Chemical Peels

How Long is the Procedure and How Does It Feel?

Generally a chemical peel takes 30-45 minutes. During the procedure, you will feel a warmth and tingling sensation over the area being treated.  You may feel stinging, burning, and even itching and can vary from mild to intense, depending on the type of peel being performed. The esthetician performing the peel will either fan the area being peeled or provide you with fan to ease any discomfort. All sensations will stop once the acids are neutralized.

Reasons to get a Chemical Peel
A chemical peel will:

1. Improve the texture of your skin

2. Increase the cell turnover rate of your skin

3. Improve your skin’s ability to hold moisture

4. Help your skin produce more collagen

5. Reduce fine lines

6. Decrease hyperpigmentation

7. Unclog pores and help clear up acne

8. Leave your skin smooth

9. Make your skin softer

10. Make your skin look more even-toned

11. Give you a “glow”

12. Make your skin look dewy

13. Improve minor scarring

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Who Can Get a Chemical Peel?

Almost anyone can get a peel as long as they don’t have any of the exceptions listed below.  Generally people with darker skin need to take more precautions before getting a peel and must make sure that the peel they are receiving is formulated for their skin type and done by an experienced, licensed professional.  The reason for this is that very strong chemical peels can actually cause more hyperpigmentation on darker skin if done improperly.

DO NOT GET A PEEL IF YOU ARE:

• Pregnant and nursing. Women not receive peels since there are no studies, as of yet, about the effects of peels on fetuses or nursing babies.

• If you have taken or have just gotten off of Accutane within the last 6 months.

• If you are prone to cold sores a peel can actually bring on an outbreak so you need to take anti-viral medication before, the day of, and the day after your treatment.

• If you have a tendency to scar, are taking antibiotics, have cancer or an autoimmune disease, or have an open sore you cannot get a chemical peel.

How Does The Esthetician Know What Type of Peel I Need?

Before you get a peel you will have a complimentary skincare consultation with your esthetician so she can answer all of your questions and provide you with the proper pre-peel regimen (so your skin in properly prepped for the day of the treatment).

Before your peel, you will also need to fill out a skincare and history questionnaire which accesses your skin type, medical conditions, allergies, the products you are currently using, and the results you want to achieve.  An esthetician must keep many factors in mind before performing a peel so that the client gets the best possible result with the fewest possible side effects.

If you are new to peels, it is highly recommended that you start with a lighter peel the first time you get a chemical peel and build up the strength of your peels from there.  All of these issues should be discussed with your esthetician before you receive your first peel.

After Chemical Peel Instructions:

• Immediately following peel, take extra precaution to guard against exposure to sun. This means 30 SPF applied consistently throughout the day and a large brimmed hat (not a visor or baseball cap). REAPPLY, REAPPLY, REAPPLY.
• First night, do not wash face at all.
• Days 2 through 6, avoid hard cleansers, Retin-A, AHAs, or Benzoyl Peroxide. Wash twice daily with a gentle cleanser.
• Please do not exfoliate using any scrubs, cleansing brushes, washcloths, or acid/enzyme based products for 8-13 days; longer if done on body.
• PAT. DO NOT RUB. This applies to drying the skin or putting product onto the skin.
• Apply a light moisturizer or serum after cleansing and throughout the day, if needed. Do not OVER moisturize. While the skin does need to be kept moist to prevent cracking or crusting, we must remember the purpose of the chemical peel is to peel.
• DO NOT PICK OR PULL THE SKIN, as scarring and hypopigmentation (white spots) can occur.
• It is safe to wear makeup 24 hours after application, but I do not recommend until after flaking has stopped. If you had a more aggressive peel (TCA/Jessner), avoid makeup for the first week.
• Avoid strenuous exercise or activity for the first 48 hours. Yes, this can include sexual activity.
• Do not get any other facial treatments/procedures for at least one week after peel or until flaking stops.
• Discontinue the use of Retinol or Retin-A products for a week after treatment.
• Do not have electrolysis, facial injections, facial waxing, or use depilatories for approximately two weeks after treatment.
• ABSOLUTELY do not go to a tanning booth for at least 4-6 weeks after a treatment.

* Everyone will not experience peeling of their facial skin. However, this is not an indication that the peel was ineffective. If peeling does not occur please know that you are still receiving all the benefits of the peel, such as: stimulation of collagen production, improvement of skin tone and texture, and diminished fine lines and pigmentation.