Age and sun can cause skin to lose its youthful appearance. This may be seen as wrinkles, mottling and dark spots. Chemical skin peels remove the top layer of skin so that the body makes a new, younger looking layer. The dead skin flakes off in 5 to 7 days, revealing the new skin underneath. Chemical peels are tailored to the individual. Often, different chemicals are used on different parts of the face in order to achieve the desired result for each individual.

Results vary based on treatment, some peels can produce results after one session, but many require a treatment series (usually three peels) to get optimal results. You may repeat some peels until you get the results you are after but ultimately all chemical peels help skin look noticeably brighter, smoother and more even.

Everyone is different, so we encourage you to ask your esthetician. She will help you to determine the best peel schedule for your skin.

Most peels are performed in less than one hour, depending on size of the area being treated.

One of the side effects of a chemical peel treatment is slight burning or a stinging sensation during and after the procedure. However, our experienced physicians attempt to alleviate any discomfort by using cool compresses to soothe the skin. For deeper chemical peels, we may administer pain medication before and after the procedure to minimize pain.

While you may not be able to see the final results for several days or even months thanks to the pinkness of your skin, you’ll likely be delighted in the end to notice a fresher, younger-looking face in the mirror, free of the marks left behind by the years.

With good sun protection, results can last months to years, depending on the depth of the peel. Generally, the deeper peels have a more long lasting effect.

To obtain maximum benefits from your treatment, it is crucial that you understand and adhere to these instructions. Failure to comply with these instructions may affect your treatment outcome and increase the likelihood or severity of complications.

Try to arrive to the office with a “clean face”. Please do not wear makeup, if possible.

3 DAYS BEFORE treatment:

• AVOID topical products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A), Retinols, Retinoids, Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Salicylic Acid, or other “anti-aging”, “acne”, and “bleaching” products.

• AVOID waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or the use of hair removal cream on the area to be treated. These medications and products increase your photosensitivity, which can cause complications.

• Avoid direct sun exposure, using tanning beds, or self-tanners for at least 2 weeks before.

• Avoid Botox injections or dermal filler injections on or around the treatment areas for 1 week prior to treatment.

• Avoid shaving the treatment area the day of the appointment.

• Let your Esthetician know if you have a history of cold sores, you will need to see your doctor for a antiviral medication to take to avoid a cold sore outbreak. If you have an active cold sore or skin infection the day of your treatment, please call our office to reschedule your appointment.

Please be candid in revealing any conditions that would prohibit a chemical peel treatment. Patients with certain medical conditions may be asked to provide a letter from their primary care physician or specialist stating that it is safe to undergo chemical peel treatments. Depending on your individual needs, additional pre-care treatment instructions may be given to you by your esthetician.

In order to provide you with the best possible service review these general post-care instructions for a chemical peel treatment. To obtain maximum benefits from your treatment, it is crucial that you understand and adhere to these instructions. If you have any questions about these instructions, please reach out to us.

• If receiving the peel in the AM: You should leave the peel on all day. Wash your face with a mild cleanser (i.e. Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, Seint Skincare, Cetaphil, or CeraVe) that night.

• If receiving the peel in the PM: You should leave the peel on overnight. Wash it off the following morning, using only your hands (no washcloth, loofah, brush, etc.).

• If you experience extreme discomfort, you may wash the peel off prematurely; however, you may lose some or all of the effectiveness of the peel.

• AVOID UV exposure.

• You may experience some tenderness of the face that can last for a few hours or a few days.

• Redness and swelling are normal.

• AVOID exercise or strenuous activities (with the exception of light walking) for the first 24 to 48 hours following treatment.

• Avoid glycolic acids, Vitamin C, scrubs, Tretinoin (Retin-A), and Retinol creams for 7 to 10 days.

• Avoid sun exposure and sun lamps.

• Wait a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks (or as directed by your provider) before receiving any additional skin care or laser treatments.

The Next Day After Treatment (the start of the peeling process):

• Wash face with a gentle cleanser using your hands only.

• Moisturize Often: Letting the skin dry out may cause discomfort.

• AVOID using any facial brushes or devices for a minimum of 5 to 7 days.

• Gently pat dry skin.

• Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher and a barrier cream that is provided.

• You may apply makeup once skin has stopped aggressively peeling.

• By the 3rd and 4th day, the peeling will be the heaviest.

• Do not pick or pull on the skin. Let the skin shed at its own rate.

• After this peeling phase, your skin may look or feel like a mild wind burn for the next 2 to 3 days.

• Up to one week, mild to moderate flaking will occur.

• Avoid glycolic acids, Vitamin C, scrubs, Tretinoin (Retin-A), and Retinol creams for 7 to 10 days.

• Avoid sun exposure and sun lamps.

• Wait a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks (or as directed by your provider) before receiving any additional skin care or laser treatments.

• Call the office if you have questions or concerns.

Chemical peels should be avoided if any of the following conditions are present:

• Active cold sores, herpes simplex or warts in the area to be treated

• Wounded, sunburned or excessively sensitive skin

• Accutane use within the last year

• History of recent chemotherapy or radiation therapy

• Allergies to aspirin

• Women who are pregnant or actively breastfeeding

• Patients with Vitiligo

• Patients with a history of autoimmune disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, multiple sclerosis etc) or any condition that may weaken their immune system