CHEMICAL PEEL

A chemical peel is a technique used to improve and smooth the texture of the skin. Chemical peels are intended to remove the outermost layers of the skin. To accomplish this task, the chosen peel solution induces a controlled injury to the skin. This leads to stimulation of new collagen production and restructuring of old collagen bundles in the skin. We have a variety of different peels that can help with acne, anti aging and hyperpigmentation.

Contra-Indications

Anti- aging products Retin-a, Vitamin A, Salicylic acid, glycolic acid or Benzyl Peroxide discontinue 7 days prior to treatment Recent use of some topical rx.
Avoid exfoliating or scrubbing products
No electrolysis, waxing, depilatory creams or laser hair removal 7 days before treatment.
Active acne or use of Accutane within (1 year)
Active infection of any type (bacterial, viral, or fungal)
Blood thinner medications
Cardiac disease/abnormalities
Chemotherapy or radiation
Keloid/hypertrophic scarring
Pregnancy / Lactation
Skin Cancer
Sunburn/Compromised skin
Permanent Cosmetics (7 days)
Diabetes
Blood thinners
Lupus

What to expect

Day 1: You will feel your face very dry, and stretched. DO NOT get your face wet. Do not use any acid exfoliants such as masks or cleansers that contain (glycolic, salicylic etc) DO NOT GET YOUR SKIN WET FOR 24 HOURS. You may apply makeup after 24 hours. Make sure to re-apply moisturizer as needed, vitamin E or hyaluronic acid is highly recommended. Baby your skin the first day, less is better. WEAR SUNSCREEN!
Days 2-4 Your skin will become more noticeably dry. You may now wet the skin. You may use a gentle cleanser but still do not apply any harsh chemicals such as retinols, vitamin c, tretinoin. Continue to apply your recommended moisturizer daily and SPF. REMEMBER to avoid any heat for the week whether it may be wearing a mask or sun exposure. This can potentially cause hyperpigmentation.
Day 3-5 By now, you’ve noticed your skin has become 3-5 x darker especially if you have hyperpigmentation and sun spots. That’s completely NORMAL and it will come off as the skin peels. Depending on how severe your hyperpigmentation is some clients may need another treatment. As the skin is peeling let it fall on its own, DO NOT SCRUB or apply masks. You may cut off excess dead skin if needed. Remember every skin is different such as thickness, skin damage, which peel was chosen for your skin. Some people don’t peel on their first chemical peel which is NORMAL especially on your first treatment. We will go more aggressive on the second treatment, your skin needs to be worked up to higher percentages.
Days 5-7 You’re now approaching the end of the peeling process. Your skin is constantly stimulating collagen and elastin production far after your first treatment, it’s an ongoing process. You may now get another chemical peel after 4 weeks! The more you continue getting peels the less you’ll continue to peel. Which is a good thing! Remember to keep taking those before and pictures!

After Care

Body temperature should not be raised 24 hours after the treatment because it could cause hyperpigmentation. Examples include saunas, hot tub, and exercise.
You should not wet the skin for 24 hours after service.
Generally, a “sunburned” feeling on the treatment area is experienced for up to 24-48 hours.
The gradual darkening of pigmentation will occur. Patients are advised not to rub/scrub the treatment area or try to scrub the area away. This is part of the healing process and should start to slough off in three to four days.
STRICT adherence to sun protection/sunscreen. Direct sunlight should be avoided post-treatment for one week.
You should wear a daily SPF facial moisturizer, which your esthetician can recommend.

Lastly, avoid picking and/or peeling the skin during the healing period as this can cause hyper/hypopigmentation.

Treatment should be scheduled every four to six weeks (depending on treatment reaction) and can be done for a series of two to three treatment.

I understand that I should not receive a chemical peel if I intend to continue to have excessive sun exposure (for example, prior to going on vacation.)

Failure to follow post treatment instructions can put you at risk for hyperpigmentation.