Medical Peels pre and post care

In order to obtain the best result from your treatment, please take note of the following after care notes for each treatment type

Building a solid skin care routine that targets your individual concerns and skin type is vital to achieving and maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion. But suppose you’ve been adapting your products to your age, lifestyle, and climate and you’re still not getting the desired results. It might be time to consider adding a professional chemical peel to your regimen.

As a leader in the industry, PCA SKIN has been formulating professional peels for over 30 years. So if you’re not sure what to expect during and after a professional peel, you’ve come to the right place.

To prepare your skin and ensure the best results from your medical peel, follow these guidelines:
  • Discontinue Active Ingredients: Stop using retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and other exfoliants 3–7 days before treatment to avoid over-exfoliation.
  • Avoid Sun Exposure: Stay out of the sun and tanning beds for 1–2 weeks prior to the procedure. Always wear SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect your skin.
  • Pause Hair Removal: Avoid waxing, tweezing, or using hair removal creams on the treatment area for at least 1 week before the peel.
  • Hydrate Your Skin: Use a gentle, non-irritating moisturizer in the days leading up to your appointment to keep your skin hydrated and plump.
  • Cold Sore Precaution: If prone to cold sores, inform your provider beforehand. Antiviral medication may be recommended to prevent outbreaks.
  • Avoid Harsh Products: Stop using scrubs, toners, or abrasive skincare products at least 48 hours before treatment.
  • Arrive with Clean Skin: On the day of your appointment, cleanse your face and avoid applying makeup, lotions, or sunscreen.
Proper preparation ensures a smoother procedure and maximises the effectiveness of your peel.
Proper post-peel skin care:
  • Wash your face with cool water. Warm or hot water might not feel as good as cool or cold water, which can help soothe post-peel sensations.
  • Moisturize and hydrate. Since peels can temporarily compromise your skin’s protective barrier, it’s important to reinforce that barrier with a medium-to-thick moisturizer. Also, drink more water to help avoid dehydration, which could make your skin feel tight.
  • Apply sunscreen with SPF30 or more. Your skin is more delicate after a peel, so avoid direct sun exposure, which can lead to even more visible signs of skin aging. If you must be exposed, use a Broad Spectrum physical sunscreen.
  • Avoid strenuous workouts, dry saunas and steam rooms. Increased blood circulation to the face can intensify warming, tingling, itching, redness or other uncomfortable side effects on freshly peeled skin. Skip such activities on the day you use a peel.
  • Don’t over-exfoliate. Peels are maximum-strength exfoliants, so you don’t need to use a separate exfoliant (ie AHA/BHAs) within 3-4 days of your peel. Over-exfoliating can lead to more redness or sensitivity, so wait at least this time before adding back into your skincare routine
  • Day 5-7: you may notice some dryness around areas. This is normal. Don’t pick or scrub, let the skin lift naturally.
What can I expect after my peel?
Your skin will instantly feel softer and smoother. Depending on your skin type you may also experience peeling or mild flaking for up to 3 days after your treatment. Best results are evident 7 days after treatment.
Can i go outside afterwards?
We always recommend the use of sunscreen to prevent sun damage to the skin. Sunscreen with SPF 30 or above should be used daily. If you are under the sun for prolonged periods of time, sunscreen needs to be reapplied at least once every two hours
What are the risks?
On a rare occasion, a slight redness may occur which subsides within a few hours. When pre-treatment protocols are followed. Light flaking may be present in some individuals post-treatment if the skin has been exposed to harsh environmental stressors, retinoids, products with high percentages of AHAs/BHAs, or other factors. Due to the ingredients used, this treatment is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
How many treatments will i need?
Your skin will be noticeably smoother and your complexion clearer after a single treatment. Best results come from a course of 3 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart.
Is it painful?
You may experience a tingling or tightening sensation in the skin, but no pain.

Disclaimer

Whilst we have seen amazing results from this treatment, please know that results vary and we cannot make guarantees. We recommend coming and speaking to our registered nurses for an in-depth consultation. They will discuss in detail how the treatment works, whether it will be right for your skin type and the expected results in line with your skin goals.