Chemical Peels
Not all chemical peels are created equal so some may not require all the steps that we are about to list out, but to be on the safe side, I highly recommend doing the following to ensure the best results and minimize skin irriation and issues that can happen when you don’t do these things.
Stop using any retinoids
This includes retinols, tretinoin and any vitamin a derivative products for at least 7-10 days prior to your appointment. Retinoids are a chemical exfoliation and when using these close to the time of your appointment, this can result in a chemical reaction and damage the skin with a chemical burn. Always be sure to tell your esthetician and be truthful as to when you last used your retinoid product.
Stop using AHA & BHA product
Stop using your aha and bra product 48 hours before your appointment. This includes glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl. Lactic and Madelic should be avoided but aren’t as harsh and is up to your esthetician if they feel the need to be off of these as well.
avoid the sun
Wear sunscreen at least an SPF 30 leading up to your chemical peel. Do not use a tanning bed, be out sunbathing or have burned/wind chapped skin. You will not be able to get a peel if your skin is sunburnt.
Prep skin with professional skincare
Depending on the depth of the peel, a tyrosinase inhibitor product must be used 2 weeks prior for those doing a TCA or Jessners or with darker skin tones to prevent pigmentation. Prepping with acids helps as well. Using a skin prep and post kit from your esthetician is key. I personally love the Post Peel Kit from Image Skincare to help any skin type prep and heal from any peel.
I hope this helps and look forward to treating you in the treatment room this winter! If you are in the greater Denver area we would love to have you in for your treatment and start towards your skin goals. We are located in Lone Tree but serve Highlands Ranch, Parker, Castle Rock, Littleton and South Denver metro area.