What you need to know before and after a chemical peel.
So you’re thinking about getting a chemical peel or just scoping out your options - fantastic! Peels are an amazing way to transform the skin more effectively and rapidly than a traditional facial. Before you get started, here’s a primer on what you should expect before and after your treatment!
What do I need to know before a peel?
With the exception of gentle peels with no downtime (redness, flaking, sensitivity), all peels require a level of preparation to minimize the risk of complications during and post treatment and to ensure you get the best results possible!
Preparation includes:
Use of a pigment controlling serum; When the skin is inflamed the skin can create extra pigment in response, just like when we get a pimple and it leaves a dark or red mark afterwards. During a chemical peel, a level of inflammation is expected in order to stimulate regeneration so we need to make sure we will not cause blotchy pigmentation to arise. This kind of post-inflammatory pigmentation is much harder to treat than the original concern so prevention is key! Pigment controlling serums such as Image’s Illuma Intense Brightening Serum should be used morning and night for 2-4 weeks prior to peels.
Purchase Iluma Brightening Serum via our webstore here
Ensure the skin is hydrated; Whenever we apply any liquid solution to the skin, areas of dehydration are going to absorb it more quickly. In the case of a chemical peel, this can mean that the area becomes over treated or a bit sensitive. Therefore, it’s important to ensure the skin is healthy and hydrated so that the peel can reach even depths all around.
Using the active ingredient in your routine; Before we apply a strong solution of acid, enzyme or retinol to your skin, it’s vital that the skin is prepped on that ingredient prior to test the skin’s tolerance for it. This is particularly important for Retinol peels to ensure that the skin is used to vitamin A being applied topically. As many ingredients can come in different derivatives and forms, it’s best practice to use the same brand’s retail products as the peel you are doing to ensure compatibility. For example, if you are having a Lactic Acid peel for brightening and hydration, you should use Aspect’s Exfol-L serum in between treatments to maintain the benefits of your peel.
Learn more about Exfol-L Serum via our webstore here
Immediately before a peel:
Before any clinical treatment, there are treatments and products that need to be avoided to reduce the chance of complications and irritation. For example, you’ll need to avoid Retinol/Vitamin A and any exfoliants including acids for 48 hours before the treatment and avoid any waxing, threading or laser hair removal in the area for one week prior.
What do I need to do after a peel?
For the first 3 days after a peel, you must only use the post-treatment products prescribed by your skin therapist to avoid irritation and allow the skin to heal. These will include a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum and occlusive oil or balm to replace the impaired skin barrier and act as a ‘second-skin’.
For the first 3 days only a physical or mineral sunscreen should be used and strict sun avoidance should be undertaken as the skin will be more sensitive to UV radiation and risks uneven pigmentation developing. Image’s Prevention Hydrating SPF Moisturiser is a great option for post treatment care.
Learn more about Prevention Hydrating Moisturizer via our webstore here
On days 4-5 very gentle active ingredients can be reintroduced such as peptides and niacinamide and a gentle enzyme exfoliation can be done. No use of AHA/BHA exfoliants, retinol, benzoyl peroxide or vitamin C should be used for at least a week or until the skin returns to normal.
During the week prior to and following a peel you should not doing any waxing, threading and facial bleaching and for 4 weeks you should not do any laser, IPL or intensive skin treatments to the area being treated.
It's important to note that chemical peels can cause skin irritation, redness, and sensitivity to sunlight, so it's important to follow post-peel instructions and use sunscreen to protect your skin. It's also important to consult a professional before getting a chemical peel to ensure that it's suitable for your skin type and that you are aware of the risks and benefits of the procedure.
To consult with a skin expert at Open House Skin, book a complimentary consultation or your first treatment to get started on your skin journey here!
