PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
- Please be advised that you cannot be tanned for this appointment and would need to temporarily discontinue use of all retinol products 3-5 days prior to your scheduled appointment. We also ask that you refrain from the use of sunless tanners for a minimum of 5 days prior to your scheduled appointment.
- If you have a history of cold sores or a diagnosis of HSV (herpes simplex virus), you will need a prescription for prophylaxis prior to the procedure. Call our office and we’d be happy to help you with a prescription.
- If you have an active cold sore for this appointment, your visit will need to be rescheduled!
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR TREATMENT:
- Your treatment will begin with a dermaplane.
- Next a chemical peel solution will be applied to the skin and depending on the type of peel, additional layers, exfoliating or serums, may be applied. You will be offered a hand-held fan for comfort however checmial peels are very tolerable.
- Depending on the type and depth of the chemical peel, you may experience some tingling and or itching initially.
POST-TREATMENT SKINCARE:
Just as important as the treatment, is the care for your skin post-treatment.
- CLEANSING: ZO Gentle Cleanser
Cleanse the skin two times a day with plain, lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, beginning the morning after the treatment. Use your hands and gentle patting motions. DO NOT rub, scrub, use an exfoliant or skin care brush such as a Clarisonic on the treated area.
- MOISTURIZER: ZO Hydrating Crème
Moisturizer should be applied generously with clean hands over treated area and reapplied whenever your skin feels dry. DO NOT apply any other products that were not instructed by your doctor – e.g., essential oils, coconut oil, etc.
- SUNSCREEN: Colorescience Even Up or All Calm
Sunscreen is a MUST and should be used daily beginning the day after treatment and used consistently for up to 3 months post procedure. Use a physical sunscreen with Broadband UVA and UVB protection and a SPF of 30. Ensure to reapply during sun exposure.
WATCH-OUTS
- Do not pick or pull on any loosening or peeling skin. This could potentially cause hyperpigmentation.
TIPS & TRICKS:
- Make-up can typically be worn the day after your treatment.
- Avoid strenuous exercise and sweating until after skin has healed.
- Do not put treated area directly into a shower spray.
- Stay cool! Heating internally can cause hyperpigmentation.
- Do not direct a hair dryer onto the treated area.
- Do not apply ice or ice water to the treated area.
WARNING:
- Do not use hot tubs, steam rooms or saunas.
- Do not go swimming.
- Do not use loofahs or other means of mechanical exfoliation (including Clarisonic brushes).
- Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat.
- Do not have electrolysis, facial waxing and or depilatories for approximately 5 days.
WHAT TO DO AFTER YOUR TREATMENT:
For two days post procedure:
- Depending on the type and depth of the chemical peel 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 that skin to stabilize and rest overnight.
- To minimize side effects and maximize results use the recommended post care prodcuts for 3-5 days or until flaking has resolved.
- 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 or alpha hydroxy acid products not be applied to the skin for seven days post procedure, as they may cause irritation.
- It is recommended to delay the use of tretinoin, Retin-A, Differin, Renova, Tazorac, Avage, EpiDuo, or Ziana for five days post procedure. Consult your provider before temporarily discontinuing use of any other prescription medications.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us at 608.836.4044
