Back To Article Menu

Tips For Treating Skin Before and After Facial Peels

For those of us whose skin isn't perfect, facial skin peels can change the appearance of unsightly brown spots, wrinkles and acne. Here are some tips for treating your skin pre and post peel.

Pre-Treatment

For best results, it is advisable to avoid sun exposure and the following products and procedures AT LEAST ONE WEEK PRIOR to treatment. Some Specialists may not even treat you if any of these procedures have been done within that week prior due to complications they may cause to the skin after a peel.

• electrolysis
• waxing
• depilatory creams
  
  PLEASE AVOID THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS TWO TO THREE DAYS PRIOR TO TREATMENTS:
  
• Any Retin-A, Renova, Differin, Tazorac
• Any products containing Retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), beta hydroxy acids (BHA) or benzyl peroxide
• Any exfoliating products that may be drying or irritating
• Shaving of the area to be peeled should be avoided on the day of the peel

Post Treatment

The skin may look and feel like a mild windburn for the next two or three days prior to skin peeling. After 48 hours a slight flaking may occur. For best results, use the following products after treatment:

• Sunscreen of SPF 20 or higher during treatment and for at least one week afterward. (strongly recommended at all times)
• Gentle cleanser; do not scrub
• light moisturizer
• After one week, you can resume your normal skin care products

AND, AVOID THE FOLLOWING AFTER A TREATMENT

• Sun exposure
• Abrasive facial cleansers
• Pulling, picking or "helping" shedding skin to peel
• Strenuous excesses for two to three days afterwards
• Any products containing salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA, glycolic acids, Vitamin A, and retinol during treatment and actual peeling
• Any other facial treatment for at least one week after your peel

Written By
Trina S.
Licensed Aesthetician
www.AlternativeMedicineDirect.com