To ensure the best possible results, it is essential that you thoroughly understand and follow the chemical peel aftercare instructions. Please review these guidelines carefully before your treatment to ensure full comprehension. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Failure to follow these instructions may impact your results and increase the risk or severity of complications. Depending on your individual needs, your doctor may provide additional post-care instructions.
Your peeling process may take anywhere from 5-7 days on average, depending on a variety of factors such as skin type, age, lifestyle, hormones, skin care routine and medications. Minimal redness, itching, and sensitivity can occur as your treatment removes the dead skin surface. Each treatment may vary, even if it is performed in the same area. Other areas of the body may respond differently because the skin has different textures and thickness in other areas than the skin on your face. The healing process may take between 7-10 days in those areas.
Your skin may look uneven, spotty and darker, a few days after your treatment. This is expected and will be resolved with the peeling process. The first areas to peel are usually around the nose and mouth. Most people begin peeling on day 2-4 day after treatment. On occasion you may not peel at all. If this occurs, you will still benefit from the treatment because the skin has still been exfoliated.
Possible side effects include, but are not limited to: mild to extreme redness, temporary tightness, itching, swelling, and dryness, similar to a sunburn or windburn. This will usually subside in 2-3 days. If you receive a Vitality Peel you will be given a post procedure kit. This will include Hydrocortisone cream. You may use this to resolve any of the above effects. If you receive any of our other peels, you may purchase over-the-counter hydrocortisone, or can request a prescription if needed.
You may GENTLY apply a cold compress to the treated area(s) as needed for any burning or irritation associated with your treatment.
Make sure to avoid excessive heat and direct sun exposure of any kind for the first 7 days post procedure. Refrain from working out or doing anything causing you to sweat for 48-72 hours, as well as tanning beds for the 4 weeks after treatment.
Sweating excessively after treatment can irritate the skin or cause blistering. Try to avoid sweating until you have stopped peeling to avoid lifting the skin prematurely, as this can cause scarring.
Do not:Use any acidic products such as retinoids, tretinoins, acne medication products such as Retin-AⓇ, TazoracⓇ, RenovaⓇ, AtralinⓇ, ZianaⓇ, VeltinⓇ, DifferinⓇ, the antibiotic Doxycycline, AHAs (lactic, glycolic, tartaric, etc.), BHAs (salicylic), benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C products, lightening agents such as hydroquinone or any exfoliative products including loofahs, scrubs or coarse sponges on your skin for 2 weeks after your chemical peel. Discontinue the use of these products longer if you notice your skin becomes sensitive to application.
Do not: Tweeze, pick off the peeling skin, rub, exfoliate, wax, use a depilatory, undergo electrolysis, or schedule a facial or cosmetic service such as laser resurfacing, or IPL on the treated area(s) for at least 4 weeks after your treatment. To reduce the risk of scarring, you do not want to remove the dry, rough, dead skin faster than your body wants to.
Do not: Get your hair dyed for at least one week after you have finished peeling, if your treatment was performed on the face or neck.
This procedure can stimulate cold sores. If you are susceptible to them, please inform the office at least 2 days prior to your appointment so we can prescribe you something to lessen your chances of getting an outbreak post peel.
How to Care for your Skin Post-Peel
If you are receiving a Vitality Peel you will be given a post procedure kit with specific instructions including products to use on your skin. You will follow these instructions ONLY.
For all other Chemical Peels
Cleanse Gently: Your skin may be fragile for 5-7 days. Cleanse your skin with COOL water ONLY, using only your fingertips – no washcloths, loofahs, buff puffs, sponges, ClarisonicⓇ, etc. We recommend using SkinBetter Science’s gentle cleanser. Or Vi Peel’s cleanser.
Moisturize Often: Letting the skin dry out may cause discomfort. We recommend using SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel or SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair to help your skin recover. For strong peels, you may use petroleum jelly for the first few days or as needed on sensitive areas that are peeling. This will promote the healing process by locking in moisture and reducing the chance of a bacterial infection, redness, and irritation. Use these products as needed.
Protect Your Skin: Heat and sun exposure can cause inflammation to the skin. Remember to avoid excessive heat on the treated area and direct sun exposure of any kind, as well as tanning beds, and self-tanners for 4 weeks after treatment. If you need to be outdoors, make sure to use an umbrella or wear a large-brimmed hat, a pair of sunglasses, AND use a mineral sunblock. We recommend using SkinBetter Science SPF. Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours.
