You may or may not have heard of a chemical peel before, and if you haven’t, it is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and age spots, leaving you with smoother, more youthful skin. If you have heard of it before, you know it is a great way to potentially rejuvenate your skin. You may be asking yourself, “Are chemical peels safe?”. To ensure a safe and successful chemical peel, preparing your skin and following the proper guidelines is essential.
The first step you should take before scheduling any face peel, TCA peel, or skin peel is to consult a dermatologist or licensed esthetician. Everyone has different skin, so it is important to know if there is anything that you should be aware of or concerned about and which types of chemical peel you can and can’t participate in. This approach will ensure that your chemical peel treatment is tailored to your skin’s specific needs and can be conducted safely.
Once you have had your consultation, it is crucial to avoid sun exposure. Overexposure to the sun can increase the risk of post-treatment complications and leave you with uneven results. You should protect yourself from excessive sun exposure for at least two weeks before your chemical peel treatment.
You will need to stop using certain skin care products leading up to your appointment. Some products containing retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, and beta hydroxy acids can make your skin much more sensitive and affect your peel results.
You will want to make sure that you are hydrated and that your face is moisturized. Drink plenty of water and use a gentle moisturizer in the days leading up to your treatment. Good hydration moisturization is the key to helping you recover quicker and with less potential discomfort. You will also want to cleanse your face with a gentle and non-abrasive cleanser the morning of your chemical peel. Do not use any exfoliation scrubs, harsh cleansers, or face masks, as these can make your skin much more sensitive during and after your facial treatment. You must also stop hair removal about a week before your appointment. This is because waxing, threading, shaving, and other hair removal techniques can cause skin irritation before and during a peeling.
Lastly, you need to show up without any makeup, lotions, or creams on the day of your skin rejuvenation. If your skin is not in its most natural state, that may affect the effectiveness of the chemical peel. Always follow the directions of your professional, and here’s to better skin!