Pre and Post Treatment Care
Chemical Peels
For two days post-procedure (or seven days when receiving tier three peel):
- Stay as cool as possible. Overheating internally can cause hyperpigmentation.
- Do not put the treated area directly into a hot shower spray.
- Do not use hot tubs, steam rooms, or saunas.
- Do not go swimming.
- Do not participate in activities that would cause excessive perspiration.
- Do not use loofahs or other means of mechanical exfoliation.
- Do not direct a hair dryer onto the treated area.
- Do not apply ice or ice water to the treated area.
General guidelines after receiving a tier 1 peel: After receiving a chemical peel, you should not necessarily expect to “peel.” However, light flaking in a few localized areas for several days is typical. Most patients who undergo these treatments have residual redness for approximately one to 12 hours post-procedure.
- As with all peels and treatments, it is recommended that makeup not be applied the day of treatment, as it is ideal to allow the skin to stabilize and rest overnight; however, makeup may be applied 15 minutes after the treatment if desired.
- To minimize side effects and maximize results, use your post care kit for three to five days or until flaking has resolved.
- If the skin feels tight, apply step 3 to moisturize as needed.
- Step 3 should be applied at least twice a day, but can be applied more frequently for hydration and to decrease the appearance of flaking.
- It is recommended that other topical, over-the-counter medications, or alpha hydroxy acid products not be applied to the skin seven days post-procedure, as they may cause irritation.
- It is recommended to delay use of tretinoin, Retin-A®, Differin®, Renova®, Tazorac®, Avage®, EpiDuo®, or Ziana® five days post-procedure. Consult your physician before temporarily discontinuing use of any prescription medications.
- Do not have electrolysis, facial waxing, or use depilatories for approximately five days.
- Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat. Use EltaMD spf and reapply as necessary.
- Do not go to a tanning bed for at least two weeks post-procedure. This practice should be discontinued due to the increased risk of skin cancer and signs of aging.
- Do not pick or pull on any loosening or peeling skin. This could potentially cause hyperpigmentation.
General guidelines after receiving a tier 3 chemical peel:
- After receiving a tier three Chemical Peel erythema and mild edema is expected until the skin has re-epithelialized. Exfoliation is sometimes experienced for up to seven days post-procedure.
- Following medium-depth peel treatments Step 3 in your post-care kit should be applied as needed to soothe compromised skin, reduce inflammation, and boost healing.
- It is recommended to delay use of tretinoin, Retin-A®, Differin®, Renova®, Tazorac®, Avage®, EpiDuo®, or Ziana® seven days post-procedure. Consult your physician before temporarily discontinuing use of any prescription medications.
- Do not have electrolysis, facial waxing, or use depilatories for approximately seven days.
- Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat. Use EltaMD spf and reapply as necessary.
- Do not go to a tanning bed for at least two weeks post-procedure. This practice should be discontinued due to the increased risk of skin cancer and signs of aging.
- Do not pick or pull on any loosening or peeling skin. This could potentially cause hyperpigmentation.
Do not have another treatment until your clinician advises you to do so.