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.
