Chemical Peel Instructions: The Complete Preparation and Aftercare Guide

Chemical Peel Instructions: A Complete Guide

Chemical peels are cosmetic procedures that use acids to remove damaged outer layers of skin. When done properly, they can transform dull, uneven and sun damaged skin. If you are considering getting a chemical peel, it's important to understand how to prepare your skin beforehand and care for it afterwards. This ensures you get the best results with minimal side effects.

What is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a technique that uses one or more chemical solutions to exfoliate and peel off the damaged outer layers of skin. It removes dead skin cells and triggers regeneration of smoother, more even toned new skin.

Different types of peels use solutions with various acids, concentrations and pH levels tailored to depth of exfoliation needed. Superficial peels treat minor skin concerns using mild acids while medium and deep peels use stronger acids to penetrate deeper.

Benefits of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels offer a range of benefits for your skin, including:

• Smoothes fine lines and wrinkles
• Fades age spots and discoloration
• Improves skin texture and tone
• Minimizes acne scars
• Reduces breakouts and acne
• Evens out skin pigmentation
• Helps absorb moisturizers better

These effects can leave your complexion looking rejuvenated and refreshed. Mild superficial peels can be done every few weeks while medium peels are done every few months. The results tend to be longer lasting with deeper peels.

Types of Chemical Peels

There are three main depth categories when it comes to chemical peels:

• Superficial peels - Also called light peels, they use mild acids to treat fine lines, rough skin, mild discoloration and breakouts. Examples include alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), beta hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid peels.
• Medium peels - Use slightly stronger acids to reach the epidermis and treat more pronounced sun damage, wrinkles, acne scars, melasma and age spots. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels are a common medium depth chemical peel.
• Deep peels - Also known as phenol peels. They penetrate deepest into the middle layer of skin and are the strongest type of chemical peel. Often used to treat severe sun damage, deep wrinkles and precancerous growths.

Pre-Peel Skin Preparation

Preparing your skin properly before a chemical peel helps prevent complications and maximize results. Here are some key tips:

• Avoid sun exposure - Stay out of the sun starting several weeks before your peel to prevent further sun damage and sunburn.
• Use sunscreen daily - Apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect skin.
• Stop exfoliating - Halt use of scrubs, retinols and glycolic acid several days prior to allow skin to normalize.
• Avoid irritants - Steer clear of products containing benzoyl peroxide, harsh alcohols, retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids which can irritate skin.
• Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of water in the weeks leading up to peel.
• Stop waxing/tweezing - Hold off on hair removal methods before peel as they can irritate skin.
• Talk to your doctor about medications - Some medications like aspirin and NSAIDs can increase skin sensitivity.

Day Before Your Peel

Be sure to take these steps the day before your chemical peel appointment:

• Wash face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
• Shave beard or mustache at least 24 hours pre-peel.
• Apply a thick moisturizer after cleansing.
• Avoid wearing makeup.
• Stay out of the sun.
• Don't use any loofahs, scrubs or exfoliants.
• Get a good night's rest.

Morning of Your Peel

Here's how to prepare your skin the morning of your chemical peel treatment:

• Cleanse face with a mild, non-irritating cleanser.
• Do not apply any creams, moisturizers or makeup.
• Avoid caffeine and nicotine, which constrict blood vessels.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water.
• Arrive with clean skin for your appointment.

During the Chemical Peel Procedure

The process will vary slightly depending on type of peel but generally involves:

• Cleansing and toning skin.
• Applying chemical solution with a brush, cotton pads or gauze.
• Leaving solution on for 3-15 minutes depending on strength.
• Neutralizing solution and rinsing it off.
• Applying soothing balm or ointment.

You may feel a stinging or burning sensation during application. Your provider will monitor your skin closely and adjust timing as needed.

Superficial Peel Aftercare

Properly caring for your skin after a light superficial peel promotes healing. Follow these tips:

• Use a gentle cleanser twice daily and moisturize.
• Avoid picking or scrubbing the treated area for 7-10 days while skin flakes off.
• Stay out of the sun and use SPF 30+ sunscreen.
• Apply cool compresses to relieve discomfort.
• Avoid swimming pools, saunas, hot tubs for 1-2 weeks.
• Wait 24 hours before wearing makeup again.
• Avoid facial waxing and electrolysis for at least 48 hours after.

With mild peels, redness may last up to a few days. Severe swelling, blistering and crusting should be reported to your provider.

Medium Peel Aftercare

Recovering properly after a medium-depth peel is crucial. Follow post-care guidelines closely:

• Cleanse face very gently and apply ointment as directed.
• Expect more intense peeling and do not pick at your skin.
• Take pain medication if prescribed for discomfort.
• Keep treated area moisturized as it heals over 5-7 days.
• Avoid direct sun exposure until skin is fully healed.
• Wear a wide brim hat and SPF 30+ if going outside.
• Stay well hydrated and eat a healthy diet.
• Wait 2 weeks before having any facial waxing or electrolysis.

With medium depth peels, swelling and redness may last for up to 2 weeks. Contact your provider if you have any severe reactions.

Deep Peel Aftercare

Recovering from a deep peel requires close monitoring by your provider and diligent at-home care:

• Limit activity for 7-14 days and avoid strenuous exercise.
• Keep treated area clean by gently rinsing with water or special cleanser.
• Apply antibiotic ointment and dressing as directed.
• Take oral antibiotics and pain medication as prescribed.
• Stay out of the sun completely until skin has rebuilt protective pigment.
• Expect peeling and redness for 2-6 weeks.
• Avoid alcohol while healing.
• Follow any additional instructions closely to prevent complications.

With deep peels, regular follow-ups are key. Call your provider immediately if you have any signs of infection, oozing or fever.

Results and Recovery Time

Recovery time varies based on the type of chemical peel:

• Light peel - Flaking and redness subsides within a week.
• Medium peel - Takes 5-14 days for skin to heal.
• Deep peel - Healing process will last 2-6 weeks.

With light and medium peels, your new smoother skin will be visible within 2 weeks as pigmented layers fully peel off. Deep peels require a month or longer to see final results.

Be sure to follow all aftercare instructions carefully based on the type of peel you had done. This helps you heal properly and avoids complications like scarring or infections.

How Long Do Chemical Peel Results Last?

With proper skincare, results can last:

• Light peel - Approximately 2-5 weeks.
• Medium peel - 2-3 months.
• Deep peel - Several years.

Repeating peels can help prolong the rejuvenating effects. Always consult your dermatologist on when to schedule follow-up treatments.

Complementary Procedures

Chemical peels work best when paired with these anti-aging procedures:

• Microdermabrasion - Buffs away dead skin cells to smooth skin.
• Dermaplaning - Gently scrapes off outer skin layer and fine vellus hairs.
• Microneedling - Stimulates collagen with tiny needle pricks.
• IPL photofacial - Laser light treatment reduces signs of sun damage.
• Skin-tightening lasers - Tightens and lifts loose skin.

Your dermatologist can recommend the best combination treatments for your particular skin concerns. Be sure to schedule chemical peels after other resurfacing treatments have fully healed.

The Bottom Line

Chemical peels can provide smoother, brighter and more youthful looking skin when done properly. Following the right preparation, treatment and aftercare regimen helps you achieve the best possible results.

Be sure to choose an experienced medical provider to assess your skin and recommend the appropriate peel depth and solutions. With professional care and diligent at-home skin care, chemical peels can safely reduce imperfections and slow visible signs of aging.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.