Is It Ok to Get a Chemical Peel in Between Fraxel Treatments?

Dear Patient, I often pre-treat my fractionated CO2 and Erbium patients with a regimen that includes Kojic acid, Hydroquinone cream, Retin A and also includes weekly Glycolic acid peels. I start with a very low concentration such as %10 and move up to %35. Light Glycolic (Alpha and Beta acids) can prep the skin and prevent blotchy skin and prolonged redness after the treatment. These peels should be very light and performed by an experienced Dermatologist. They are specially valuable in patients with darker skin color (Hispanic, Asian, Light toned African American patients). Please discuss this with your surgeon. I hope that this answer was helpful. Yours, Dr. David R

A light chemical peel would be beneficial to reduce hyperpigmentation from a Fraxel laser. By all means, always confirm with your treating physician first. Raffy Karamanoukian, Los Angeles

Thank you for you question. I would recommend waiting 6 to 8 weeks after a Fraxel treatment before getting a peel depending on the depth of the treatment. As stated below, unless you are prepping the skin prior to the treatment I would be surprised if you need a peel immediately following a Fraxel treatment as it is stronger than any peels.

- Best wishes