Instructions for Before and After Chemical Peel Treatment

Before Treatment:-

DO NOT wear any make-up, cosmetics or other creams and lotions.

After Treatment:-

Initially you may develop a fever. This usually lasts a few hours until the body temperature returns to normal.

To avoid premature cracking due to tightness, cut food into small pieces and avoid foods that require a lot of chewing e.g eat yoghurts, soups, mashed vegetables and pasta.

Wound Care

Use a mild cleanser to wash your face gently for 20 to 30 seconds twice a day.

Lather the cleanser on your hands and gently pat the cleanser on your face, rather than rub.

The splash lukewarm water onto your face to rinse off the cleanser. Dry your face by gently patting it with a clean towel.

Apply moisturiser (often more soothing if it is kept in the fridge) as often as necessary to keep your skin from getting dry and cracked.

Do not let your skin dry out, it will pull on the new tissue underneath and may cause red irritated areas. You can apply your moisturiser five times a day if you want. This will reduce the tightness and will make you more comfortable.

Don't worry if all the ointment doesn't come off when you wash your face, it won't harm you to leave some on your face. Do not apply layer upon layer without washing twice daily.

What to Expect

Some mild itching and burning is normal at this time. This usually lasts 7 to 10 days.

You may also develop an occasional whitehead due to all the ointment on your skin, this is normal, do not be alarmed. You will be able to apply lighter creams and makeup after 2 weeks. Whiteheads can usually be removed by the nurse after 2 weeks.

Tightness of the face will minimise facial expressions during your peel, excessive facial movements will cause it to crack prematurely. This is not a good time to see a funny movie, see your dentist or eat a hamburger!

If you are experiencing a lot of itching. Be sure you use plenty of moisturising cream as many times a day as you like. Sometimes at first, you need to apply the cream every 2 hours (refrigerating your lotion will make it feel more soothing).

Swelling

You may have some swelling during the first 2 to 3 days of your peel, particularly if it is a deeper peel. In extreme cases, your eyes may swell almost closed during the first few mornings. This is a normal response and it will resolve on its own.

However, sleeping with an extra pillow to elevate your head will help to decrease your swelling.

Redness

Your skin heals by initially being inflamed i.e pinkish red.

This will fade in 3 - 6 weeks. Your doctor will prescribe a steroid cream if the redness is persistent.

What Not To Do

  • DO NOT pick or rub your skin at all.
  • If you must wash your hair, wash it with your head tilted backwards in the shower.
  • DO NOT wet your face in the shower, too much water will cause you to peel prematurely and leave you with red, sore areas that may need to be treated again by your doctor.
  • DO NOT sit in a sauna or Jacuzzi for 4 weeks, or do strenuous exercise. Sweating will make your face sting and it will cause you to peel too soon.
  • DO NOT expose your face to sunlight at all during this time.
  • DO NOT use the cleaning or moisturiser routines as excuses to speed up peeling of your skin, it will only increase your risk of complications.
  • DO NOT be alarmed if you bend over and feel warm or flushed.

Sunscreen

After the peel, sunscreen must be used to protect the skin from the rays of the sun.

You need to use it even if you are wearing a hat or in the shade, as the reflective rays may cause damage also.

Ask for sunscreen or samples if available after your peel at your post treatment visit, usually on the 10th day.

If you see any signs of brownness after 14 days, you could be developing pigmentation and may require a prescription cream.

Exercise

If you feel you have to do some exercise, you may go out for a walk in the early morning or evening when the sun is not out.

Building up a sweat will cause stinging and swelling in the first 2 weeks.

Sleeping

It is important that you try to sleep on your back with your head elevated on pillows if possible.

This is so you don't rub the skin off the chin or cheek area prematurely.

Make Up

Make up may be used after finishing the peel usually in approximately 10 to 14 days.

It is important to use hypoallergenic make up with sun block.

CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY IF:-

You have unexpected irritation, pustules or persistent yellowness of the skin. This is especially important if you feel you may have been developing a cold sore. You may require a prescription.

If you have any signs of sudden darkness in the skin after the peeling has stopped in 14 days, you may require a new cream to your routine.

Do not wait until your next appointment.