Pre-care and aftercare for chemical peels

Pre-care instructions

1. Avoid exfoliants: Stop retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and other active ingredients 5-⁠7 days prior.
2. Limit sun exposure: Avoid tanning, prolonged sun exposure, and self-tanners for 1-⁠2 weeks.
3. No hair removal: Refrain from waxing, threading, or depilatory creams for 1 week.
4. Hydrate: Drink water and moisturize daily.
5. Arrive with clean skin: No makeup, lotions, or sunscreen.
6. Disclose medical history: Inform your provider of any medications, allergies, or procedures.
7. Avoid recent treatments: Skip microneedling, laser, or peels for at least 2 weeks.
8. Stop Accutane: Discontinue isotretinoin 6 months prior unless advised otherwise.
9. Consult your provider: Mention any photosensitizing medications (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline).
10. Pregnancy: Ensure you are not pregnant or breast feeding. There have been no studies to determine the safety of chemical peels on an unborn or breast feeding baby.

Post-care instructions

1. Avoid water/steam: For self-neutralizing peels, avoid water/steam on treated areas for 8 hours.
2. Protect from sun: Wear SPF 30+ daily and avoid direct sun for 1-⁠2 weeks.
3. No exfoliants: Skip retinoids, acids, or scrubs until peeling stops (7-⁠10 days).
4. Don’t pick: Avoid peeling or rubbing flaking skin to prevent scarring.
5. Hydrate: Use a gentle moisturizer as recommended.
6. Avoid heat & sweat: Skip hot showers, saunas, and exercise for 48 hours.
7. No makeup: Refrain from makeup for at least 24 hours.
8. Cleanse gently: Use a mild, non-irritating cleanser.
9. Skip treatments: Avoid injectables, lasers, or abrasive procedures for 2-⁠3 weeks.
10. Recovery cream: We provide a post-recovery cream to use after your peel.

What to expect

Immediately after

• Redness: Mild redness similar to a sunburn.
• Warmth/Tingling: A burning sensation that subsides within an hour.
• Dryness: Tight and dry skin.

Next few days

• Peeling/Flaking: Starts 2-⁠3 days post-treatment and lasts up to 7 days.
• Sensitivity: Skin is more sensitive to touch, products, and the sun.

1-⁠2 weeks

• Improved Texture: Smoother, more even skin.
• Continued Peeling: Patches of peeling may last up to a week.

Long-term

• Bright, Radiant Skin: Renewed glow with improved tone and texture.

Signs of infection

• Persistent redness or swelling beyond 72 hours.
• Pus or yellow/green discharge.
• Increased pain or tenderness.
• Fever or chills.
• Red streaks from the treatment area.

Burn

• Severe redness lasting hours.
• Blisters or open sores.
• Excessive pain or stinging.
• Deep peeling or sloughing.
• Intense swelling or heat sensation.

Tip: Always follow pre- and post-care instructions to minimize risks and maximize results.