stronger reaction.

Variations in the amount of visible peeling

The degree of peeling may vary from no visible peeling, mild flaking to skin peeling in sheets depending on the individual’s skin type, skin condition and specific peel at the time of treatment. Reasons why some patients experience decreased visible peeling:

1. Receiving a chemical peel for the first time.
2. Thickened and severely damaged skin (increased visible peeling should develop with subsequent peels).
3. Having peels regularly with a short interval between peels.
4. Frequent use of retinol, AHA/BHA products or other peeling agents prior to the peel treatment.

Regardless of the degree of peeling, the skin is still sloughing off at an accelerated rate, which will result in the improvement of skin tone and texture, and diminishment of fine lines and pigmentation.

After Treatment

For best results AVOID the following

1. Sun exposure.
2. “Helping” the skin to peel. NO pulling, rubbing, scrubbing or peeling the skin as this can cause scarring or hyperpigmentation.
3. Abrasive facial cleansers or facial scrubs for at least 10 days.
4. Any product containing Retin-A, Tretinoin, Renova, Differin (Adapalene), Tazorac, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA, glycolic acid, lactic acid), benzyl peroxide or beta hydroxy acid (BHA, salicylic acid), mint, spearmint or spiced-based products.
5. Strenuous exercise for at least 2 days post peel.

Day 1 evening routine

1. Wash face with a gentle cleanser and luke warm water.
2. Pat face dry.
3. Apply Hyaluronic Acid as needed.
4. If you are experiencing any irritation or discomfort, apply a small amount of 1% or 2.5% hydrocortisone.

Day 2 routine

1. Skin may look and feel like a mild windburn; Avoid any direct sunlight.
2. Wear an all-natural sunblock with at least SPF 30 (such as Elta MD UV Physical SPF 41).
3. Reapply sunscreen 3 times daily.
4. It is okay to wear makeup today.
5. Follow the same evening routine as day 1.

Day 3-5 routine

1. Depending on your skin type, peeling may begin.
2. Do not pick skin, you can clip it off with small scissors
3. The treated area will be very sensitive to sun exposure — direct sun exposure should be limited.
4. Sunblock of at least SPF 30 should be reapplied every 2-3 hours.
5. You can apply a Hyaluronic Acid and/or Argan Oil to the skin as needed.
6. If you have melasma or any discolorations, use hydrocortisone 3 times daily until peeling has stopped.
7. Only use pure mineral foundation and powder post peel. Treat your skin very gently and let it peel on its own time. If anything looks unusual or feels painful then call the office immediately. Continue to protect your skin with a sunscreen. You can resume your normal product regime after your 10 day follow up appointment. Please keep in mind that not all skin types will physically flake or peel. This can be attributed to any number of reasons; the thickness of your skin, the type of peel, if you regularly exfoliate, etc. It is not necessary to peel in order to receive the benefits of a chemical exfoliation.

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Follow Up

• Follow up treatments should be scheduled every 3-4 weeks.
• Consistent repeated treatments will produce best resolution for photo damage, fine lines, acne scars, rosacea, etc.
• Laser Genesis treatments should be done in between chemical peel treatments to enhance results. 

Dr. Mark and the YOUnique Team