Pre- Peel Instructions
- Purchase a bleaching agent, Elta, and a Sunblock before your procedure. Please inform your provider of a sensitivity to petrolatum
- Skin preconditioning is advised prior to treatment. If this has not been discussed with you, please notify the office immediately. Use your bleaching cream and Retin A to the area to be treated for one month prior to treatment. Stop the Retin A, glycolic and Vitamin C one week prior to your procedure.
- You will be given a prescription for Valtrex to prevent an outbreak of cold sores. Begin taking this medication the day before the peel. Call the office if you have not received this prescription.
- Cigarette smoking must be stopped at least two weeks before your peel.
Post- Peel Instructions
- Cleansing Instructions:
- For the first nine days, cleanse your face at least 4 times daily with a mild facial cleanser (Toleriane, Cetaphil) using lukewarm water.
- Use your fingertips and let your face air dry.
- DO NOT PEEL, RUB OR FORCE OFF ANY SKIN. Picking at the skin will lead to scarring.
- Reapply the ointment as soon as your face becomes somewhat dry.
- Keep your face moist with Elta for the first nine days. When using the ointment, rub a moderate amount between your hands before applying. This will warm the ointment. ALWAYS wash your hands well before touching your face
- Apply sunscreen beginning on day 10.
- Do not wear make-up while the skin is healing.
- Male patients should avoid shaving during the healing period. If shaving is necessary, use an electric razor, very gently and lightly. Do not use any pre- or after- shave products until healing is complete.
- Do not exercise or perform strenuous activities until your peel is completely healed. Cardio-type workouts and jogging should be avoided for at least one month because increased blood flow can cause broken blood vessels in new skin.
- Do not allow shampoo products to accumulate on dry or treated skin surfaces. Avoid using hair spray for the first week after treatment.
- Avoid prolonged use of constrictive items such as hats, shower caps, eyeglasses, or visors in peeled areas until the skin has healed over.
- Elevate your head while in bed with two pillows for the first few nights after your peel to relieve discomfort and help prevent swelling.
- Use cold compresses to your eyes for the first 24 hours, as needed.
- Liquids or soft foods should be taken for the first few days. Conversation should be kept to a minimum if the cheeks or lips have been treated.
- When using the telephone, hold the receiver away from your face for 7 days.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid cooking, due to the heat near your face for 7 days.
- Start applying bleaching agent twice a day starting 2 weeks post-peel. Do not use Retin-A until advised, typically 6 weeks post-peel.
- Absolutely no smoking for one month after peel.
- NO DIRECT SUNLIGHT.
- Redness of skin will vary from person to person. The fading back to normal color is a very individual process starting around day 10.
- Skin may feel very dry following the procedure.
Post-peel appointments will need made to evaluate your progress.
If you have any questions or concerns, call The Skin Center at 1-800-429-1151