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I had an Obagi Blue Radiance peel done a week ago. Now having extreme irritation with tretinoin cream. Another peel today?

I had a blue radiance peel about 8 days ago. Reacted fine to the peel but am having intense redness, burning, and red patches on new skin after using tretinoin cream. It burns to wash my face with Cetaphil and to use the moisturizer..almost like a sunburn. I have another peel this afternoon. Should I call and reschedule?

Doctor Answers 6

July 19th, 2017

Irritated skin after Obagi Radiance peel

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I recommend that you cancel, start a regimen of skin hydraton and moisturization with an Opti Ceramide cream (Elevase) and use wide spectrum UV protection and sun block with Spectrase (three times daily application).

H Karamanoukian MD FACS

Learn more: https://venasmart.com/products/elevase

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS
May 3rd, 2017

Elevase Moisture Booster and retinoids

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Avoid the retinoids for a few weeks and moisturize with Elevase Moisture Booster to hydrate your skin with ceramides. 

Best, 

Dr. Karamanoukian

Los Angeles

Learn more: https://kareskin.com/collections/moisturizers/products/elevase

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS
November 7th, 2016

Healing from peel and skin sensitivity.

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This is not usual. For a peel that involves 30 % or higher TCA, I would wait 2 weeks, then titrate your skin care. Namely use half the amount of tretinoin, diluted in moisturiser, apply twice a week, and increase from there. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia. 

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD
September 6th, 2016

Irritation from retin a

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Peels should be delayed until your skin has settled enough so there is no irritation. Restarting retin a after peels should be gradual as the skin has become more sensitive from the peel.

Andrew Pichler, MD
Sacramento Facial Plastic Surgeon

January 5th, 2016

Radiance Peel

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I would advise not having another peel until the irritation has settled and discontinue using the Tretinoin and see your practitioner for advise.
Chien C. Kat, FRCS

Chien C. Kat, FRCS
Birmingham Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 96 reviews

December 15th, 2015

Problems after Blue radiance Peel

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Thank you for your question about your Obagi Blue Radiance Peel.

  • The Obagi  Blue Radiance Peel is a salycylilc acid peel.
  • It is most often used for acne but can be used for other skin conditions.
  • I am surprised you were told to use tretinoin after your peel.
  • In general no tretinoin is used before any skin treatment for 2 - 7 days, depending on the treatment.
  • I strongly suggest you contact the doctor who did the peel, get instructions on skin management and post-pone the peel.
  • If you have not seen a doctor for these peels, I suggest you consult one first since it does not sound as though you are receiving fully informed care.
Always consult a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
Hope you find this information helpful. Best wishes.
Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.