PRE-PEEL PREPARATION
It is required to prepare the skin to receive a chemical peel and ensures the skin will respond well to the peel, especially for first-time peelers, those who easily gets hyperpigmentation, having medium depth peels, and with Fitzpatrick Scale of IV-VI.
At least 4 weeks before performing Chemical Peel:
· Use AHA 8%-12% Cleanser/Cream/Gel/Lotion daily as tolerated.
· Use Topical Tretinoin, Retinol, or Vitamin A Derivative.
· Use Melanin/Tyrosinase inhibitor twice a day to help reduce and prevent PIH. Examples are Kojic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Arbutin, Azelaic Acid, Lactic Acid, Licorice Root, Mulberry Root, Ascorbic Acid, Resorcinol, Resveratrol
· If at risk for cold sores, take anti-viral the day of the peel and days after.
· SPF 50% daily. Mineral Sunscreen recommended.
Pre-Peel Don’ts. NO:
· Physical scrubs, loofah sponges, and mechanical exfoliation 1-2 weeks before peel.
· Facial waxing 1-2 weeks before chemical peel treatment.
· Freshly tanned skin 2-4 weeks before a peel to prevent PIH.
· Shaving for a minimum of 48 hours before a peel.
· DO NOT have another chemical peel treatment until proper healing time has passed from the previous one.
POST-PEEL AFTERCARE
Starts immediately after the peel treatment until the skin has finished flaking or peeling. It prolongs the effects of the peel, and it promotes proper healing and helps prevent unwanted adverse reactions such as PIH, scarring, irritation, poor wound healing, damage to skin, make previous skin condition worse.
For 1-2 weeks after the peel or until skin is finished flaking/peeling:
· Gently cleanse skin 2 times a day with a gentle cleanser and cool water. Do not scrub the skin. No fragrance/perfumes and no active or harsh products.
· Keep the skin very hydrated/moisturized and never let it dry out; reapply throughout the day as necessary. Drink numerous glasses of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Remember! Hydration promotes proper healing.
· For any itching or possible burns, apply over-the-counter Hydrocortisone Cream 3-5 times a day. Only use for 3 days at a time.
· If at risk of PIH, higher FP numbers (IV, V, and VI) and Asian Heritage, start Melanin/Tyrosinase Inhibitor 1 to 2 times a day.
· If at risk for cold sores take Anti-viral (for 7 days after). Your medical provider will provide proper instructions.
· Sunscreen with SPF 50+ daily for the first 8 weeks after peel treatment. Mineral based preferred over chemical sunscreens (as sometimes it can cause irritation).
· No direct sun exposure for 4-8 weeks after peel. If unable to prevent sun exposure, use Sunscreen with SPF 50+ 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply numerous times.
· No acids or other exfoliation treatments such as retinols, AHAs, BHAs, mechanical exfoliation/scrubs, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol for 2 weeks after peel.
· No activities that produce heat and sweat in the body, hot tubs, saunas, heated workouts for at least 1 weeks after a peel treatment.
· No pulling, picking, or rubbing at loose skin because this can cause infection and/or hyperpigmentation/scarring. Let it come off naturally.
· No scratching or itching the skin while it is healing. You may need to apply OTC Hydrocortisone Cream if you start to itch.
Post-Peel Don’ts. For 1-2 weeks, DO NOT:
· Peel or pick the skin
· Rub, scrape or scratch the skin
· Use active products
· Have a facial, any facial waxing services, and facial electrolysis
· Be in direct sunlight
· Work out or sweat
· Use a hot tub or sauna
· Swim in a swimming pool
· Use a loofah sponge
· Use any mechanical or chemical exfoliation
· Color your hair
· Use liquid make-up (okay to use mineral powder) because the chemicals, ingredients and fragrance in liquid make-up may irritate the freshly peeled skin. Remember, your skin barrier is temporarily compromised., so your skin is very sensitive after a chemical peel.
· Get permanent make-up
Post Peel Other Treatment Timeframes:
· Microneedling – wait 2 to 6 weeks
· Laser Treatment – wait 4 to 8 weeks
· Using your normal product regimen – wait 1 to 2 weeks
· Facial scrubs – wait 2 weeks
· Botox & Filler – stop 1 week prior to chemical peel and wait 1 week post peel
· Dermaplaning – wait 1 to 2 weeks
AT HOME MAINTENANCE BETWEEN PEELS
It is very important to know the ways to support and nourish the skin after controlled injury (chemical peel) to keep your skin healthy. Because the skin barrier is temporarily compromised, it is vulnerable to irritants, allergens, and pathogens which can trigger inflammation.
So, here are the things to avoid:
· Too many active skincare products at once (glycolic, lactic, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, vitamin c, azelaic acid, kojic acid, hydroquinone, sulfur).
· Exposure to harsh chemicals
· Over exfoliation (both physical and chemical) and over cleansing.
· Hot baths or showers, and hot water while washing your face.
· Too much sun exposure and wind exposure.
· Alkaline cleansers and soaps (high pH)
· Stress
· Smoking
Ways to support the skin:
· Simplify your skincare routine. Avoid actives, harsh, stripping products. Avoid too many products at one time. Use fragrance-free products.
· Use a gentle, low pH, non-foaming facial cleanser. Free of actives. Do not over cleanse.
· Nourish your skin with Serum and Moisturizer containing Ceramides, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Hyaluronic Acid, and Peptides to help restore the protective skin barrier. Apply when skin is still damp.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Now that you have knowledge on Chemical Peels, you may decide which type of peel serum to use, depending on the skin condition you are treating and your skin type.