Pre-Treatment
- Discontinue Accutane for at least 6 months prior to treatment.
- Treatment may not be appropriate for patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of photosensitivity, autoimmune disorders, or connective tissue disorders.
- Patients with certain medical conditions or medications may be required to provide a letter from their primary care physician or specialist confirming that chemical peel treatment is safe.
- Stop all active skincare products for 3–5 days prior to treatment, including:
- Retin-A, retinoids
- Topical antibiotics
- Vitamin C
- AHA/BHA acids (glycolic, salicylic, lactic)
- Physical exfoliants
- Hydroquinone
- Benzoyl peroxide
- If you have a history of herpes simplex in the treatment area (oral or genital), begin antiviral medication 2 days prior and continue 5 days post treatment.
Patients with active infection cannot be treated.
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanning products for 2 weeks prior to treatment.
Appointments will be rescheduled if you arrive sunburned.
- Avoid tweezing, waxing, depilatories, electrolysis, or laser hair removal on the treatment area for 1 week before treatment.
- Avoid neurotoxin or dermal filler injections on or around the treatment area for 2 weeks before treatment.
- Bring a brimmed hat, umbrella, or sunglasses for sun protection after treatment.
- On the day of your appointment, do not apply creams, lotions, aftershave, cologne, perfumes, or other products to the treatment area.
- Avoid shaving the treatment area on the day of treatment.
- You will be sent home with a full post-care product kit and written instructions to support proper healing.
Post-Treatment
General Care
- Your skin may appear red, warm, or tight immediately after treatment — this is normal.
- Follow the post-care product kit instructions exactly as provided; these products are formulated to support proper healing.
- Wash the treated area with a gentle cleanser as directed (usually starting the evening of or morning after treatment).
- Apply the recommended moisturizer or barrier cream as instructed to maintain hydration.
- Avoid all active skincare products until peeling is complete, including:
- Retinol, Retin-A, retinoids
- Vitamin C and Vitamin E
- Hydroquinone
- AHAs, BHAs, PHAs
- Exfoliating acids (glycolic, salicylic, lactic)
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Physical exfoliants or scrubs
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily.
Sun exposure can lead to pigmentation changes and compromise your results.
- Do not pick, peel, or pull flaking skin — this may cause scarring or hyperpigmentation.
First 24 Hours
- Avoid exercise, sweating, saunas, hot yoga, or any situation that increases heat in the skin.
- Avoid makeup unless instructed otherwise by your provider.
- Keep the skin cool and clean, avoiding unnecessary touching.
Days 2–5
- Mild peeling, flaking, or dryness is expected.
- Continue to use your post-care kit products as directed.
- Do not exfoliate or scrub the skin.
- Avoid sun exposure and continue daily SPF application.
Days 5–10
- Peeling typically subsides.
Skin may appear slightly pink or sensitive.
- Once peeling is fully complete and skin no longer feels tender, you may gradually reintroduce active skincare products per your provider’s recommendations.
After 10 Days
- Continue consistent SPF use and gentle skincare to maintain results.
- If desired, you may resume full-strength active skincare once your provider confirms that healing is complete.
