Post Peel Tips

Post Peel Tips (Do's and Don't's)

Use the following guidelines until your skin has resolved peeling (approximately 7 - 10 days). For more sensitive skin or after a more intense treatment, consider following these guidelines for at least 10 days.

Immediately after your peel treatment your skin may appear red and flushed. As your skin goes through the renewal process, it is normal to experience dryness, redness and tightness, as well as some peeling or flaking within a week. You may also notice a temporarily more pronounced appearance of pigmentation as it rises to the skin's surface. These side effects will subside quickly with proper post treatment care.

On the night of your peel, you may rinse your face with cool water and a gentle cleanser, then moisturize the skin with a barrier protecting moisturizer. If you have just had a peel you should not necessarily expect to "peel", however, you may have light flaking in a few localized areas for a couple of days. Tonight your skin may feel "tight" and "pulled". Although you may not actually peel, it is likely that you will experience a light exfoliation. It may take two or more treatments for the surface skin to loosen and "peel". Everyone responds differently and most patients look quite normal the day after their treatment.

For the Next Two Day Period:

• It is recommended that you do not apply makeup the day of treatment. It is ideal to allow the skin to stabilize and rest overnight. However, makeup may be applied if necessary.
• After your peel do not get your face wet for 3 hours. After 3 hours, or that evening, you may rinse your face with cool water and a gentle cleanser, then moisturize the skin with a barrier protecting moisturizer.
• Do not use hot tubs, steam rooms or saunas. Do not participate in activities that cause excessive sweating. Do not direct a hair dryer onto the treated area. Stay cool! Getting heated internally could cause hyperpigmentation (discoloration), redness, swelling.
• Do not go swimming.
• Do not use a loofah or any type of mechanical exfoliation device on the treated area.
• Do not drink alcohol the day of your peel.

General Tips:

• Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat. Make sure to apply sunscreen on top of your moisturizer every day and for long periods in the sun, wear a 3 inch wide brim hat. This is important for 2 - 3 weeks after your peel.
• You will likely begin peeling in 2 - 3 days. This is normal. Do not pick or pull at the loosening or exfoliating skin. This could cause discoloration. Avoid using any type of exfoliating product for at least 5 days or longer after your peel. If your skin is sensitive wait longer. (I will discuss exfoliation with you before you leave.)
• Immediately after your peel treatment your skin may appear red and flushed. As your skin goes through the renewal process, it is normal to experience dryness, redness and tightness, as well as some peeling or flaking within a week. You may also notice a temporarily more pronounced appearance of pigmentation as it rises to the skin's surface. These side effects will subside quickly with proper post treatment care.
• ABSOLUTELY DO NOT go to a tanning booth for at least three weeks before or after your treatment.
• Discontinue the use of RetinA/Renova/Tazorac/Avage for apprioximately 7 days post treatment. Note: Always check with your dispensing physician before temporarily discontinuing prescription medications.
• Do NOT have electrolysis, facial waxing, or use depilatories for approximately 5 days after peeling is complete.
• Continue to moisturize the treated area for the duration of the peeling process. Drink lots of water. I will discuss with you before you leave the treatment room your home care product regime.

You are on your way to having beautiful skin!