POST CHEMICAL PEEL

• The peeling may take anywhere from 7-14 days on average or longer to finish peeling depending on internal and external factors such as skin type, age, weather, lifestyle, and hormones.  Slight redness and skin sensitivity and flaking can occur as your treatment eliminates dead surface skin cells.  Each treatment may vary. Other areas of the body will react differently because your skin has a different texture on your face and scalp than on your chest, back, arms, and legs. 

​

• Your skin may take on a rough, patchy, darkened quality a few days after this treatment. Your skin may also darken and turn leathery leading up to the peeling phase. This is normal and expected and it will resolve on its own. The first areas to peel are usually around the nose and mouth, but can begin anywhere.  Most people begin peeling on the 3rd or 4th day after treatment.  It is also possible to not peel at all.  If this occurs, you will STILL benefit from the treatment because the skin has exfoliated microscopically.

​

• Possible side effects include but are not limited to: mild to extreme redness, temporary tightness, itching, swelling, and dryness of the skin similar to a sunburn or windburn. These will usually subside in 2-3 days. A prescription of hydrocortisone, or over-the-counter hydrocortisone (Vanicream HC) or healing balm (provided by spa) may be recommended if the skin is inflamed or irritated.

​

• 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 on the treated area and direct sun exposure of any kind, as well as tanning beds and self-tanners to the treated areas for 4 weeks after treatment. Please note that sun is always damaging to the skin, but particularly following a chemical peel. 

​

• Do NOT engage in strenuous exercise for 2-3 days after treatment because it may exacerbate the inflammatory response and can cause your skin to become extremely inflamed.

​

• Sweating excessively after treatment can irritate the skin or cause blistering due to the sweat being unable to escape through the top layer of dead skin.  Try to avoid sweating until after you have stopped peeling to avoid lifting the skin prematurely, as this can cause scarring.

​

• Do NOT use any acidic products such as retinoids or 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 or coarse sponges to your skin for 2 weeks after your chemical peel, or more if you notice your skin becomes sensitive to application.  These medications and products increase your photosensitivity, which can significantly increase the likelihood of complications.

​

• Do NOT tweeze, pick, rub, exfoliate, wax, use a depilatory, undergo electrolysis, or schedule a facial or cosmetic service such as laser resurfacing, or IPL on a treated area(s) for 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 ever pick or scratch at the skin as it peels and flakes away. This can cause injury to the skin and scarring. If large pieces of skin flake off, you can gently cut the dead skin flakes off with clean disinfected scissors. 

​

• Do NOT get your hair dyed until a week after you have finished peeling if your treatment was performed on the face or neck.

​

• This procedure can stimulate cold sores.  If you have an outbreak after your treatment, please call your physician to receive a prescription and please let us know immediately at the spa. 

​

How to Care for your Skin Post-Peel

​

• Cleanse Gently: Your skin may be fragile for 5-7 days. Cleanse your skin with COOL water (hot water will cause inflammation to the skin) using only your fingertips – no washcloths, loofahs, buff puffs, sponges, Clarisonic, etc. We recommend using the Hale & Hush or Tizo Gentle Cleanser (available at the spa). Other mild cleansers such as  Aveeno, Cetaphil, CeraVe, or Vanicream may be recommended by your esthetician, depending on your specific needs.

​

• Moisturize Often: Letting the skin dry out may cause discomfort. We recommend using Hale & Hush or Circadia Recovery Products available at the spa to help your skin recover.  For strong peels, you may use a healing balm or petroleum jelly for the first few days or as needed on sensitive areas that are peeling. When you start to peel, use a non-comedogenic moisturizer provided by the spa until the skin feels back to normal. We will choose a moisturizer specific to your skincare needs. This will promote the healing process by locking in moisture and reducing the chance of bacterial infection, redness, and irritation. Use these products several times per day or as needed. Topical hydrocortisone may be recommended, depending on your specific needs.

​

• 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 bed sand self-tanners to the planned treatment areas for 4 weeks after treatment. If you need to be outdoors, make sure to use an umbrella or wear a large-brimmed hat, and a pair of sunglasses, and use a physical sunblock (containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide).  We recommend using our Hale & Hush SPF, Circadia SPF or Image tinted SPF's.  All of these products provide broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays with no chemical sun filters.  Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply often (about every 2 hours) when exposed to the sun.  Other sunscreen products may be recommended depending on your specific needs.