Chemical Peel
Offered at our convenient location in Raleigh, NC
Post-Peel Skin Care
● Avoid direct sunlight on the treated area. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater daily and reapply every 2 hours.
● Keep your skin well hydrated, moisturizing liberally and frequently with a protective barrier such as Aquaphor, coconut oil, Crisco, or even Vaseline for a few days. Do not use a regular moisturizer as this may irritate the skin. You may need to apply ointment every couple of hours. If the skin feel dry and cracked, reapply ointment.
● Wash with a gentle cleanser and COOL or COLD WATER. Use your hands only. Do NOT use an abrasive sponge or washcloth. Pat the skin dry no earlier than 4 hours after peel.
● You may GENTLY apply a cold compress to the treated area(s) as needed for any burning or irritation associated with your treatment.
● Some patients benefit from using diluted vinegar soaks. It is not necessary to start soaks until after the first 24 hours have elapsed. Using clean gauze, soak the treated areas with a solution of 1 tablespoon of white vinegar mixed with 1 cup of cool water. Apply the soaks for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. The soaks should be soothing and not sting or burn. Continue twice daily as long as there is rough and sloughing skin.
● If any skin care products cause stinging or burning, rinse off and try again in 48-72 hours.
●Try to sleep on your back following treatment with the head of the bed slightly elevated to minimize swelling after the procedure. Using an extra pillow will help facilitate head of bed elevation.
● Avoid using abrasive products such as scrubs or exfoliating cleansers for 7-10 days.
● Avoid using topical retinoids or glycolic acid-containing products for 7-10 days.
● Vitamin C antioxidant serums may be resumed 48 hours after peel.
● Avoid strenuous exercise or sweating for 24 hours.
Post-Peel Expectations
● Redness may be present immediately after the peel and last from several days to more than a week.
● Swelling may occur after treatment for 3-5 days.
● Peeling will start 3-5 days after treatment and may last anywhere from 7-10 days or longer depending on internal and external factors such as skin type, age, weather, lifestyle, and hormones.
● Do not pick, peel, rub, exfoliate, scratch, or scrub the treated skin.
● Mild irritation/itching, redness, swelling, peeling or flaking of the skin, transient worsening of acne, and small whiteheads are normal.
● Crusting, blisters, oozing, and pustules are rare and may indicate an infection. If you develop any of these skin changes, please call the office immediately.
● Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) can occur in some skin types. Please call if you experience this uncommon reaction.
● Use Tylenol only as needed for any soreness.