Cosmetic and Plastic Services

Cosmetic and Plastic Services

Chemical Peel Instructions

Pre-peel instructions

You will be having a light peel treatment on the day of your appointment. Please follow the outline below to prepare.

  • Use of PCA SKIN® daily care products prior to your peel will prepare the skin, allow for better treatment results and reduce the risk of complications. This is recommended but not mandatory. Please consult your physician or skin care clinician for appropriate recommendations for your skin type and condition.

It is recommended that you take the following into consideration:

  • For best results and to reduce the risk of complications, it is recommended that you use PCA SKIN® daily care products 10 to 14 days prior to treatment.
  • If you are lactating, pregnant or may be pregnant, only an Oxygenating Trio® or Detox Gel Deep Pore Treatment is appropriate. Consult your OB/GYN before receiving any treatment.
  • Do not go to a tanning bed two weeks prior to treatment. This practice should be discontinued due to the increased risk of skin cancer and signs of aging.
  • It is recommended that extended sun exposure be avoided, especially in the 10 days prior to treatment.
  • It is recommended to delay use of tretinoin, Retin-A®, Renova®, Differin®, Tazorac®, Avage®, EpiDuo™, Ziana® and high-percentage AHA and BHA products for approximately five days prior to treatment. Consult your physician before temporarily discontinuing use of any prescription medications. PCA SKIN® superficial peels result in little to no downtime but create dramatic and visible results. Treatments may cause slight redness, tightness, peeling, flaking or temporary dryness. Most patients find it unnecessary to apply makeup, as the skin will be smooth, dewy and radiant following your treatment. If you would like to apply makeup, allow approximately 15 minutes for the pH of the skin to stabilize before applying foundation.

Post-peel instructions

Two days post-procedure:

  • Stay cool! Heating internally can cause hyperpigmentation.
  • Do not put the treated area directly into a hot shower spray.
  • Do not use hot tubs, steam rooms or saunas.
  • Do not go swimming.
  • Do not participate in activities that would cause excessive perspiration.
  • Do not use loofahs or other means of mechanical exfoliation.
  • Do not direct a hair dryer onto the treated area.
  • Do not apply ice or ice water to the treated area.

General guidelines:

  • After receiving a PCA SKIN® professional treatment, you should not necessarily expect to 'peel'. However, light flaking in a few localized areas for several days is typical. Most patients who undergo these treatments have residual redness for approximately one to twelve hours post-procedure.
  • As with all peels and treatments, it is recommended that makeup not be applied the day of treatment, as it is ideal to allow the skin to stabilize and rest overnight; however, makeup may be applied 15 minutes after the treatment if desired.
  • To minimize side effects and maximize results use the Post-Procedure Products for three to five days or until flaking has resolved.
  • If the skin feels tight, apply ReBalance for normal skin types or Silkcoat® Balm for drier skin types to moisturize as needed. For maximum hydration, you can apply Hydrating Serum under ReBalance or Silkcoat® Balm.
  • Moisturizer should be applied at least twice a day but can be applied more frequently for hydration and to decrease the appearance of flaking.
  • It is recommended that other topical, over-the-counter medications oralpha hydroxy acid products not be applied to the skin seven days post procedure, as they may cause irritation.
  • It is recommended to delay use of tretinoin, Retin-A®, Differin®, Renova®, Tazorac®, Avage® EpiDuo™ or Ziana® five days post-procedure. Consult your physician before temporarily discontinuing use of any prescription medications.
  • Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat. Use Weightless Protection SPF 45, Perfecting Protection SPF 30, Protecting Hydrator SPF 30 or Hydrator Plus SPF 30 for broad-spectrum UV protection.
  • Do not go to a tanning bed for at least two weeks post-procedure. This practice should be discontinued due to the increased risk of skin cancer and signs of aging.
  • Do not pick or pull on any loosening or peeling skin. This could potentially cause hyperpigmentation.
  • Do not have electrolysis, facial waxing or use depilatories for approximately five days.
  • Do not have another treatment until your clinician advises you to do so.