What to Avoid Before a Chemical Peel
Patients should schedule a physical exam of their skin to identify which type of peel would best meet their needs and consider any factors which may hinder results. Ice packs should be used to manage discomfort while over-the-counter pain-killers may also be taken for additional support if required.
Priming skin with depigmenting products such as hydroquinone and retinols to minimize pigmentation issues is recommended, while shaving, chemical depilatories and waxing should also be avoided to preserve elasticity of skin and preserve youthfulness.
Before receiving a chemical peel, it's essential to stop all exfoliating treatments such as facial waxing, electrolysis and depilatories. Also it is advised that sun exposure be limited through daily sunblock use as well. Furthermore, any acne medications containing retinol or strong AHA/BHA products must be discontinued at least 7 days prior to your peel and any non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as Advil should also be discontinued as these could potentially interfere with its acid components.
After receiving a chemical peel, it's important to be gentle with your skin. Make sure you use gentle cleansers and refrain from exfoliation techniques such as scrubs, loofahs or any form of mechanical exfoliation such as loofahs. In addition, saunas, steam rooms or hot tubs may cause further irritation - however any signs of tingling and itching must be ignored and you should avoid picking or scratching at your skin in response.
Summer's heat and UV rays can lead to sunburn, hyperpigmentation, and skin cell damage - so prolonged sun exposure should be limited as much as possible.
Lifestyle exposure such as running errands or going for walks should still be done as long as a broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF is applied regularly to protect skin cells.
Before getting a chemical peel, it is essential that you provide complete and honest information regarding your health history and current medications to your esthetician. This includes taking note of any medication regimen you are on as well as any history of scarring or keloid formation as well as whether or not you tend to get cold sores easily.
If you are taking Accutane or another acne treatment, pregnant or breastfeeding, have skin conditions like rosacea, hyperpigmentation or eczema, electrolysis, facial waxing and depilatories a week prior to receiving a chemical peel you will not be eligible for one as these services remove layers of skin that could negatively impact results.
Within two days following a chemical peel, patients should avoid all sources of heat
such as working out, bathing or using a sauna, including hot tubs and swimming pools containing high concentrations of salt or chlorine as these waters could cause excessive sweating that could result in hyperpigmentation on the face.
After receiving a chemical peel, skin can be fragile and require protection from UV radiation exposure. Therefore, it is advised to wear broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 protection whenever going outdoors.
After receiving a peel, it is recommended to avoid shaving, electrolysis, facial waxing and chemical depilatories for 10 days after treatment. In addition, you should refrain from using scrubs, loofahs, exfoliating sponges or Clarisonic-type devices as these may cause friction that leads to peeling. Also be sure to disclose any medications as they could hinder results.
Chemical peels can be an excellent way to treat fine lines, hyperpigmentation and many other skin conditions, but for optimal results it's crucial that post-treatment care instructions from skincare professionals are adhered to in order to achieve maximum benefits from each session.
Alcohol can dehydrate you, making your recovery from chemical peels less than ideal. Furthermore, alcohol may irritate the skin further making it more sensitive. Therefore it's wise to limit yourself to water or non-alcoholic drinks during the week prior to receiving treatment for chemical peels.
At peak hours, it is also wise to avoid activities which increase sweating and body heat such as exercise/working out, steam rooms and hot tubs. Furthermore, UV rays can cause more harm to new skin cells than normal and should therefore be avoided as much as possible.
If you are curious to explore the many advantages of chemical peels, contact Biscayne Dental & Facial Aesthetics today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Schuster. His aim is to match each patient with the treatment or treatments which best fulfill their goals and offer maximum benefit.