Skin Peel Aftercare
It is crucial to the health of your skin and the success of your peel that these guidelines be followed:
*Chemical peels are a superficial treatment designed to improve the texture and appearance of the skin.
Patients should NOT be treated with the following:
- Active cold sores or warts
- Open wounds or lesions
- Sunburn
- Excessively sensitive skin
- Inflammatory rosacea
- Untreated skin cancer
- Recent surgery in peel area
- Recent permanent makeup in peel area
- Rashes, allergies or sensitive skin reactions
- Allergic to chemical peel components or salicylates (aspirin)
- Accutane use in the past 12 months
- Radiation or chemotherapy in the past 12 months
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
Two (2) weeks before your peel, avoid:
- Electrolysis, waxing, depilatory creams
- Laser or IPL treatments
- Botox or dermal filler within 5 days as well as 5 days post treatment
- Exfoliating products that may be drying or irritating
- Sun exposure or sunburn (indoor or outdoor)
Three (3) days before your peel, avoid:
- Any retinoic acid derivatives (Retin-A, Renova, Retinol, Atralin, Avita
- Tazorac or Avage, Ziana), Azelex, or Differin
- Clients can resume the above products when skin is healed and no signs of erythema (redness) or peeling is present; usually 5-7 days.
*If you have any history of Herpes Simplex, notify the aesthetician BEFORE receiving a chemical peel.
Chemical Peel After Care:
Chemical Peels can vary in depth from very superficial to very deep. Post treatment care for chemical peels is dependent on the type of peel, and condition of the skin. Some peels are so superficial that they cause little to no peeling, and may not require a big change in your skin care regimen. Having a deeper level chemical peel provides a greater level of correction, however it also can create a greater risk for complications. Most complications can be avoided by strict patient compliance, meaning you should follow your post treatment care instructions exactly as instructed. Deeper peels may also require preconditioning, this especially important for darker skin types.
One of the most important things to remember after a chemical peel is to avoid picking, scrubbing or assisting the peel in any way. Treat the skin like you are trying to keep it on. The old dead skin that is about to peel off acts as a protective barrier. If you have caused the skin to peel off prematurely you are at increased risk for complications, including hyper-pigmentation. If you have assisted or accidentally removed the peeling skin prematurely, contact your skin health professional immediately.
Beginning the day of the peel until peeling is complete you will need to use a gentle cleanser. Avoid scrubs, exfoliants and any acne cleansers unless otherwise instructed. This is also not the time to use cleansing brushes such as the Clarisonic, you should cleanse the skin gently.
Use a gentle moisturiser 2 – 4 times a day. Be careful that you do not use a moisturiser that contains exfoliants or irritating ingredients after your peel. If you have had a medium to deep peel, you may also be instructed to use an aftercare cream. It is important that you do not over use, as extended use can inhibit healing. Review all products to be used after the peel before use.
After a chemical peel your skin is more vulnerable to Ultra Violet Rays. You should avoid sun exposure as much as you can, hats and sunglasses are helpful as well as an SPF50.
Generally, cosmetics such as foundation, concealer and powder are not recommended after resurfacing procedures and chemical peels.