When performing a chemical peel, it is best to treat the skin for 4-6 weeks with products that will balance and prep the skin so that it peels evenly. Now we have many different kinds of lasers that can give the same result as a peel. The beauty of the lasers is that the skin doesn't have to be... more
Necessary to have treatments before face peels?
Is it really necessary to use treatments before getting the face peel? Is it possible to skip that and just get the peel ASAP?
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6 answers to “Necessary to have treatments before...”A: Go for an ounce of prevention with deeper chemical peels
For a superficial, spa type peel a prep is not needed. If you are having a deeper chemcial peel such as TCA it is absolutely necessary to be prepped prior to the peel. All skin types can be prone to develop a post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or a darkening of the skin. Without... more
A: Pre-treatment for chemical peel
Pre-treatment with agents such as topical retinoids, hydroquinone or alpha hydroxy acids are not necessary. Pre-treatment with topical retinoids has been shown to accelerate healing after medium-depth peels and would probably result in a deeper peel. Hydroquinone can be used... more
A: Treatment before peel helpful but not necessary
You didn't say what type of peel you are considering, and there is quite a difference between salon-type peels and deeper physician-supervised chemical peels. In either case, the results will be more predictable and your recovery faster if you pre-treat for at least a few weeks. This usually involves tretinoin... more
A: It depends
It depends upon the depth of the peel and your skin type. For most patients with darker skin we will use a skin bleaching agent and for deeper peels we often use antibiotics as well as antivirals and on occasion antifungals. Post treatment retinols and skin lighten agents may be used. Again your plastic... more
A: Necessary, no....
Patients often pretreat with Retin-A and with an anti-viral prior to facial peels. These are to improve your overall result and to limit your chance of developing cold sores after the peel. While I think there is benefit to both these medications, its not critical and you can certainly have a peel without them... more
Comments
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25 posts
2 Jul 2009
..That would depend on the type of peel you are getting, and the condition of your skin. All chemical peels disrupt the ph balance of skin so if recommended, pre-treating the skin with essential skin care products would compliment your treatment results. More importantly is post treatment Home Care, sun protection is a must! Trust your Skin Care Professional and the instructions they give you. If you feel you're being pressured to buy products, shop around for another medical practice..it's important the you feel confident that your in the hands of well qualified professional.